The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Education

Pasco Schools seek solutions for disrespect, disruption

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An increasing number of fights in Pasco County Schools prompted Superintendent Kurt Browning to issue a warning to students and parents in March.

In essence, that message was: Fighting will not be allowed in district schools. If it happens, principals should refer students engaged in fighting for expulsion.

In a videotape announcing the crackdown, Browning said it’s not that the district wants to exclude students from school but that it simply will not tolerate that type of behavior.

Browning said the increasing number of fights indicated that the district had been too lenient.

At the Pasco County School Board’s June 7 meeting, Board Chairwoman Cynthia Armstrong asked Browning: “Was our crackdown on fighting effective?”

Megan Harding

The superintendent responded: “Yes, it was. I don’t have the exact numbers, but I do know our numbers dropped significantly for the fourth quarter, after I made my announcement: I wasn’t playing.

“Staff has asked me: Is that going to be in place for next year?

“The answer is yes. It’s going to be in place next year, and we’re going to continue pushing it out and letting parents know that we’re not playing and you need to have conversations with your children about what appropriate behavior is, in a public setting.

“One fight and you will be put up for expulsion. It’s that simple.

“Harsh? Maybe. It depends on if you are a parent or a student or the teacher that is having to deal with, or the administrator that’s having to deal with it.

“For our teachers and administrators, it may not seem harsh enough.

“I do believe that it takes kind of a drastic step to get the attention of families and kids, to let them know that we are here to educate children. We are not here to referee fights.

“Unfortunately, where society has placed us, we often times play the role of a parent and that’s with the help of the state Legislature because they continue to require schools to do so many things that I believe ought to be being done at home, but they’re not. That’s another story, for another day.”

School board member Megan Harding said she understands there are tougher rules in place regarding fighting, but she wants to know how the district will address other behaviors that also are unacceptable.

“There are a lot of behaviors that need to be addressed, not only at the secondary level, but the elementary level, as well,” Harding said.

“I’ve heard stories of children throwing chairs, yelling, screaming and causing disruption. I’ve also seen students who are upset and leave the classroom, and support staff and admin are having to follow that child around.”

Megan asked if the board could have a discussion on that topic.

Armstrong agreed that the issue needs attention. “I think that’s a topic that we’re all interested in and it’s certainly a concern of the teachers and parents,” she said.

Browning responded: “Discipline continues to be a challenge. I will continue to say that it all starts in the home. It doesn’t start in the school. It starts in our homes. It manifests itself in our schools, and yet we’re the ones left to deal with the behaviors of these kids. Not all of our kids are ill-behaved. It’s usually a smaller group of kids that tend to consume the majority of time of our administrators and teachers,” he said.

“We continue to work on that. I will tell you, finding solutions is like nailing Jello to a tree. It’s near impossible to do that because the problem is so big, it is so complex and there’s not one single answer to it,” he said.

Browning noted that dealing with fighting it is easier mete out discipline.

“You have videos, in almost every school. You can see it. There’s no shadow of a doubt who hit whom,” Browning said.

But when it comes to disrespect, to cursing, to bad behavior — it’s difficult, Browning said.

“Our goal is not to place kids outside of school. It does not serve the child well. It does not serve the family well. It does not serve our community well, when we put kids out of school.

“But, we’ve got to make sure for those children who are disruptive, there’s some consequence for their behavior, so we can educate the ones who want to be in school,” Browning said.

The superintendent told the board that staff would provide an update when it had some firm ideas for addressing the issue.

Published June 22, 2022

Chalk Talk 06/22/2022

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From left: Heather Wallen; Melonie Monson; award recipients Erin Caffarelli, Diya Patel, Natalie O’Donovan, Emily Kirk, Emile Limoges and Madison Poe; Dr. Randy Stovall; and, Vicki Wiggins. (Courtesy of The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce)

A night of excellence
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce awarded $3,000 in scholarships to six Zephyrhills High School seniors at the school’s Night of Excellence Academic Awards Ceremony. Recipients of the scholarships were selected based on community service, presentation, character, and academic achievement.

These students each received $500 for the chamber’s Academic and Vocational Scholarships:

  • Erin Caffarelli plans to attend Pasco-Hernando State College and major in automotive engineering/technology.
  • Emily Kirk will attend Saint Leo University to major in sport business and marketing.
  • Emile Limoges plans to attend Black Hawk East College and major in agriculture science.
  • Natalie O’Donovan will attend Saint Leo University to major in elementary education.
  • Diya Patel has not yet decided on a college, but plans to major in pre-med.
  • Madison Poe will attend the University of Florida and focus on a degree in biology.

