The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Education

Will taxes go up to improve salaries in Pasco County Schools?

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A workshop is expected in April for Pasco County School Board members to find out what it would take to pursue a ballot initiative aimed at increasing revenues to support increased salaries in the school district.

Pasco County School Board member Colleen Beaudoin asked for the workshop during the school board’s March 1 meeting. She told her colleagues she doesn’t see any way, under current conditions, to significantly improve salaries.

“I recognize that staff has tried to think creatively to increase funds to raise the pay of our teachers and our support staff,” Beaudoin said, adding that district pay has been a persistent concern for three years.

“Time has gone on and we still have the same issues. We are limited to the appropriated funds and it is clearly not enough to provide significant increases in salaries for our people.

“We have been making strides in raising the beginning teacher salary, but due to the limitations put on the funds by the state, we’re struggling to compensate our veteran teachers to make their salaries comparable to our neighboring districts.

“I believe we have come to the point where we must recognize that we have limited, unrestricted funds and must do something to increase pay.

“Pasco students deserve to have the best teachers and support.

“I requested information about referendums around the state from the Florida School Boards Association and I shared it with staff last week.

“I would like to ask the board and the superintendent to have a workshop in April to discuss a referendum for salaries,” Beaudoin said.

Board Vice Chairwoman Megan Harding concurred. “Yes, I would like that very much.”

Board Chairwoman Cynthia Armstrong had a more muted response: “It would be good to have it for informational purposes.”

Board member Alison Crumbley agreed.

Board member Allen Altman did not comment on Beaudoin’s request.

Harding asked if School Board Attorney Dennis Alfonso “could be prepared to address the timelines and legal issues” of “how to get something like this on the ballot.”

The attorney said he would be prepared.

Beaudoin added: “The sooner we address this, the better. Hopefully, we can meet in early April. I’m not sure it can be ready that fast, but I think we need to move quickly if we want to act.”

But first the workshop is needed, she said.

The move follows repeated requests by Don Peace, president of the United School Employees of Pasco, who has appeared at recent board meetings urging the board to take action.

The union president made that request again, in his remarks earlier in the meeting.

At earlier meetings, Peace pleaded with the school board and staff to pursue a ballot initiative.

He pointed to high turnover, low morale and pay rates that are not competitive with nearby districts.

“At the Jan. 18 board meeting, I spoke about employees and their perceptions, as related to their jobs, their importance and their workloads.

“I spoke about changing the perceived culture of the workforce, so that we all show more respect, dignity and compassion for those folks — who for the past two years put themselves on the front lines of a medical crisis and made our students their No. 1 priority. Even at much personal sacrifice,” Peace said.

Just since January of this year, there have been 382 retirements or resignations — that’s almost 100 every two weeks, the union leader said.

Of those, 267 have been with the district from zero to five years, Peace said, characterizing that as “incredibly high” turnover.

He also pointed out that 52 of those leaving the district have worked there for 12 years or more, adding “and that trend seems to be going up.”

Peace told the board: “As I see it, we have a short-term goal, settling this year’s economics, and laying the groundwork for providing a secondary means for funding salaries and personnel: A ballot initiative. A referendum.

“I have asked for over three years for this board to act on a referendum, as a secondary funding source.

“This is something we have to get right, now. Because this is right for our employees and the time to act is short,” Peace said.

Published March 09, 2022

Chalk Talk 03/09/2022

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Police leader speaks
More than 100 Saint Leo University students, alumni, faculty, staff, and members of the public gathered in person and online on Feb. 22, to hear Memphis Police Department Chief Cerelyn “C.J.” Davis talk about her experiences as a leader, according to a news release.

Chief C.J. Davis speaks to a student after her presentation at Saint Leo University. (Courtesy of Chad Gonzalez, Saint Leo University)

Davis’ appearance was part of Saint Leo’s Mission-Driver Leaders: Conversations on Purpose program.

Davis was named as the Memphis Police Department’s first female police chief in 2021 and is a Saint Leo University alumna.

She spoke about the people and events that have influenced her career and how she leads with a service mindset.

“It’s not about you, it’s about helping other people,” said Davis in the release.

As one of six children growing up in a military family in which her father was one of the first African Americans to serve in the Army’s Special Forces at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Davis said patriotism was ingrained in her, as was civic duty.

She told students, “Never turn down an opportunity,” and be ready to “walk through that door.”

Davis also cited the advice of one of her Saint Leo professors who told her, “Learn something about everything.”

Having mentors and being a mentor also is important, Davis noted.

