Danny Federico
editor@riverbendnews.org
The Lafayette County School Board met on Tuesday, Jan. 20, beginning by recognizing January’s Students of the Month.
Each student was nominated by their teacher for their growth in the classroom, their exemplary character traits, and for embodying what it means to be a Hornet. Each selected Student of the Month received a notebook, a certificate of achievement, and a card allowing them free entry into the district’s sporting events.
Elizabeth Colwell was nominated by her teacher, Katie Pearson, as Lafayette Elementary School’s (LES) Student of the Month for grades kindergarten through second.
“Elizabeth is a fantastic student who is attentive and responsible,” Pearson wrote in her nomination. “She has a great work ethic, even when things are difficult. She does not give up, strives to do her best every single day, and she is a joy to have in my class.”
John “Tucker” Howell was named LES’s Student of the Month for grades third through fifth. He was nominated by his teacher, Mrs. Smith, for being responsible, asking questions for clarification, and always being willing to help others.
Madalyn Folds was nominated by her teacher, Mrs. Wimberley, to be Lafayette High School’s (LHS) Student of the Month for the middle school grades due to her “growth and improvement” in the classroom.
“I count on her to get her work done and encourage other students to stay on task,” Wimberley wrote in her nomination. “She is a joy to have in my class.”
Rounding out the recognitions was LHS’s Student of the Month, Brandon Clayton, who was nominated by his teacher, Jessica Mathis, for being a hard worker and a “great classmate.”
Following a brief recess, the board reconvened to conduct regular business, beginning with the approval of the previous meeting’s minutes.
There were no consent items listed, so the board proceeded to its action items, beginning with the approval of personnel recommendations and a request for family medical leave.
This was swiftly followed by the approval of a trip request for the school safety patrol and student council to visit The Woods in Lake City on Thursday, May 14.
Next on the agenda was the approval to advertise three policies. Proposed revisions included changes to the school food service program and funds policy (7.06) and to the purchasing and bidding policy (7.14).
The third policy discussed was a new one titled 2.052 - Public Participation at Board Meetings. Superintendent Robert Edwards said the district currently relies on past practices and forms outlining meeting rules; however, it lacks a formal written policy. The proposed policy outlines procedures for public comment, including a time limit of three minutes per speaker and a maximum total of 20 minutes per topic, unless extended by board vote. It also addresses meeting decorum, signage restrictions and procedures for maintaining order, all consistent with Florida statute.
All three policies were approved for advertisement.
At 6:30 p.m., the discussion promptly turned to a public hearing regarding the potential change of school start times. Superintendent Edwards informed that a Florida law passed in 2023 requiring high schools to start no earlier than 8:30 a.m. by the 2026-27 school year was revised in 2025 to allow districts to maintain earlier times. However, districts that do not change their start times must submit a report detailing the negative financial and logistical impacts they would face under an 8:30 a.m. start time.
At this time, residents in attendance commented that the change is “not a good idea” for the community, with one family stating a later start time would disrupt their morning preparations and after-school schedules.
No action was taken, and the board plans to continue gathering input. Superintendent Edwards encouraged the public to share their thoughts and concerns on the matter, whether in person, by email, phone or letter, to help the district better document potential impacts on parents’ work schedules, extracurricular activities and transportation.
Once the public hearing was closed, the board approved an internship agreement with Valdosta State University to allow former Lafayette student Lily Mosley to complete an internship within the school district as part of her teacher preparation program.
The discussion then turned to the possible approval of a utility easement request from the Town of Mayo. According to district employee Scott Sadler, the town wishes to run a new sewer line from the old NAPA store located at the corner of the softball field.
“The Gathering is trying to purchase that property and open up a restaurant there,” Sadler said.
However, the town must first run a new sewer line for the building’s utilities. Sadler explained that the town plans to bore underground along the side of Northeast Bloxham Street near the former NAPA store site without disturbing the high school’s asphalt surfaces. He added that the easement grants access for installation and maintenance but does not transfer ownership of the land.
After a brief discussion, the board unanimously approved the easement.
The final item on the agenda was the approval of Lafayette Education Association and school-related personnel contracts from July 2025 through June 2028. After this approval, the meeting was adjourned.
The next regular meeting of the Lafayette County School Board will take place on Tuesday, March 17, at 6 p.m. in the School Board Administration Building, located at 363 N.W. Crawford St., in Mayo.