Community Job Fair
Pasco County Schools will host its seventh annual Pasco Community Job Fair on June 23 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at Zephyrhills High School, 6335 12th St.

Participants can meet hiring managers from district departments, Pasco County Emergency Services, the Pasco Sheriff’s Office, Pasco Tax Collector, Pasco County BOCC, military branches, and more.

Job opportunities will be available in these areas: bus drivers, food service, information services/help desk, custodian, skilled trades, finance services, customer services, mechanics, and more.

Register online at EventBrite.com.

School Choice open
Pasco County Schools’ Pasco Pathways Innovative Programs and School Choice application windows for the 2022-2023 school year close on June 24 at 4:30 p.m. Visit Pasco.k12.fl.u3/ed_choice.

(Courtesy of Renee Gerstein, Saint Leo University)

Key to the city awarded
Saint Leo University President Jeffrey D. Senese (center) received the key to the City of Tampa in May. Senese accepted the key on behalf of the university, which was a gift from Tampa Mayor Jane Castor. Presenting the key were John Bennett, chief of staff for the city and mayor (left), and Tampa Police Department Assistant Chief of Operations Lee Bercaw. The presentation followed a doctoral hooding ceremony in which both Bennett and Bercaw received their Doctor of Criminal Justice hoods in advance of graduating from Saint Leo on May 14, with doctoral degrees.

Saint Leo admissions event
Saint Leo University will host “The Mane Event” on June 25 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., for new and prospective undergraduate students. This is the last chance for incoming students to experience the university and its campus.

Participants will have the opportunity to explore Saint Leo’s academics, community and student services, while completing preparations for August classes.

The day will include class registration, financial aid meetings, department presentations, housing selection, parking registration, student ID photos, tours, residence hall walk-throughs, and more.

Students and their families can bring transcripts for the final round of Fall 2022 instant admission sessions, complete an on-site application, take placement exams, submit their deposit, and meet faculty and staff from various departments.

There also will be food trucks, prizes, music and giveaways.

Register online at SaintLeo.edu/mane-event.

For information, contact the Office of Admissions at 352-588-8283 or .

National Merit winners
The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) announced the National Merit $2,500 Scholarship winners, chosen from a pool of more than 15,000 finalists in the 2022 National Merit Scholarship Program.

The finalists were judged to have the strongest combination of accomplishments, skills, and potential for success in rigorous college studies.

These students in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area were named $2,500 winners:

  • Daniel J. Urbonas, Land O’ Lakes (Land O’ Lakes High School). Probable career field: Computer Science
  • Lauren E. Novorska, Lutz (Hillsborough High). Probable career field: Law

The NMSC also announced the winners of the National Merit Scholarships financed by U.S. colleges and universities. Officials of each sponsor college selected their scholarship winners from among the finalists in the 2022 National Merit Scholarship Program who plan to attend their institution.

  • Aahan Dwivedi, Land O’ Lakes (Hillsborough High): University of Florida, physics
  • Leo P. Melson, Lutz (Middleton High): University of Central Florida, computer engineering
  • Lily Viet, Lutz, (King High): University of South Florida, biomedicine
  • Kenneth P. Chew, Wesley Chapel (Pasco High): University of Florida, computer programming

Teacher appreciation
Sonic Drive-In donated $1.5 million to help fund local education needs through DonorsChoose, a national nonprofit that allows individuals to donate directly to public school classroom requests submitted by teachers.

As part of Sonic’s ongoing Limeades for Learning initiative, the brand matched 50% of each donation made to teacher requests on DonorsChoose for Teacher Appreciation Day, according to a news release.

These Land O’ Lakes teachers received funding:

  • Monique Large, Countryside Montessori Charter School, for the project SOLO Time, for grades six to eight
  • Brittany Leidel at Sanders Memorial Elementary, for the project Organize and Appreciate, for prekindergarten through second grade

Dade City teachers who received funding were:

  • Jo Ann Fiscus, Pasco Elementary, for the project Scribble and Write in Kindergarten, for prekindergarten through second grade
  • Julie Pitts, Pasco Elementary, for the project Reading Fun in First Grade, for prekindergarten through second grade
  • In Odessa, Josh Arnold at Walker Middle School, received funding for two projects: Pencils and More, and Class Store Supplies, for grades six to eight.