Davis has been at the forefront of examining police reform and creating national standards – what she calls “checks and balances,” according to the release.

She is an advocate for using the position as a law enforcement officer to influence the community, and said that engaging with those they serve can lead to less crime.

Davis also notes that public safety officials should not shoulder all of the responsbility.

Being successful can take a lot of sacrifice, Davis added.

“Anything you want to achieve, you will have to make sacrifices,” she said in the release.

As a leader who lives her mission, Davis reminded the students, “Know that there is nothing that will keep you from your goals if you stay focused.”

After-school tennis
The Sarah Vande Berg Tennis Foundation recently offered free introductory tennis clinics to physical education classes at Raymond B. Stewart Middle School in Zephyrhills.

The Play Days program explained the basics of tennis to local students, many of whom have never been exposed to racquet sports and come from low-income households.

The foundation in March will launch an after-school tennis program at Stewart Middle School in Zephyrhills, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, to give students greater access to lessons and equipment.

The foundation’s mission is to provide tennis and education programming in Pasco County communities through character-building, physical activity, and mentoring.

Essay contest
Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano will accept entries from March 28 through April 22 (at 5 p.m.), for his annual essay contest for high school students.

Students enrolled in Pasco public/charter, private, parochial, nonpublic, and home-school programs can participate.

In 500 words or less, students must answer the question, “Since the 1980s, Pasco County has seen a steady growth in population that now has us nearing 600,000 residents. To accommodate this growth, we have seen many additions made to our county’s general infrastructure (expanded roads, public transportation, additional shopping venues, etc.). What is one addition that has been made that was most beneficial to Pasco County, or what is one addition that you believe should be made to further accommodate our county’s growth?”

The winner will be notified no later than May 13, and will receive a $500 gift card.

Students in public/charter schools should submit their essays to their principal.

Students in private, parochial, nonpublic or home-school programs should send their essays directly to Assistant Tax Collector Greg Giordano, c/o Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office, P.O. Box 276, Dade City, FL 33526.

Entries also can be hand-delivered to the tax collector’s office at 4720 U.S. 19 in New Port Richey.

For questions, call Jose Rodriguez Sierra at 727-847-8165, ext. 3826.

Eagle Scout award
Greater Tampa Bay Area Council Eagle Scouts who are currently registered in an active unit and are graduating from high school this year can apply for the Dadez Family Eagle Scout Values Award.

The award is presented to an Eagle Scout who has lived a life of honesty, integrity, respect, responsibility and leadership with a demonstrated commitment to the ideals of the Scout Oath and Scout Law, according to a news release.

The selected recipient will receive a $1,000 cash award, a medal and a certificate.

Application deadline is March 30.

For information and to apply, visit tinyurl.com/5b2kt5bw.

Fish art contest
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), in partnership with Wildlife Forever, is hosting the annual Florida State Fish Art Contest.

Students in kindergarten through 12th grade can compete in the free contest for a chance to win state and national honors, and prizes.

The program inspires creativity, while developing the next generation of anglers and conservationists.

Florida winners will be selected by the FWC in four grade categories: Kindergarten through third grade; fourth grade through sixth grade; seventh grade through ninth grade; and 10th grade through 12th grade.

State winners will advance to the National Competition to be judged for top prizes, including Best of Show.

The deadline to enter is March 31.

For entry guidelines and information, visit WildlifeForever.org/home/fish-art/.

Brace for higher costs, Pasco school board member says

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Pasco County Schools should prepare to pay more for insurance, as it prepares its plans for the next budget year, said Allen Altman, a school board member who serves on the board’s insurance committee.

He recently attended a meeting of a statewide insurance trust that represents 400 public entities, including Pasco County Schools.

The news at that meeting about upcoming insurance costs wasn’t good, Altman said.

“The property market in Florida right now —  to say it is in chaos, is an understatement.

“Many, many carriers are shut down completely or are bleeding so much money they’re leaving the state,” Altman told his colleagues during the Pasco County School Board’s Feb. 15 meeting.

“On the commercial side, which is what we are, the rate indications from the re-insurers so far, are running from 20% to 35% (higher),” he said.

Pasco expects to face rate increases in the 10% to 15% range, he said.

He told the board the reason Pasco is expected to face lower cost increases is because it has excellent data regarding its buildings and values.

He said he was told that out of all of the entities represented in the group, Pasco County Schools has the best data.

Still, the district will face increases and it needs to plan for that, he said.

It also will pay more because it is adding coverage for millions of dollars of new facilities that were finished in the past year, Altman said.

Another issue that is expected to result in higher costs involves a proposed change in state legislation, the board member said.

