By Sydney Holder Riverbend News
Esteemed Senator Loranne Ausley visited Hamilton County Elementary School and Hamilton County High School on Friday, May 21. Senator Ausley conducted visits to the schools in District 3 in recognition of Teacher Appreciation Week. Hamilton County School District Superintendent Dorothy Lee Wetherington-Zamora walked with Senator Ausley through the school as teachers and students greeted her from the halls.
"Senator Ausley spoke to as many personnel and students as she possibly could," Superintendent Zamora stated. "She was supportive, listening to comments, asking questions about the school's functioning and reintegrating her appreciation for teachers hard work during this unpredictable time."
One concern, in particular, that Senator Ausley addressed during her visit to the school was the need for quality internet service for the area of Hamilton County the school resides in. Ausley assured the issue would be handled to ease work issues and improve the value of education students receive. Unfortunately, this is a problem that affects many rural areas across the state. According to the Hamilton County Board of Commissioners, Senator Ausley is currently working with Representative Chuck Brannan to undertake the situation by mapping the broadband in rural areas throughout the state of Florida.
"Senator Ausley is very productive and supportive of education, as well as the needs of our students and schools," Zamora stated.
Ausley also visited two Madison County schools during her Teacher Appreciation visits.
"I made it to seven schools in three counties yesterday to continue our tour of gratitude for the teachers and support staff who have been there every day for our kids during this challenging year," Ausley posted on her Facebook page. "We started in Hamilton County and had the chance to meet hard working teachers and support staff on a very busy day. In Madison County, we were welcomed to Lee Elementary and Madison High School, then had an engaging conversation with the Greenville Elementary third grade class."
Senator Ausley was not able to visit every county or school in District 3, but her visits were impactful to the schools she was able to drop in on and insightful to her demeanor towards improving education.