Progress and Perseverance: A Look at Ongoing Recovery Efforts at Crystal River Schools and Facilities

Today, I had the opportunity to spend time visiting both Crystal River Middle School (CRMS) and Crystal River Primary School (CRP) to observe the progress of the ongoing construction and recovery work. As I arrived at CRMS, I immediately saw the dedication in action. Principal Brian Lancaster was carrying a large folding table to one of the classrooms, ensuring that a teacher returning next period would have a temporary workspace. It was clear that Mr. Lancaster was fully engaged, making sure that both students and staff had what they needed to continue learning in the midst of the ongoing renovations.

I had the privilege of shadowing Mr. Lancaster as he made his rounds from classroom to classroom, checking in on teachers and the progress being made in the recovery effort. Many of the rooms not only had new drywall installed but had already been painted as well. We visited several affected areas, and I was impressed by the significant progress that had been made in a relatively short period of time. While detailed work remains, it was heartening to see the CRMS administrative team continuously making adjustments to meet the needs of both students and teachers. Despite the challenges, there was a positive, encouraging atmosphere throughout the entire campus.

Mr. Lancaster spoke highly of the Citrus County Education Foundation (CCEF), which has once again stepped up to support the school’s recovery. Teachers who had lost personal educational supplies were being helped, and the agricultural teacher, who had over $1,500 worth of fundraising items destroyed, was also receiving assistance. We are incredibly grateful to CCEF for their unwavering support of our students, staff, and schools during this challenging time.

After visiting CRMS, I headed over to Crystal River Primary School, where I met up with Principal Christina Touchton. Ms. Touchton was kind enough to show me the ongoing construction work in various classrooms and areas of the school. Like CRMS, CRP had a strong sense of optimism in the air. As Ms. Touchton checked in with teachers, she asked one how things were going, to which the teacher enthusiastically replied, “We are great!” It was clear that the staff were resilient and focused on the positives despite the challenges. Teachers at both schools expressed how glad they were to be back in their classrooms with their students, even though some are still in temporary spaces. Everyone is adapting, and the small classroom environments are fostering a sense of normalcy.

We owe a great deal of thanks to Citrus County School District Executive Director Steve Baumer, who is overseeing the recovery management, and to the district’s incredible facilities, construction, maintenance, and custodial teams. They are the unsung heroes, working tirelessly to restore and maintain everything. We are also appreciative of the outside contractors and recovery teams from the Florida School Boards Insurance Trust, who are working during non-school hours to make sure our classrooms are restored, better than before.

In addition to the work at CRMS and CRP, major recovery efforts are underway at the Marine Science Station (MSS) and CR bus compound. At MSS, walls have been taken down to the studs, and significant recovery is in progress. I will continue to keep you updated on these efforts as we move forward.

Please continue to be patient with our schools, educators, and students as we navigate this recovery process. Our community is strong, and together, we will come out of this stronger than ever.

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