Under current law, under the auspices of sovereign immunity, government entities are liable for a maximum of $200,000 on a claim, unless a claims bill goes to the Legislature and gets approved, Altman said.

But a proposed change by the Florida Senate would increase that limit to $300,000 and a proposed change by the Florida House of Representatives would bump the limit to $1 million, Altman said.

At the moment, it looks like the Senate is accepting the House version, he added.

The proposed increase could be a “significant hit on a budget,” Altman said, especially since the school district has a large number of employees who operate vehicles.

Another issue demanding heightened awareness involves cybersecurity, Altman said. Government agencies are increasingly being targeted and some have fallen victim to successful Ransomware attacks.

While Altman raised issues about increasing costs, Don Peace, president of the United School Employees of Pasco, again urged the board to stand with the union to support a ballot initiative aimed at increasing funding to improve wages.

“We are now, the only district in an eight- or nine-district region without a significant secondary source of income for salaries and personnel.

“Again, I am asking this board to take a stand. Investigate the possibility of a referendum for the sake of the students.

“We cannot continue to be the lowest paid district in our region,” Peace said.

Board Chairwoman Cynthia Armstrong said efforts are being made to make state lawmakers aware of the impact their policies have on general funds, which are the source of pay raises for employees.

School board member Megan Harding wants district leadership to do more.

“I’ve said this before, but I’m going to have to say it again: We need to do better,” Harding said.

Exit interviews indicate that 24% of those leaving the district are doing so because of pay and benefits, she said.

“Burnout is very real, and our teachers and staff need to see action as to how much we appreciate them,” Harding added.

“I am sure there tools in our toolbox that we are not using, and I want to use every tool that we have to get our teacher and staff pay up to be competitive in our region.

“Other districts around us are making it work. Other districts around us are asking their community for help,” Harding said.

Published March 02, 2022

Chalk Talk 03/02/2022

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Panel discussion
Saint Leo University’s Center for Catholic-Jewish Studies will host “Theological Perspectives on Nationalism, Antisemitism, and Racism in the United States Today,” on March 3 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., via Zoom.

The discussion will include religious scholars from three faith traditions, on the topic of the impact of each ‘ism’ in the U.S. today.

The program is sponsored by Congregation Kol Ami, Tampa Jewish Community Centers & Federation, and St. Timothy Catholic Church in Lutz.

Admission is free. Registration is online at SaintLeo.edu/theological. Once registered, the participant will receive a Zoom link.

For information, email Matthew Tapie at .

College career fair
Pasco County Schools will host a virtual College Career Fair on March 8 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., for middle and high school students and their families.

The event will be beneficial for families planning for college entrance and/or careers after high school.

Presentations and a live Q&A will include:

  • ACT/SAT Test Programs
  • Career Exploration Resources
  • College Admissions Process
  • Collegiate Athletics
  • Financial Aid & Scholarships
  • Florida Bright Futures Program
  • Selecting Mathematics Courses for Your Future Pathway
  • Options After High School
  • Resources for Students with Disabilities

For details and to register, visit Pasco.k12.fl.us/oll/page/college-and-career-fair.

Teachers Tour
The Florida Forest Service is inviting educators statewide to apply for the Florida Forestry Teachers Tour scheduled for June 21 to June 24, according to a news release.

The annual tour brings educators from throughout the state to Northeast Florida for an inside look at the state’s largest agricultural commodity.

The tour is designed to provide educators with an opportunity to learn how the industry meets the needs of the state’s communities and environment, from clean air and water to home goods and other wood products.

“The Florida Forestry Teachers Tour is one of the best tools we have to make the next generation aware of the important of Florida’s forests and the career opportunities they provide,” said Erin Albury, state forester and director of the Florida Forest Service, in the release.

Educators of all subjects and grade levels are encouraged to apply.

All lodging, meals and tour transportation are provided at no cost to teachers through the support of private partners and sponsors, including the Florida Forestry Association, Project Learning Tree of Florida, and Friends of Florida State Forests.

The four-day event earns Florida teachers 30 Continuing Education Units.

Deadline to apply is March 11.

To learn more, visit FloridaStateForests.org/TeachersTour.

Saint Leo earns honors
Saint Leo University earned honors in five categories for providing the best online bachelor and master programs in the United States, according to the 2022 U.S. News & World Report’s Best Online Programs edition, a news release said.

Saint Leo received recognition in the Best Online Bachelor’s Programs in Psychology (36th); Best Online Bachelor’s Programs (tied for 101st); Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans (84th); and Best Online Bachelor’s Programs in Business (tied for 98th).