Summer meals program
Pasco County Schools Summer Food Service program continues through July 29.

Breakfasts and lunches will be provided Monday through Thursday to anyone age 18 and younger, at various West Pasco, Central Pasco and East Pasco schools.

Students attending PLACE or Extended School Year programs will receive meals on campus while attending the program.

For school locations, visit Connectplus.pasco.k12.fl.us/summerfoodpasco/site-locations/.

Additionally, buses will be available at these locations, also Monday through Thursday:

  • Hilltop Landings Apartments, 37611 Colina Drive, Dade City
  • Resurrection House Park, 37124 Lock St., Dade City
  • Trilby United Methodist Church, 37504 Trilby Road, Dade City
  • Zephyrhills YMCA, 37301 Chapel Hill Loop, Zephyrhills
  • Crystal Springs Community Center, 1655 Partridge Blvd., Zephyrhills

For questions and information, email .

Voters set to vote in primary election on proposed tax for school pay

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Voters are scheduled to decide the fate of a referendum for school pay raises on the Aug. 23 primary ballot.

The Pasco County Commission approved the Pasco County School Board’s request to place the ballot question on the primary ballot, as part of the county board’s consent agenda. Items on that agenda are approved in a single motion, without discussion.

During the public comment portion of the meeting, before the board’s vote, speakers urged the board to place the ballot issue on the general election ballot in November.

Erin Pike, representing Pasco Watch, urged the board to abide by a new state law, which takes effect on Oct. 1 and requires such referendum questions to be placed on the general election ballot.

“This will give you a true voice of the community,” Pike said.

“It’s well-known that a third of the voters show up for primaries, compared to general elections. There’s plenty of data to show that.

“All voices should be heard, as much as possible, to make sure the will of the people is heard and that’s your responsibility to do so. Vote no, on knowingly and willingly allowing the majority to not be heard.

“If you vote yes for this, you’ll be telling your constituents that you care more about what the school board wants, than making you sure you hear from the overall, collective voices, of Pasco County,” Pike said.

Another speaker, Jim Stanley, of Odessa, raised similar concerns.

“This legislation (H.B. 777) passed by nearly unanimous votes, in both houses of the Legislature and signed by Gov. DeSantis. Think about that. Nearly unanimous vote in the legislature is rare. You can hardly get both parties to agree today is Tuesday.

“But they came together and recognized the importance of having all voters weigh in on proposals to increase property taxes.

“The Legislature passed this bill because they know that general elections have three to five times the turnouts of primary votes and a tax which affects everyone, should be voted on by everyone,” Stanley said.

Other speakers raised similar concerns.

One speaker, from Dade City, asked: “Is there an ulterior motive behind it? Is there an attempt to manipulate the system? I pray not.

“My question became, why would we want to present any referendum, much less a tax referendum, on a ballot, when only a small fraction of the electorate will vote?” the speaker continued.

Another speaker, from New Port Richey, told the board: “It doesn’t seem right to me, that we put this on a primary ballot, where there are very few voters engaged, in voting in the election.

“It’s just not fair. It should go before the entire electorate,” she said.

Later on in the meeting, Pasco County Attorney Jeffrey Steinsnyder noted that the board had left the issue on its consent agenda, but really didn’t have the option to change the date.

The board’s action to place the school board’s requested ballot initiative was “ministerial” in nature, Steinsnyder said.

“It’s not discretionary. You didn’t have a choice. It had to go on the ballot,” he said.

He also noted that the change in state law takes effect on Oct. 1.

“It is not in effect now, so you can’t rely on legislation that was passed this session. You had no choice but to honor the school board’s wishes and put it on the primary election,” Steinsnyder said.

At an April 5 school board workshop on the topic, it was estimated that a 1 mil increase would yield an average instructional boost of $4,000; for non-instructional, $1,700.

District calculations show that Pasco’s median home cost of $325,000, and assuming a $25,000 homestead exemption, a property owner would pay $300 more per year, if the increase is 1 mil.

Specifically, the ballot question asks for a yes or no vote on whether to levy an additional tax, not to exceed 1 mil,  beginning July 1, 2023 and ending no later than June 30, 2027.

The proceeds, according to the ballot question, will be used “for essential operating expenses to maintain salaries competitive with the market, attract and retain high-quality teachers, bus drivers and other non-administrative school support employees.”

