News
By Michael Hernandez, 8-8-24
FERNANDINA BEACH, FL—Opening Day for Nassau County School District is Monday, August 12th. Some 16 schools will be ready to serve students in five different areas: Bryceville, Callahan, Hilliard, Yulee and Fernandina. Additionally, the district runs the Nassau Adult High School, which provides adult students with the opportunity to earn a high school diploma at four different locations in the county: Hilliard, Callahan Yulee and Fernandina.
To see the Nassau County School District 2024-25 calendar go to:
https://www.nassau.k12.fl.us/cms/lib/FL02213748/Centricity/Domain/4/20242025NCSDCalendar.pdf
The various school start times can be viewed at:
For required documentation go to:
https://www.nassau.k12.fl.us/Domain/79
Board Members Comment On Opening Schools
Shannon Hogue (District 1): “It is always exciting to be part of school opening. Walking through the halls, pencils and new notebooks—I love that smell. It takes so many small wheels turning to make a successful opening…Our district, the people we have, they don’t just open school, they go above and beyond bringing joy to the kids, to other staff members. Make sure you thank them when you see them for a lot of blood sweat and tears.”
Lissa Braddock (District 5): “So much about the first day of school (is needed) to make it successful. We have wonderful teachers and support. We have 78 bus drivers…Good luck to all the teachers and staff; everybody, the maintenance people…I am grateful to live in this wonderful county with these ‘A’ schools. I can’t believe it.”
Gail Cook (District 2/Vice-Chair): “I have attended meet and greets. (I have seen) older siblings giving directions and telling moms and dads where they need to go. It is exciting to see everybody…Have a safe and productive school year.”
Citizens Defending Freedom Activist Seeks More Board Transparency
Richard Lamken of Citizens Defending Freedom asked Nassau County School Board members for more transparency during public comments at the Aug. 8 meeting. According to Lamken, “The public needs to see what is discussed by board members” as he requested a public summary of executive session discussions. “What concerns me, is that citizens are ignored” (especially) with budget transparency.”
Nassau Educational Support Personnel Association Vice-President Requests Better Wages
Stephanie Jessie, Vice President of the Nassau Educational Support Personnel Association (NESPA), which represents paraprofessionals said during her public comment: “I am here to (speak) on the urgency needed for raises because of rapidly increasing costs for electricity, groceries. These costs continue to rise and I am forced to decide whether to pay the electric bill or phone bill or get work done on my teeth…Please come back to the (negotiating) table. I am willing to meet anywhere. We will be there.”
Bargaining is scheduled to resume on Aug. 19 in the District Office Boardroom at 4:30 p.m. for NESPA and on Aug. 21 in the District Office Boardroom at 4:30 p.m. for NTA.
Other Board Actions
- Mentioned new books are to be placed back in school libraries.
- Mentioned the School Safety Requirements and Progressive Discipline Policy.
Board Agenda:
https://go.boarddocs.com/fl/nassau/Board.nsf/Public
Watch Board Meeting: 33 minutes
Nassaucountysd.new.swagit.com/views/569/the-school-board-of-nassau-county-florida
Michael Hernandez, from California is co-founder of the Citizens Journal—Ventura County’s online news service. He is a former Southern California daily newspaper journalist and religion and news editor. Mr. Hernandez can be contacted at [email protected] and is editor of the weekly “Stories Speak Volumes” and “Nov. 5 Election Day Countdown,” and writes a column on “Revive America.”