In addition, Saint Leo was named one of the Best Online Master’s in Computer Information Technology Programs (tied for the 65th-85th rankings).

Many online students are looking to advance in or change their careers, and online education appeals to working adults, too.

U.S. News & World Report assessed universities and colleges based on four categories: Engagement; Services and Technologies; Faculty Credentials and Training; and Expert Opinion.

Saint Leo also is designated as a National Security Administration/Department of Homeland Security National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education.

To see the rankings, data and methodologies for the Best Online Programs edition, visit USNews.com/online.

Scholarship applications
Supervisor of Elections Brian E. Corley is accepting applications for the Florida State Association of Supervisors of Elections Scholarship (FSASE).

Applicants must be at least a junior in college; be enrolled or accepted as a full-time student in a senior college or university in Florida, and have at least a C average or above for the previous year; have been a resident of Florida for two years; and demonstrate a financial need.

Two letters of recommendation, one from a college or university last attended or graduated from, and one from a personal reference should accompany the application.

The applicant also must be a registered voter.

Applications, as well as additional requirements, guidelines and eligibility information, can be found online at PascoVotes.gov, by selecting the 2022 FSASE Scholarship Application under the Newsworthy tab on the homepage.

Deadline for getting applications to the supervisor’s office is March 11.

Applicants will be personally interviewed by Corley, who will then select one finalist from Pasco County for consideration by the FSASE Scholarship Committee.

The association will award four $1,200 scholarships statewide to a political science/public or business administration or journalism/mass communications major.

Action board scholarships
The Hillsborough County Community Action Board Scholarships are now available to Hillsborough County students who want to continue their post-secondary education.

The scholarships can be used at trade schools, community colleges, or four-year universities, and are awarded to students to help alleviate some of the financial burden of tuition.

All applicants must follow specific criteria.

Interested students should read through the full Community Action Board Scholarship Application Package (visit tinyurl.com/2p95vwc6) before applying online, to ensure all documents are complete and requirements are met.

A full list of required documents can be found in the online package.

Students can apply online at tinyurl.com/yc46uy6p, once all the information and documents have been collected.

Applications are due by March 18.

For information and questions, call 813-272-5074, ext. 55316.

5 for 5 Dinner
The Republican Party of Pasco (RPOP) Scholarship Committee will host the return of its 5 for 5 Dinner on March 24, at Timber Greens Golf & Country Club in New Port Richey.

Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco will be the master of ceremony, and Chef Adam and Sous-Chefs Sen. Danny Burgess, Rep. Randy Maggard, Clerk of Court Nikki Alvarez-Sowles, and Pasco Commissioners Ron Oakley and Kathryn Starkey will prepare a five-course meal.

Sponsorships and single tickets are available. The money raised will benefit the RPOP Scholarship Fund to award five $1,000 scholarships to seniors applying from any Pasco high school, private, charter or home-school.

Students must attend an accredited Florida college, university or technical/vocational school.

Applications are online at PascoGOP.com/rpop-scholarship/, or at the student’s school Career Resource Center office.

Deadline for application submission for review is March 25.

Scholarships will be awarded in the spring.

For more information on applications, tickets or sponsorships for the dinner, call the Republican Party office at 727-863-5400; Sandy Graves at 813-817-3011; or Jean Nathe at 813-783-4364.

Chalk Talk 03/23/2022

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St. Clement’s carnival
St. Clement’s Academy, 706 W. 113th Ave., in Tampa, will host a family carnival on Feb. 26 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., to celebrate the grand opening of its full-time child care program (for ages 2 to 6).

The academy uses the Funny Daffer curriculum, will offer safety and parent-friendly features, including a parent communication app; shared videos and pictures of the children; and digital documentation.

Parents will receive regular progress reports and at-home activity content, linking to Brightwheel.

There will be food, games, a bounce house, tours, and more. Admission is free.

For information, call 813-932-6204.

Panel discussion
Saint Leo University’s Center for Catholic-Jewish Studies will host “Theological Perspectives on Nationalism, Antisemitism, and Racism in the United States Today,” on March 3 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., via Zoom.

The discussion will include religious scholars from three faith traditions, on the topic of the impact of each ‘ism’ in the U.S. today.

The program is sponsored by Congregation Kol Ami, Tampa Jewish Community Centers & Federation, and St. Timothy Catholic Church in Lutz.

Admission is free. Registration is online at SaintLeo.edu/theological. Once registered, the participant will receive a Zoom link.

For information, email Matthew Tapie at .