Published June 15, 2022

Pasco Schools superintendent won’t seek another term

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Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning has announced he will not seek reelection, when his current term ends in 2024.

Browning was elected as superintendent by defeating incumbent Heather Fiorentino in the primary election of 2012 and by defeating write-in candidate Kathy Lambert in the general election.

Before running for superintendent of Pasco Schools, Browning served as Florida’s Secretary of State under governors Rick Scott and Charlie Crist.

Pasco Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning will not seek reelection, when his current term expires in 2024. (File)

Before that, he was Pasco County’s Supervisor of Elections for 26 years.

The schools superintendent announced his decision to not seek a fourth term in a June 2 YouTube video.

Browning said a variety of factors played a role in his decision, including many personal reasons.

“My wife, Kathy, is contemplating retirement and we have grandchildren who live out of state. “We want to be free to visit them more a lot more than we do.

“Some of the reasons are professional. I believe we are nearing the point where we will accomplish many of the goals I set out when I was first elected.

“Another reason? Well, it’s kind of a cliché, but you just know when it’s time.

“I am now in the  middle of my third term as superintendent. When I complete my term at the end of 2024, I will have served for 12 years.

“The tenure of superintendents these days is around five to six years. I can understand why so many of my colleagues move on, after five years or so.

“This job has been challenging and it has been gratifying. I have benefited from a supportive community and a great staff. And, without both, I never would have made it this far,” he said.

“I’m extremely proud of so many things we’ve accomplished. We’ve expanded school choice, with innovative programs.

“We have done an amazing job managing growth.

“We weathered the pandemic better than most.

“And, all along, we kept the finances in order.

“But this is not a time to look backwards.

“I am determined to spend the rest of my term looking forward.

“We have so much more to get done, and I hope my announcement today will instill an even greater sense of urgency.

“I definitely feel that sense of urgency.

“We have work to do and I intend to finish strong,” he said.

When Browning came into office, he said he wanted to create a school system with more choices for parents and students.

During his tenure, the district has expanded educational options for students, by adding more magnet schools and more magnet programs. It also has increased participation rates in rigorous courses.

Under Browning, in concert with the elected school board, the district also has expanded opportunities for students wishing to pursue technical career options.

Some highlights during Browning’s administration include the opening of Starkey Ranch K-8 in Odessa. This was the first district school specifically designed to serve kindergartner through eighth-graders.

Through a collaborative partnership involving the school board, Pasco County and the developer of the Starkey Ranch community, the school was deigned to include a library, open to the public, as well as to students; a theater, which can be used for school and community performances; and, a district park, which provides facilities for both public and student use.

The district also partnered with Pasco-Hernando State College on a project to locate the state college’s  Instructional Performing Arts Center (IPAC) on a campus shared by Cypress Creek High School and Cypress Creek Middle School, also in Wesley Chapel.

Students in the school system can take advantage of IPAC’s programs and facilities. There’s a direct tie-in to the programming offered by the school district, too. Cypress Creek Middle has a black box theater.

In the coming school year, the school district intends to open Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation, also in the Wesley Chapel area. That school will feature a broad range of technical training programs, along with academic offerings.

The district also has begun construction on a 6-12 STEAM magnet (science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics) school.

The school is being built on a site in the heart of Moffitt Cancer Center’s planned Pasco County campus.

When fully developed the cancer research hub is expected to attract life science companies and researchers from around the world to pursue breakthroughs in the treatment of cancer.

While the district has made strides, it also has faced increasing criticism from speakers during its public school board meetings. Issues sparking controversy have included mask mandates on school campuses, money spent on professional training, textbook selection and the timing of a referendum intended to generate funding for raises for non-administrative district personnel.

On another front, soon after Browning announced his departure in 2024, former State Sen. John Legg pre-filed with the Pasco Supervisor of Elections, declaring his intention to seek the post.

Legg has served in the state’s Senate and in its House of Representatives, and is the co-founder and chief financial officer of Day Spring Academy.

The charter school, which serves pre-school through 12th grade, has five campuses.

Published June 15, 2022

New addition planned at Starkey K-8

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The Pasco County School Board has approved an architectural services contract with Harvard Jolly Architecture for a new classroom wing at Starkey K-8, a school in the Starkey development, at 12200 Lake Blanche Drive, in Odessa.

