Q: What’s the latest on the new schools under construction?
A: On April 23, we will hold a Topping Off ceremony for the new K-8 school in Seabrook (school “RR”). We’re excited that construction is moving along nicely; this ceremony marks the midway point of the school’s completion.
Q: Can you comment on the board’s recent Call to Action?
A: We had our first Call to Action to proposed legislation in about 10 years when we recently sent information to parents regarding the proposed state budget, which would reduce the amount of funding by about $7 million to advanced programs like IB, AP, ACE, Career and Technical Education and dual enrollment. We’re very concerned about this loss of funding that has been earmarked for these highly successful programs. Our hope is that these budget cuts will not go through and as our community knows, our school district has been very financially responsible with taxpayer dollars.
One other point: as our community knows, from time to time the state adjusts the school rating model and each time they do, our school district is first or second in the state. Basically, we have always risen to the occasion and we will continue to do so.
Q: Should parents be registering their kindergarten and new students for next year?
A: Yes. Registering early allows us to ensure adequate staffing for next year. Also, PVPV/Rawlings, Ocean Palms Elementary, and Landrum Middle School will all have availability under controlled open enrollment. If you are interested in touring one of these schools, please reach out to the principal and they will be more than happy to arrange a meeting.
Q: Do you have any kudos to share?
A: District 4 has much to celebrate. The All-County Middle School Art Exhibit winners include: Honorable Mention for Brynlee McDonald, Palm Valley Academy, eighth grader, Drawing; Second Place for Emma Odavar, Valley Ridge Academy, eighth grader, Digital Art and Photography.
The 2025 Battle of the Books winner was Valley Ridge Academy, with students Hannah Wierda, Mukil Kannan (Timekeeper), Keegan McCann and Elysse Shrestha (Captain).
Congratulations to Shii McDuff, guidance clerk from Valley Ridge Academy who was selected by the Rotary Club of Ponte Vedra as the 2025 Rotary Heroes Education Hero.
Also, a big congratulations to Lisa Farese, Adult Volunteer of the Year from Ocean Palms Elementary who was also selected as the District Adult Volunteer of the Year.
We have so many local education heroes in our community and it’s fun to celebrate them. This is truly what makes our district great — a combined effort between the students, the teachers and the volunteers makes our schools unique and the core of our community.
Q: How can our readers contact you?
A: They can email me at kelly.barrera@stjohns.k12.fl.us or call me at (904) 547-7510.