College career fair
Pasco County Schools will host a virtual College Career Fair on March 8 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., for middle and high school students and their families.

The event will be beneficial for families planning for college entrance and/or careers after high school.

Presentations and a live Q&A will include:

  • ACT/SAT Test Programs
  • Career Exploration Resources
  • College Admissions Process
  • Collegiate Athletics
  • Financial Aid & Scholarships
  • Florida Bright Futures Program
  • Selecting Mathematics Courses for Your Future Pathway
  • Options After High School
  • Resources for Students with Disabilities

For details and to register, visit Pasco.k12.fl.us/oll/page/college-and-career-fair.

Teachers Tour
The Florida Forest Service is inviting educators statewide to apply for the Florida Forestry Teachers Tour scheduled for June 21 to June 24, according to a news release.

The annual tour brings educators from throughout the state to Northeast Florida for an inside look at the state’s largest agricultural commodity.

The tour is designed to provide educators with an opportunity to learn how the industry meets the needs of the state’s communities and environment, from clean air and water to home goods and other wood products.

“The Florida Forestry Teachers Tour is one of the best tools we have to make the next generation aware of the important of Florida’s forests and the career opportunities they provide,” said Erin Albury, state forester and director of the Florida Forest Service, in the release.

Educators of all subjects and grade levels are encouraged to apply.

All lodging, meals and tour transportation are provided at no cost to teachers through the support of private partners and sponsors, including the Florida Forestry Association, Project Learning Tree of Florida, and Friends of Florida State Forests.

The four-day event earns Florida teachers 30 Continuing Education Units.

Deadline to apply is March 11.

To learn more, visit FloridaStateForests.org/TeachersTour.

Local fall graduates

  • Rachel Asante-Korang, Lutz: Bachelor of Fine Arts in animation, University of Tampa
  • Akshay Bhuva, Lutz: Master of Science in entrepreneurship, University of Tampa
  • Matthew Bradley, Lutz: Bachelor of Science in cybersecurity, University of Tampa
  • Cory Burke, Lutz: Master of Science in entrepreneurship, University of Tampa
  • Jeffrey Davis, Lutz: Bachelor of Science in business administration, University of Maryland Global Campus, Adelphi
  • Moxeshkumar Dilkhush, Odessa: Master of Science in entrepreneurship, University of Tampa
  • Nathan Egli, Odessa: Bachelor of Science in engineering, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio
  • Daniel Engstrom, Land O’ Lakes: Master of Business Administration, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
  • Atlanta Foskey, Odessa: Bachelor of Liberal Studies, University of Tampa
  • Madeleine Hendron, Odessa: Bachelor of Applied Science, University of Mississippi
  • Melissa Hill, Odessa: Bachelor of Science in nursing, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa
  • Troy Klemm, Land O’ Lakes: Bachelor of Science in accounting, Palm Beach Atlantic University
  • Gianna Mangiaracina, Odessa: Bachelor of Science in public health, University of Tampa
  • Lindsey Marzo, Lutz: Bachelor of Science in marketing, University of Tampa
  • Kristina Nappi, Lutz: Doctor of Education, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa
  • Jennifer Pricher, Odessa: Doctor of Nursing Practice, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa
  • Jeremy Reaper, Lutz: Bachelor of Science in information and computer science/networking and security, Park University, Parkville, Missouri
  • Victor Reyes, Lutz: Associate of Arts, University of Maryland Global Campus, Adelphi
  • David Tzeel, Odessa: Master of Science in Business Administration Finance, University of Tampa
  • Ruth Wilson, Odessa: Bachelor of Science in cybersecurity management and policy, University of Maryland Global Campus, Adelphi

Fish art contest
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), in partnership with Wildlife Forever, is hosting the annual Florida State Fish Art Contest.

Students in kindergarten through 12th grade can compete in the free contest for a chance to win state and national honors, and prizes.

The program inspires creativity, while developing the next generation of anglers and conservationists.

Florida winners will be selected by the FWC in four grade categories: Kindergarten through third grade; fourth grade through sixth grade; seventh grade through ninth grade; and 10th grade through 12th grade.

State winners will advance to the National Competition to be judged for top prizes, including Best of Show.

The deadline to enter is March 31.

For entry guidelines and information, visit WildlifeForever.org/home/fish-art/.

Crossing guard winners
Every year, the Florida Department of Transportation recognizes individuals and organizations exemplifying professionalism and responsibility for the safety of children.