Residential growth has been booming and Pasco County Schools anticipates adding new schools in a number of locations to accommodate the growth.

Several schools are included in the school district’s plan for how it would spend proceeds from the extension of the Penny for Pasco 1-cent surtax, should voters approve the 15-year tax extension in November. This project is not on that list.

Starkey K-8, which is in Central Pasco, opened in the 2021-2022 school year.

The agreement with Harvard Jolly, adopted by the school board as part of its consent agenda, calls for reusing a design for a two-story classroom building addition the architecture firm designed for Sumner High School in Hillsborough County.

The planned classroom wing, estimated at $9.5 million, will involve adding 20 classrooms.

Starkey K-8 is the district’s first school designed to serve as a kindergarten through eighth grade school. It is within a public-private partnership project which includes a public library, with shared use by the public and Starkey Ranch K-8 students, a cultural arts theater and an adjacent district park.

Published June 15, 2022

Chalk Talk 06/08/2022

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A line of 55 pictures of students from Country Walk splits in the intersection of Country Point Boulevard and English Turn Way. It resumes with high school graduates and others. (Fred Bellet)

Country Walk celebrates Class of 2022
Motorists entering Country Walk had a chance to celebrate graduates of all ages, with signs bearing photographs of their favorite graduates.

The tradition got its start during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to George O’Connor, a resident there. The parents and grandparents purchase signs with their favorite graduate’s photo, which are then put on display, he said.

Mindy Gammage placed the signs in the median of the community’s main entrance.This year, 55 graduates were featured.

(Courtesy of Shantel Meyers)

Woman’s club awards scholarships
The GFWC Wesley Chapel Woman’s Cub presented its 2022 scholarship winners with certificates of congratulations. One of the scholarships was a generous donation from a supporting couple of the woman’s club, and was named in honor of the wife’s father who was a school teacher for more than 30 years. The A. Joseph DeGennaro scholarship was awarded to Lana Guzman. From left: Marie Ambrosino, club scholarship chairman; and scholarship winners Brianna Harris, Isabella Villegas-Lombeyda and Lana Guzman. Harris will be attending Saint Leo University, and Villegas-Lombeyda and Guzman will be attending the University of Florida.

 

 

 

Summer meals program
Pasco County Schools Summer Food Service program began June 6 and continues through July 29.

Breakfasts and lunches will be provided Monday through Thursday to anyone age 18 and younger, at various West Pasco, Central Pasco and East Pasco schools.

Students attending PLACE or Extended School Year programs will receive meals on campus while attending the program.

For school locations, visit Connectplus.pasco.k12.fl.us/summerfoodpasco/site-locations/.

Additionally, buses will be available at these locations, also Monday through Thursday:

  • Hilltop Landings Apartments, 37611 Colina Drive, Dade City
  • Resurrection House Park, 37124 Lock St., Dade City
  • Trilby United Methodist Church, 37504 Trilby Road, Dade City
  • Zephyrhills YMCA, 37301 Chapel Hill Loop, Zephyrhills
  • Crystal Springs Community Center, 1655 Partridge Blvd., Zephyrhills

For questions and information, email .

Summer Haul Pass
Students can ride GoPasco County Public Transportation buses on regular routes all summer, for just $20. The special rate is effective June, July and August 2022.

Summer Haul Passes are available at these locations:

  • GoPasco Administrative Office, 8620 Galen Wilson Blvd., New Port Richey
  • Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller Office, East/West Pasco Government Centers
  • Pasco-Hernando State College bookstores, in Dade City, New Port Richey and Wesley Chapel
  • County libraries

For more information, visit bit.ly/SummerBusPass.

Student achievements

  • William Brockman, of Lutz, Dean’s List at Tallahassee Community College
  • Austin Brown, of Lutz, Dean’s List at Tallahassee Community College
  • Hannah Coleman, of Lutz, Dean’s List at Tallahassee Community College
  • Kassidy Gordon, of Lutz, Dean’s List at Tallahassee Community College
  • John Martinez, of Dade City, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Management, from Union University (Jackson, Tennessee)
  • Ryleigh McElroy, of Lutz, Dean’s List at Talllahassee Community College
  • JoAna Mucklow, of Odessa, Chancellor’s Honor Roll at the University of Mississippi. Mucklow is majoring in general business.
  • Mykayla Christine Parise-King, of Lutz, Honor Roll of the Academic Dean at Mars Hill University (North Carolina)
  • Brynnan Popper, of Odessa, Dean’s List at Tallahassee Community College

Fee adjustment meeting
Pasco-Hernando State College’s (PHSC) District Board of Trustees (DBOT) will consider approving proposed adjusted course-related fees at its board meeting on June 21 at 6 p.m., at the North Campus.

