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2 weeks ago

Board hears update on public-records appeal and public comments defend union support At the meeting, counsel Mr. Myers updated the board on a public-records lawsuit involving a request for student directory data and parent emails; public commenters and board members discussed union support, impasse filing and contract negotiations.

A pivotal legal battle over student records in Collier County could reshape public-records law across Florida, as the district holds its ground against an appeal from the Florida Citizens Alliance.

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5 months ago

Board approves expulsions, proclamation and consent agenda; all motions pass 4-0 At its Oct. 21 meeting the Hernando County School Board approved multiple routine and disciplinary items unanimously, including three expulsions, a district proclamation for Bullying and Acts of Kindness Week, adoption of the meeting agenda, and several consent items.

The Hernando County School Board made significant decisions at their recent meeting, including a proclamation for Bullying and Acts of Kindness Week and the unanimous expulsion of three students.

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5 months ago

Parents, retirees and board members press district over teacher raises and insurance as negotiations continue Public commenters pressed the Hernando County School Board to increase teacher pay and address rising insurance costs at the Oct. 21 meeting. Board members said state-level changes to the Florida Retirement System and ongoing negotiations limit what they can disclose; an executive session on negotiations was held.

Hernando County parents and teachers are demanding higher pay and clearer health insurance terms, as frustrations rise over stagnant salaries and soaring costs.

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6 months ago

Interim wholesale wastewater agreement and Brooksville development updates discussed; county to treat up to 493,000 gallons per day City and county staff presented a wholesale wastewater interlocal that would let Hernando County treat up to 493,000 gallons per day from Brooksville while the city expands its plant. The city will build connections and pay a $5.68/1,000‑gallon capacity reservation charge until a wholesale rate is set. Staff also provided a Brooksville development:

Brooksville is gearing up for significant growth as a new wastewater agreement paves the way for treating up to 493,000 gallons per day while exciting development projects are on the horizon!

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6 months ago

Officials consider opening school fields and building a shared aquatics center; safety, staffing and liability raised as constraints Commissioners, city and school officials discussed expanding public access to school athletic fields and a long‑sought county aquatics facility. Legal counsel cited existing joint‑use agreement models and suggested trial sites; staff and school leaders pointed to gate and staffing requirements, liability insurance and state security rules as major,

County and city leaders are exploring exciting plans to open school athletic fields and create a community aquatic center, but can they overcome the challenges of safety and staffing?

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6 months ago

Hernando County officials update on Winding Waters, Eastside school additions; mid‑2026 targets Hernando County School officials told municipal and county leaders that two phase‑1 capacity projects—a 30‑classroom addition at Winding Waters K‑8 and a 20‑classroom addition plus a hurricane‑rated cafeteria at Eastside Elementary—are under construction with substantial completion expected in mid‑2026. Officials described construction types, costs

Exciting news for Hernando County: two major school expansions are underway, promising to enhance educational facilities by mid-2026!

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6 months ago

Commissioners and school board discuss opening athletic facilities and pools to public; safety, liability and staffing raised Commissioners proposed joint‑use or public‑private models to expand community access to school tracks, fields and pools. School officials said fee schedules and liability insurance exist but cited modern security and staffing constraints as barriers to unrestricted public use of campuses.

County commissioners are proposing exciting new ways for the public to access school athletic fields and pools, but safety and staffing challenges remain a hot topic of discussion.

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6 months ago

County engineers, MPO outline sidewalks strategy for school zones; some projects in FDOT pipeline County engineer and the Hernando‑Citrus MPO described the county’s Local Agency Program (LAP) sidewalk program, progress since 1997 and a priority shift toward sidewalk projects within two miles of schools.

Hernando County is ramping up its sidewalk program to enhance safety for students, prioritizing projects within two miles of schools—find out how this affects your community!

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6 months ago

County, cities and school board outline updated interlocal agreement for school planning, concurrency and impact fees Attorneys and planners presented a draft update to the interlocal agreement (ILA) covering school site selection, concurrency, proportionate‑share mitigation and a new interlocal treatment of impact fees intended to align the ILA with current Florida statutes and administrative practices.

A proposed update to the interlocal agreement aims to revolutionize school planning in Florida, streamlining processes and enhancing accountability for impact fees.

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6 months ago

Officials report rapid residential and commercial growth in Rural Highlands and I‑75/SR‑50 corridor; planners flag infrastructure coordination needs County planners outlined a significant pipeline of residential subdivisions and millions of square feet of commercial/industrial development in the Rural Highlands and the I‑75/State Road 50 corridor, and said concurrency, utilities and school capacity will require coordinated planning.