This year’s award recipients are:

  • 2021 Florida Crossing Guard of the Year: Pat Alfonso, Seminole County Sheriff’s Office
  • 2021 Florida School Crossing Guard of the Year Extra Mile Award: Heather Calloway, Fort Walton Beach Police Department

For more information, visit FDOT.gov/SchoolCrossingGuard.

A lesson in how city sanitation works

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A demonstration is given on a Curotto-Can automated front-load garbage truck. Zephyrhills Sanitation driver Donterrell Parker is behind the wheel. (
Courtesy of Kevin Weiss, City of Zephyrhills)

The City of Zephyrhills Public Works Sanitation Division provided an educational demonstration for special needs students at The Broach School in Zephyrhills, as part of National School Choice Week.

Multiple sanitation trucks were on site, with tutorials on garbage packing, truck components, and operations.

Longtime sanitation supervisor Bobby Black, sanitation driver Donterrell Parker and senior maintenance mechanic Jacob Hood were on hand for morning and afternoon sessions.

Approximately 180 students learned the ins and outs of residential solid waste collection and automated pickup.

The City of Zephyrhills’ Sanitation Division takes part in public outreach for a number of other schools in the area, as well.

Published February 16, 2022

Zephyrhills Sanitation Division supervisor Bobby Black, center, explains the use and purpose of an automated garbage truck, for students at The Broach School in Zephyrhills.

Chalk Talk 02/16/2022

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Memphis Police Department Chief Cerelyn ‘C.J.’ Davis (Courtesy of Saint Leo University)

Leadership conversation
Saint Leo University will host alumna and Memphis Police Department Chief Cerelyn “C.J.” Davis on Feb. 22, for a conversation on mission-driven leadership.

The “Mission-Driven Leaders: Conversations on Purpose” program will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., in the school’s Greenfelder-Denlinger Boardrooms, and online via Zoom.

Davis is the past president of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE), and recently testified on the matter of police reform in the aftermath of the killing of George Floyd.

The program also will feature an interactive, interview-style conversation with Davis, who will share her experience in leading with purpose and making a difference in her profession and society at large.

Masks will be required by all individuals attending in person, regardless of whether that individual is vaccinated.

Admission is free. Registration is required by visiting SaintLeo.edu/mdl.

Home-school resources
The Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center, 12118 Lake Blanche Drive in Odessa, will host “Digital Learning Day: Resources for Home-schoolers” on Feb. 22 at 11 a.m., for home-school families.

The workshop will explore some of Pasco County Libraries’ online resources, which are free with a library card.

Registration is online at PascoLibraries.org.

Historians conference
Members of local historical societies, researchers, museum curators, and college students are invited by the Florida Conference of Historians to attend the group’s annual meeting on Feb. 25 through Feb. 27, on the campus of Saint Leo University, 33701 State Road 52 in St. Leo.

Early registration is open until Feb. 18, with advance fees starting at $40 for college students.

There will be an opening reception on Feb. 25 at the Hilton Garden Inn-Tampa Wesley Chapel.

A sampling of subjects from the conference program includes:

  • Panel discussions on various parts of Florida history including Civil War legacy and the Civil War battle of Olustee
  • Teaching history and the current Florida Civic Literacy Exam
  • The life of Florida author Zora Neale Hurston
  • Food topics and agriculture
  • New studies on slavery in the antebellum South and various works about race, ethnicity, social groups and gender topics over time
  • Urban development/transportation, the environment, and more

For program details and registration, visit FloridaConferenceOfHistorians.org/annual-meeting.html.

Information about the school’s COVID-19 protocols can be found online at SaintLeo.edu/protect-the-pride.

For information or special accommodations, contact Megan Case at 352-588-8401 or .

Teachers Tour
The Florida Forest Service is inviting educators statewide to apply for the Florida Forestry Teachers Tour scheduled for June 21 to June 24, according to a news release.

The annual tour brings educators from throughout the state to Northeast Florida for an inside look at the state’s largest agricultural commodity.

The tour is designed to provide educators with an opportunity to learn how the industry meets the needs of the state’s communities and environment, from clean air and water to home goods and other wood products.

“The Florida Forestry Teachers Tour is one of the best tools we have to make the next generation aware of the important of Florida’s forests and the career opportunities they provide,” said Erin Albury, state forester and director of the Florida Forest Service, in the release.

Educators of all subjects and grade levels are encouraged to apply.

All lodging, meals and tour transportation are provided at no cost to teachers through the support of private partners and sponsors, including the Florida Forestry Association, Project Learning Tree of Florida, and Friends of Florida State Forests.

The four-day event earns Florida teachers 30 Continuing Education Units.

Deadline to apply is March 11.