Fee adjustment proposals are reviewed and approved for DBOT consideration by PHSC’s Council of Academic Affairs, a committee that includes representation by administrators, deans, academic department chairs, program directors, faculty and staff.

Many fee adjustments relate to vendor increases for workforce courses, laboratories, and program testing. Some fees may be covered by financial aid, scholarships and grants.

For details regarding proposed fee adjustments, justification for the fees and fee implementation details, visit Policies.phsc.edu, and click on Policies and Procedures, Public Disclosures.

Hats off, grads!

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The Laker/Lutz News salutes grads of all ages!

There were lots of big moments being celebrated around our coverage area in recent weeks, and there will be more before Graduation Season 2022 concludes.

Whether your favorite graduate was making the transition from prekindergarten, finishing up a doctoral degree, or progressing at any stage in between — it was a time to pause and celebrate.

We invited you to share photos of your favorite graduates, and you responded.

Here’s a look at the gallery of photos we compiled.

Alexandra Paige Hendrix is a member of the Land O’ Lakes High School Class of 2022. Her mother, Lara Hendrix Brennan writes: ‘She loves God, family, friends, playing golf and animals. Alexandra will be attending Pasco-Hernando State College in the fall.’ (Courtesy of Lara Hendrix Brennan)
Cannon Frisco is a member of the Sunlake High School Class of 2022. Tammy Frisco writes: ‘Cannon will graduate with cum laude honors. He also won the Senior Superlative for Best Smile.’ Cannon plans to pursue the path to become an emergency medical technician/paramedic and firefighter. (Courtesy of Tammy Frisco)
Daniel Urbonas is the IB Valedictorian of the Class of 2022 at Land O’ Lakes High School. He is a National Merit Scholar and will attend the University of Florida, studying in the College of Engineering, Honors Program. (Courtesy of Pam and Allan Urbonas)
Ellie Guglietta graduated from voluntary pre-kindergarten at Kids’ Stuff Preschool, in Lutz. Jessie Guglietta writes: ‘When asked, Ellie wants to be a dog sitter, and singer and songwriter when she grows up. But for now she enjoys school, swimming and Disney!’ (Courtesy of Jessie Guglietta)
Nathan Christ is a graduate of Discovery Point Terra Bella in Land O’ Lakes. Victoria Christ writes: ‘He is very excited to graduate VPK (vol- untary pre-kindergarten).’ (Courtesy of Victoria Christ)
Trinity Swets is a member of the Class of 2022 at Land O’ Lakes High School. Katy Swets writes: ‘In this photo, she is at her annual dance banquet, for Contempo School of Dance. She currently is a dance student at Contempo, as well as a teacher.’ Trinity plans to continue to teach dance at Contempo and to attend Pasco-Hernando State College, in the fall. (Courtesy of Katy Swets)
Andrea Burgess is a graduate from Steinbrenner High School. She is the great-niece of Mary Jane Weeks, an account manager for The Laker/Lutz news. Mary Jane writes: ‘She graduated with a 6.04 GPA and will attend the University of South Florida this fall, working toward a double major in computer science and music. I am so proud of her.’ (Courtesy of Mary Jane Weeks)
Ethan Carnahan, of Lutz, graduated with honors from Hillsborough Virtual K-12. He will be attend- ing Florida Polytechnic University in the fall. (Shana Carnahan)
