Danny Federico
reporter3.riverbendnews@gmail.com
Several topics were up for discussion during the Lafayette County School Board's final meeting of the year on Tuesday evening, Dec. 17. As per tradition, the meeting began with the recognition of the district's Students of the Month. Each month, students are nominated by their teachers for their growth in the classroom, their exemplary character traits, and for embodying what it means to be a Hornet. Each Student of the Month received a notebook, a certificate of achievement and a card allowing them free entry into any of the district's sporting events and extracurricular activities. Lenorris Cook was nominated by his teacher, Sandy Bass, to be selected as December's Student of the Month for Lafayette Elementary School's (LES) grades kindergarten through second. Bass praised Cook for his pleasant demeanor, friendliness and hard work. The second student to be recognized was Jazael Castillo Monroy, who Alicia Prine nominated to be LES's Student of the Month for grades third through fifth. "Jazael loves to volunteer to read aloud in class and is always eager to participate," Prine wrote in her nomination. Mason Zimmer was nominated by Gerald Powers to be Lafayette Middle School's Student of the Month. "Mason acted quickly in the interest of all his fellow students when he believed that another student had brought a weapon on campus," Powers wrote in his nomination. "He should be applauded for his actions." The final recognition was for Jade Hebel, who Charles Wood nominated as Lafayette High School's Student of the Month. "Jade has been a joy to have in drama class this year. She started the year very quiet and kept to herself, but as the year has progressed, she has opened up and has grown into a bright young actress," Wood said in his nomination. "Jade always studies her lines and always knows her cues. I'm very proud of the work she's put into developing her character this month." After the recognitions, attendees enjoyed a brief break with refreshments before the board transitioned into its regular business. A series of approvals followed, including personnel items, a Florida Department of Education Office of Equal Educational Opportunity report, two trip requests, a career dual enrollment articulation agreement with RIVEROAK Technical College, a fundraiser request, a nomination for Kimberly Adams to serve as a representative for the Small School District Council Consortium, an agreement with the School Board of Seminole County for reporting and tracking of Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds, and three budget amendments. In addition, the board reviewed and awarded a bid to Poor Boys Construction for the replacement of an agricultural pole barn that was damaged during Hurricane Idalia. Another significant item on the agenda involved approving a grandfather provision for five employees participating in the Deferred Retirement Option Program (DROP). The board voted to allow these employees to retain their accumulated leave benefits under the old policy, while future participants will be subject to the new rules. Prior to the meeting being adjourned, Superintendent Robby Edwards took a moment to introduce Janene Fitzpatrick as a new addition to the district's administrative team. Fitzpatrick brings more than two decades of experience to the district, including her tenure at Saint Leo University and her roles in curriculum development and educational leadership. Edwards expressed confidence that Fitzpatrick would be an excellent fit for the district. The meeting closed with board members extending holiday greetings, wishing attendees a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. The next Lafayette County School Board regular meeting will be held at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 21. The meeting will take place in the school board chambers, located at 363 NE Crawford St., in Mayo.