Danny Federico
reporter3.riverbendnews@gmail.com
Two students and two educators were honored during the Lafayette County School Board's regular meeting on Tuesday, March 18.
The meeting opened with Superintendent Robby Edwards leading the recognition of the district's Students of the Month. The first honoree was Leonardo Luna, who was unable to make it to last month's meeting for his distinction as Lafayette Elementary School's (LES) February Student of the Month for grades kindergarten through second. Luna was nominated by his teacher, Lyndsey Hubbard, for his hard work. "Leo has worked hard in all of his subjects, especially in math," Hubbard noted in her nomination. "He is responsible, respectful, honest and safe. He is a second-grade superstar."
Next, Isaac Sanchez-Flowers was honored as Lafayette Middle School's March Student of the Month. He was nominated by his teacher, Rebecca Norris, for his good character, behavior and citizenship. Norris highlighted Sanchez-Flowers's integrity in her nomination, stating he demonstrated good character by turning in money he had found on the ground.
Although unable to attend the meeting, the other March Students of the Month included Selena Gonzalez for LES's kindergarten through second grades, Austin Pruett for grades third through fifth and Aldo Francisco for Lafayette High School (LHS).
In addition to student recognitions, the district honored Teacher of the Year Melissa Stewart and Support Personnel of the Year Ross Smith.
Stewart, a math teacher at LHS, was praised by Principal Stewart Hancock for her leadership and mentorship of younger teachers. "From day one, she has led by example, taking younger math teachers under her wing and helping them grow," he said.
Smith, a behavioral paraprofessional at LES, was recognized for his dedication to working with students with behavioral needs. Principal Lisa Newman praised Smith for "[standing] in the gap" for kids who need support. "He's got a really big heart," she stated. You will see him all over campus, just visiting and checking in with kids. We're very blessed to have him on our campus every day."
Following these recognitions, the board took a brief intermission before proceeding with the remainder of the agenda. One of the main focuses of the evening was the school board's effort to move forward with plans for school facility improvements under the Florida Department of Education (DOE) Special Facility Construction Account.
According to the DOE's website, under Florida Statute 1013.65(2)(a), the account is part of the Public Education Capital Outlay and Debt Service Trust Fund to "provide necessary construction funds to school districts which have urgent construction needs but which lack sufficient resources at present and cannot reasonably anticipate sufficient resources within the period of the next three years."
A district must be deemed to have a "critical need" to be eligible for the Special Facility Construction Account. In order to meet this eligibility, a DOE subcommittee of two representatives must meet two individuals from other school districts who cannot participate in the funding. During the meeting, the committee considers the capacity of all existing facilities as determined by the Florida Inventory of School Houses; the district's pattern of student growth; the district's existing satisfactory student stations; the use of all existing property and facilities; grade level configurations; and any other information that may affect the need for the proposed project.
Superintendent Edwards informed the school board that the district had recently met with the DOE subcommittee and was found to meet critical needs. This marked the first big step required in order to present to the state committee. Edwards stated the next hard date is Sunday, June 1, which is when the submission of the district's Phase 1 documents is due. These would include how much money the district is asking for and plans for a structure that will house 1,200 kids.
"Because we have to have this architect-approved Phase 1 document by June 1...now we've got to go out to bid to get an architect company," Edwards explained. "That's why I'm recommending that we go out to bid to do the RFQ (request for qualifications) for the architect company."
In order to meet this deadline, the school board proceeded to approve the timeline for selecting an architectural firm, which includes public advertisement of the RFQs between Friday, March 21 and Thursday, April 10. Proposals from interested firms will be due by Friday, April 11. On Monday, April 21, the school board will review and rank the top three firms. The following week, on Tuesday, April 29, the selected firm will present its vision and capabilities to the school board in a special meeting. Then, on Tuesday, May 27, the board will approve the final Phase 1 facility plans to submit to the state. These documents will then need to be turned in to the DOE by Sunday, June 1.
Before the item was unanimously approved, board members discussed the importance of maintaining transparency with the teachers and staff and ensuring they are aware of the project's progress. Superintendent Edwards acknowledged this need and informed the board that he would schedule an informational meeting to take place at a future date.
Following this approval, the school board continued through the remainder of its agenda, which included rescheduling meetings previously mentioned to fit the RFQ timeline before adjourning. The next regular Lafayette County School Board meeting will be held on Friday, April 21, in the school administration building, located at 363 NE Crawford St., in Mayo.