To learn more, visit FloridaStateForests.org/TeachersTour.

Pasco schools partnership
Western Governors University (WGU) and Pasco County Schools (PCS) have announced a partnership to encourage faculty and staff to pursue high-quality, respected credentials and grow as professionals, according to a news release.

Employees and substitutes of PCS who are interested in becoming teachers will be eligible to apply for the $5,000 Pasco Pathways to Teaching Scholarship, valued up to $1,000 per six-month term and renewable for up to five terms for teacher licensure programs.

In addition, all qualified district employees will be eligible to apply for WGU’s K-12 Partnership Scholarship, valued at up to $2,500 ($625 per term, for up to four terms), the release says.

“Districtwide, we are proud of our outstanding teachers and their expertise and dedication to Pasco County’s students,” said Kimberly Carroll, director of human resources and educator quality at Pasco County Public Schools, in the release.

“Our partnership with WGU helps ensure our district staff is prepared to educate our diverse student population and will provide opportunities to stay on the cutting edge of education,” said Carroll.

Fish art contest
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), in partnership with Wildlife Forever, is hosting the annual Florida State Fish Art Contest.

Students in kindergarten through 12th grade can compete in the free contest for a chance to win state and national honors, and prizes.

The program inspires creativity, while developing the next generation of anglers and conservationists.

Florida winners will be selected by the FWC in four grade categories: Kindergarten through third grade; fourth grade through sixth grade; seventh grade through ninth grade; and 10th grade through 12th grade.

State winners will advance to the National Competition to be judged for top prizes, including Best of Show.

The deadline to enter is March 31.

For entry guidelines and information, visit WildlifeForever.org/home/fish-art/.

 

Pasco Schools spending ‘Penny’ funds wisely

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The Pasco School Oversight Committee has determined that Pasco County Schools is properly spending taxes generated by voter-approved Penny for Pasco tax proceeds.

The oversight committee’s charter mandates it “to provide general, financial, design, and construction oversight to the School Board’s capital outlay, maintenance and construction projects involving Penny for Pasco revenues.”

It also is required to issue an annual report, which it did on Feb. 1.

That report says, “the School Board and Citizens of Pasco County can be assured that the funds generated are being used for the express purposes as outlined in the referendum authorizing the implementation of the additional penny sales tax.”

The oversight committee also noted that: “In this, the eighth year of the second cycle, (Penny for Pasco tax) revenue remains good despite all the challenges presented by our ongoing battle with COVID 19. Current collections, as of January 2022, are almost 23% above calculated projections.”

The committee also reported “that real progress is being made with several Penny projects. Hudson High School is on track to complete its renovation by 2023. Plans for the renovation of Gulf High School are on track with construction commencing in the summer of 2022.”

The committee resumed in-person meetings in 2021.

The report highlights a collaborative project between the school system and Pasco County on the Starkey Ranch K8 and Pasco County TLC (Theatre, Library, Cultural Center) project where the combined resources of the school system and county provided “a more effective use” of tax dollars.

“We realize utilization of a combination of resources can be complicated, but they give our taxpayers a better return on their investment,” the committee said.

Published February 09, 2022

Union pushes for school funding

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It’s no secret that COVID-19 has taken its toll on school operations.

When Don Peace, president of the United School Employees of Pasco, appeared before the Pasco County School Board on Jan. 18, he pointed to declining morale, increasing mental health concerns, rising numbers of staff resignations and retirements, and a number of other issues.

On Feb. 1, Peace urged the school district’s administration and school board to join the union in seeking a ballot initiative to improve school funding.

“I am asking that all of you today, join with me and take a real stand for public education employees of Pasco County,” Peace said.

“The time to act is now.

“We can’t wait for help in the future,” he added. “If Tallahassee is not going to help us properly fund employee salaries and programs, than we must take the steps to do this ourselves.

“Never has there been a better time to start the ball rolling for a November ballot initiative — a referendum to support employee salaries and 1-to-1 student technology needs.

“Parents are ready. The community is ready,” he said.

He reminded the board and district staff about comments he made during the board’s previous meeting about the need to act on behalf of employees.

“If we don’t act now, we won’t have safe and qualified bus drivers transporting our kids to school.

“We won’t have qualified and caring FNS (Food and Nutritional Services) staff, preparing nutritious breakfasts and lunches for our students.

“We won’t have the senior-experienced teachers in front of our students, delivering instruction and mentoring our up-and-coming educators.

“We won’t have the resource staff, the guidance counselors, the behavioral specialists, the social workers — all of the other support staff that plays such a special role in educating all of our special needs students.