Katilyn Tawzer poses on her big day. Terry and Carroll Carpenter, longtime residents of Lutz, submitted this photo of their grand-daughter, Kaitlyn Tawzer, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Florida State University. Her grandparents were there to see their first grandchild to graduate from college. Kaitlyn is a graduate of Blake High School. Her family lives in Wesley Chapel. (Courtesy of Terry and Carroll Carpenter)
Lutz resident Mariah Tirado is a member of the Gaither High School Class of 2022. Her mom, Carolann Newsome, writes: ‘We are so proud of Mariah, she is truly one of a kind. She loves cowboy boots and rac- ing. Mariah races go-karts at Dirt Devils Speedway in Land O’ Lakes. She plans to become a Realtor.’ (Courtesy of Carolann Newsome)
Tracy Gaschler, who describes her- self as a super-proud momma, writes: ‘Rebecca Gaschler, of Lutz, graduat- ed with honors from the University of Central Florida Burnett Honors College with degrees in political sci- ence, pre-law and psychology. The National Merit scholar is the 2022 Austyn White Memorial Award recipi- ent for her contributions to the UCF Moot Court team, She placed in nationals this year.’ (Courtesy of Tracy Gaschler)
Daniella Gutiérrez graduated from Wesley Chapel Elementary School and will attend Thomas Weightman Middle School. Karem De La Hoz writes: ‘Good luck in middle school and remember, a positive mindset brings positive things.’ (Courtesy of Karem De La Hoz)
Kelsey Strigler, a graduate from Wiregrass Ranch High School, is heading to Florida State University. (Courtesy of Tara Strigler)
Kylie Strigler, left, and Delaney Strigler are both graduates of eighth grade at John Long Middle School, in Wesley Chapel. They’ll be attend- ing Wiregrass Ranch High School. (Courtesy of Tara Strigler)
Sebastian Gutierrez is a graduate of the Class of 2022 from Wesley Chapel High School. Karem De La Hoz writes: ‘Sending warm congratu- lations today and wishing you all the best at Wittenberg University. We are so proud of you!’ (Courtesy of Karem De La Hoz)
Nicole Sanchez is a graduate of the Class of 2022 from Saint Leo University, in St. Leo. She’s the digital content assistant for The Laker/Lutz News. The Laker/Lutz News staff says to Nicole: ‘We’re proud to salute our very own graduate! Congratulations, Nicole. We’re happy you’re part of our team.’ (Courtesy of Nicole Sanchez)
Rielly Perez, who played varsity baseball, and Brooke Lea, who played varsity softball, are both graduates of the Zephyrhills High School Class of 2022. Hiedi Perez writes that Rielly and Brooke have been friends since elemen- tary school and both are big believers in giving back to the community. Rielly will attend Nova Southeastern University. Brook will
attend the University of Central Florida. (Courtesy of Heidi Perez)
Everett Walker graduated from kinder- garten in Alpine, Wyoming. He lives with his mom, dad and little brother, Evan. He attends Thayne Elementary School. He is the great-nephew of Mary Jane Weeks, account manager for The Laker/Lutz News. (Courtesy of Mary Jane Weeks)
Kaylee Grace Billek is a volunteer prekindergarten graduate from The Cherry Tree. Shannon Billek writes, ‘I can’t believe your VPK year is over! Kaylee girl, you are the answer to my dreams. I am so proud of you and beyond excited you are now a Wildcat! Kindergarten here she comes!!!’ (Courtesy of Shannon Billek)
Luna Mistretta, 5, graduated from VPK at Temple Terrace Presbyterian Weekday School in Temple Terrace on May 26. She said she wants to be “a copy editor like Mama” when she grows up. She is the daughter of Ashley and Matthew Mistretta, art director of The Laker/Lutz News. (Courtesy of Ashley Mistretta)

