Danny Federico
reporter3.riverbendnews@gmail.com
The Lafayette County School Board convened on Tuesday, Feb. 18, for its regular meeting, during which board members addressed various recognitions, approvals and administrative matters.
The evening began with the board recognizing two of the district's Students of the Month. Although the board had not received the names of its two elementary school representatives, members were able to honor middle school student James Lawson-Defee and high school student Leah Negrete.
Lawson-Defee was nominated by his seventh-grade teacher, who said he "always gives 100 percent every single day. When a new skill set is taught, James practices the skill until he knows it well enough to teach it to other students. James always wants to know why something works, which shows he is eager to learn."
Although she wasn't in attendance, Superintendent Robby Edwards also took a moment to recognize Negrete, who was nominated for her "good character, good behavior, having a good attitude towards others and learning and demonstrating responsibility. Leah always has a smile and exhibits the kind character that represents being a great person."
Each Student of the Month received a notebook, a certificate of achievement, and a personalized identification card, allowing them free entry into any of the district's sporting events.
Following these recognitions, the board moved on to adopt its agenda and approve the previous meeting's minutes. The proceedings continued with personnel-related matters, including a volunteer recommendation, a resignation and a notice of retirement. The board also approved its 2023-24 financial and federal single audit, which returned with no findings.
Two student trip requests were discussed and approved next, including student participation in a cybersecurity event and a fifth-grade trip to Lake City Bowl. These were followed by the approval of fundraising activities for several school organizations, ranging from car washes to bake sales and a dodgeball tournament.
The fifth item on the agenda was the approval of the Boys and Girls Club Mayo Unit to use the district school buses for up to seven field trips. The request explained that these trips were mainly planned for the summer. Following a bit of discussion, the request was approved unanimously.
Board members steadily continued through the agenda, approving a hospital homebound instructional position for a Lafayette High School student from Wednesday, Jan. 29, through Wednesday, Feb. 26. An agreement ratification followed, along with the approval of items to be removed from active inventory; these primarily included outdated technology equipment.
Additionally, the board approved the high school's summer school calendar, the Lafayette High School advisory council members for the 2024-25 school year, an interagency agreement regarding truant children with the Department of Juvenile Justice and the Florida Department of Children and Families and five budget amendments.
After these approvals, the board moved into its public hearing regarding textbooks and instructional materials. As there was no public comment, the board approved the materials and subsequently adjourned the meeting.
The next regular Lafayette County School Board meeting will be held at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, March 18. The meeting will be held in the district administration building, located at 363 NE Crawford St., in Mayo.