“We won’t have the mental health support that we so desperately need for our employees, who are begging for help.

“We won’t have caring and hardworking custodial staff to clean our campuses, or mechanics to keep up our transportation, or secretaries to support our working staff.

“We are the only district, in our five-district region, without a referendum to aid with district costs.

“Until we take this action, we will not be able to compete with the surrounding districts.

“We must do all that we can to retain all of our employees.

“We cannot afford to lose even one.

“We must take steps today.

“Join with me, in this call to action now.

“We can’t wait for legislators in Tallahassee to fix our problems.

“Despite what they say, we’re not their No. 1 concern. We must act on our own behalf.

“Let’s do this together.

“My ask is for this board to take formal action, on a ballot initiative, today,” Peace said.

Despite his urgings, no one on the school board, or within the district’s administration, responded to Peace’s call to action.

Meanwhile, on the union’s website, there is an update on the issue of salary increases.

The update says that the union and district have received information from the Florida Department of Education regarding calculations based on full-time equivalent students.

“Due to funding concerns statewide, this has taken considerably longer than in any previous year,” according to website update.

“There has been a tremendous increase across the district and state of families taking advantage of the new HOPE and FAMILY EMPOWERMENT scholarship opportunities, which has diminished available monies to negotiate for salary increases,” the information adds.

The union and senior school district staff “are currently evaluating existing allocations to see where additional funds may be available to use for this purpose,” the update concludes.

Published February 09, 2022

Zephyrhills and Fivay high schools to offer ‘Early College’

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Pasco County Schools is launching a new program aimed at helping more students achieve an associate degree and high school diploma at the same time.

Samantha Del Valle, assistant director for the Pasco school district’s Office for Leading and Learning explained the new approach during the Pasco County School Board’s Feb. 1 meeting.

The district has had a Collegiate High School program for several years, but because of the passage of Senate Bill 52, it is revamping that program to create an Early College Program (ECP).

The new program will operate at Zephyrhills and Fivay high schools, with admission to the program determined through the district’s School Choice program, Del Valle said.

Before making changes to its program, district staff met with representatives from Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) and with Dayspring Academy, to learn from them, Del Valle said.

It also did research involving programs in the state of Texas, because “they are very well-versed and have a robust Early College Program,” Del Valle said.

Ultimately, those conversations and that research led to the district’s ECP, which will begin in the fall.

The idea is to get as much participation as possible, Del Valle said, so the district is making it part of its School Choice application process, to give access to as many families across the district as possible.

Del Valle explained the differences between the former Collegiate High School program and the new ECP.

The Collegiate High School program required students to take courses at PHSC. The new program allows ECP students to take courses at Zephyrhills or Fivay high schools — the designated program high schools — or through Pasco e-School or PHSC, Del Valle said.

“So, from all of those locations, they’re (students) going to have voice and choice, in what they’re interested in and what is best for them,” Del Valle said.

Increasing the options is expected to lessen potential transportation barriers, she said.

Another difference: The district’s Collegiate High School program was limited to high school juniors and seniors.

Under ECP, the district will welcome a group of freshmen, who will complete the program together.

The district intends to reach out to middle schools to raise awareness about the program and to encourage eighth-graders to apply for ECP through school choice.

“Students enter as a cohort. They have a counselor who supports them through the program, with a plan of what each year looks like.

“So, if your end goal is a high school diploma and an associate degree, we’re starting that process in eighth grade and ninth grade, to get you there,” Del Valle said.

The aim is to encourage as many students as possible to take advantage of the program, Del Valle said.

Although the program will be based at Zephyrhills and Fivay high schools, all students can apply.

Those selected will be placed at the high school closest to them, Del Valle said.

The new program aims to increase participation.

“If you look at our Collegiate High School numbers in prior years, we had 60 seats and we were averaging 15 to 20 students, districtwide, who were engaging in the program,” she said.

Under its agreement with PHSC, the district’s new ECP will allow 125 high school juniors and seniors to earn college credit.

Another change, she said, allows students to repeat a course, if they earn a D, or F, or withdraw.

“That is not something that was in there previously,” she said.

So students will not automatically be withdrawn from the program for being unsuccessful in a class.

“And, we’re continuing conversation, as well, with PHSC, around co-accreditation,” she said.

If that occurs, school district sites would be somewhat like satellite locations for PHSC, which would allow even more opportunity for dual-enrollment classes at the district sites.

Those conversations are continuing, Del Valle said.

School board members said they would like to hear more about ECP, so a board workshop on the topic will be scheduled.

Published February 09, 2022