Pasco School Board identifies how it would spend ‘Penny’ proceeds

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Woodland Elementary School’s cafeteria is now more spacious, allow- ing more children to eat at the same time. It also has a new stage, enabling the school to hold larger events. Those improvements were done using proceeds from the Penny for Pasco surtax. (FILE)

The Pasco County School Board has identified how it would spend its share of proceeds from a proposed extension of the Penny for Pasco surtax.

Voters will decide in November if they favor extending the tax. The special 1-cent sales tax initially was adopted in March 2004, and was in effect from Jan. 1, 2005 through Dec. 31, 2014. Voters extended it for 10 years, with that renewal going from Jan. 1, 2015 through Dec. 31, 2024.

Now, voters are being asked for another renewal — this time for 15 years, from Jan. 1, 2025 and Dec. 31, 2039.

The school district, Pasco County and the county’s municipalities share the proceeds, with the school district and county each receiving 45% and the municipalities splitting 10%.

The school board adopted a resolution listing specific projects, as well as spending categories, for the estimated $1 billion that it would receive in additional revenues.

The proposed list includes numerous new schools.

Those new schools on the list include a new elementary in the Bexley development and a K-8 in the Ballantrae area. Both of those developments are off State Road 54, in Central Pasco.

The district is proposing a K-8 in the emerging Central Pasco Employment Village, off State Road 52, west of Interstate 75. Another K-8 is expected in the Village of Pasadena Hills, which is between Wesley Chapel and Dade City.

The district also would use Penny for Pasco funds to add computers in schools, upgrade the district’s computer network, fortify the safety on its campuses, upgrade athletic facilities and improve safety at driver pickup locations at schools, among other things.

The county proposes to spend its portion of the tax revenues this way: 40% for transportation, 20% for economic development, 20% for public safety; and, 20% for environmental lands, as well as park infrastructure.

The chart below is a look at the Pasco School Board’s proposed list of projects, based on a resolution the board approved on May 17.

Proposed Penny for Pasco projects*

SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION

  • Gulf Middle School new construction: $67.3 million
  • New Elementary School, Bexley area: $43.1 million
  • New K-8 School, Central Pasco Employment Village: $97.3 million
  • New K-8 School, southwest Land O’ Lakes: $71 million
  • West Zephyrhills Elementary new school: $38.4 million

School Complex,Villages of Pasadena Hills: $97.3 million

SCHOOL RENOVATIONS

Calusa Elementary: $8.6 million
Chester W. Taylor Elementary: $20.8 million
Cypress Elementary: $25.3 million
Dr. Mary Giella Elementary School: $20.4 million

Fox Hollow Elementary School: $26 million

J.W. Mitchell High: $35.8 million
Pasco High: $28.6 million
San Antonio Elementary: $33.1 million
Wesley Chapel High School: $35.8 million
River Ridge High: $40.5 million
River Ridge Middle: $43.3 million
Pine View Middle: $38.2 million

ATHLETIC FACILITY RENOVATIONS

• Hudson High: $4.8 million

• J.W. Mitchell High: $1.8 million
• Land O’ Lakes High: $9.4 million
• Pasco High: $10.5 million
• River Ridge High: $9.2 million
• Wesley Chapel High: $1.7 million • Wiregrass Ranch High: $1.8 million • Zephyrhills High: $5.2 million

CAFETERIA RENOVATIONS

• River Ridge High: $5.3 million
• Wesley Chapel High: $2.7 million

DISTRICT-WIDE PROJECTS

• Furniture replacement: $40.2 million
• Replacement of physical education equipment: $4.4 million
• Early Childhood Literacy Center: $2 million
• Energy Marine Center: $17.8 million
• Increase in student computers/devices: $45 million • Network infrastructure: $29 million
• School Safety & Security Equipment: $33 million
• School Safety & Security Hardening: $16.5 million • School Traffic Improvements: $11 million
• Transportation Depot – Alternative Energy: $14 million

* Figures are rounded
Source: Pasco County Schools

Published on June 8, 2022.

Air Force graduate earns her ‘wings’

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(Courtesy of Ken Duncan)

Abbey Duncan, a 2017 graduate of Wesley Chapel High, graduated from the Air Force Academy on May 25.

She was nominated and recommended to the academy by U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis. Nominees to the academy undergo rigorous medical and physical testing, have their academic credentials reviewed and have to score a minimum of 26 on the ACT, as well as go through a series of interviews.

Athletics, extracurricular activities and community service also are considered. Abbey’s favorite training at the academy was jump school, of which she did all her jumps solo and earned her jump wings.

Abbey is the daughter of Denise Duncan, retired Shriners Hospital nurse, and Ken Duncan, retired teacher and coach.

Published on June 8, 2022.

Talent abounds in this competition

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(Courtesy of Heritage Arts Center Association)

The Heritage Arts Center Association (HACA) produces “Spotlight on Talent,” a regional performing arts competition for young students up to high school seniors. There are $4,000 in prizes and trophies, in addition to a $1,000 Pasco Heritage Scholarship.

This year, the scholarship was awarded to Faith Phaller, a Blackwood Studios dancer.

Heritage Arts also gives the Nereim Visual Arts Award to aspiring artists, in honor of the late founding board members Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Nereim.

Erin Caffarelli, a graduating senior at Zephyrhills High, was selected for this recognition. She shared her sculpture of a dramatic fox-like creature — realistic but completely imaginary — with the HACA Board. Her work can be viewed on Heritage Art’s Facebook page, as well as its website at HeritageArts.org.

Caffarelli will attend Pasco-Hernando State College and plans to study mechanical engineering and robotics at Florida Polytechnic.

Published June 8, 2022.