Hernando County is on the brink of explosive growth with nearly 16,700 new homes and millions of square feet of commercial space planned, but can infrastructure keep pace?

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6 months ago

Moton Elementary students lead pledge, staff honored; Brooksville donation recognized Students from Moton Elementary led the Pledge of Allegiance and presented the Leader in Me program; the board recognized long‑serving Moton staff and thanked the Southwest Florida Water Management District for a donation of hundreds of shoes to Brooksville Elementary.

Moton Elementary students not only led the Pledge of Allegiance but also showcased their inspiring Leader in Me program, while dedicated staff and generous community contributions took center stage at the meeting.

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6 months ago

Hernando school board gives final approval to district media handbook, 5‑0 The Hernando County School Board held a public hearing and gave final approval to the district's media handbook, which had received tentative approval earlier; the motion passed unanimously 5‑0.

The Hernando County School Board just approved the district's media handbook with a unanimous vote—what changes does it bring?

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6 months ago

Parent says Hernando school denied 504, alleges bullying and staff inaction at JD Floyd A JD Floyd parent told the board her son was denied a 504 plan last year, alleges repeated bullying and that a teacher restrained him; district staff said they had received the parent's email in junk mail and are working to resolve the issue.

A mother reveals her 6-year-old son has been bullied and denied crucial 504 accommodations at school, leading to a heartbreaking plea for help.

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6 months ago

Hernando schools roll out voluntary chaplain program touted as county first Board members announced a voluntary chaplain program for Hernando County schools, describing it as sanctioned by statute and district policy and available to families as an optional support service; the board said the program is being implemented districtwide.

Hernando County is making waves as the first district in Florida to introduce a voluntary chaplain program, offering parents an optional layer of support for their students' mental health.

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7 months ago

Hernando Schools Explore eSchool Options for Diverse Student Needs Hernando school officials consider eSchool as a flexible educational alternative for students.

Hernando School District is exploring innovative eSchool programs to provide tailored educational experiences for students, but will they secure the funding needed to make it happen?

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8 months ago

School Transportation Debate Highlights Safety Concerns for Magnet School Parents Parents express safety concerns over distant bus stops for magnet school students in the district.

Parents in Hernando are voicing urgent concerns about the safety and logistics of transporting their children to magnet schools, as the district faces pressure to streamline registration and improve bus stop accessibility.

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8 months ago

Hernando County School Board Approves Emergency Shelter Mutual Aid Agreement Hernando County and School Board tentatively approve emergency shelter mutual aid agreement.

Hernando School District is taking bold steps to enhance student academic awareness and community safety with a new mutual aid agreement for emergency shelters!

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9 months ago

Hernando County Schools expand space career programs with Space Florida collaboration Hernando County Schools enhance student opportunities through partnerships in space-related education initiatives.

Hernando County Schools are launching groundbreaking space education initiatives that connect students with exciting career opportunities in the aerospace industry!

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10 months ago

Hernando High School honors 11 students as New World Reading Scholars Eleven students receive honors for over 75 hours of reading tutoring at Brooksville Elementary

Eleven dedicated students from Hernando High School are making waves in their community by transforming the reading skills of young learners, earning them the prestigious New World Reading Scholars medal!

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10 months ago

District engages community for school growth and rezoning analysis District outlines 11 workshops for community engagement and data analysis on school capacity.

The Hernando School District is taking bold steps toward shaping its future by engaging the community in a series of workshops aimed at transforming educational planning and facility improvements.

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11 months ago

School District discusses student athletes' rights to profit from name and likeness School district reviews name, image, and likeness fee collection for student athletes’ endorsements.

The Hernando School District is taking a bold step into the future of high school sports by allowing athletes to profit from their own name and likeness—will this change the game for student-athletes?

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1 year ago

School Board discusses reducing 2 mile zone for hazardous walking conditions Members propose changes to hazardous walking definitions affecting student transportation zones

Hernando School Board is considering a major change that could redefine student safety by reducing the school bus pickup zone to just one mile—could this be the key to safer routes for our kids?

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1 year ago

District Launches Leader in Me Program for Student Leadership Development Schools implement Leader in Me program to enhance leadership and reduce disciplinary issues.

The Hernando School District is taking a bold step to transform student leadership and engagement with the revolutionary Leader in Me program, investing $650,000 to empower the next generation of leaders.

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1 year ago

Hernando County School Board approves $18M construction agreement for Winding Waters expansion School board votes 4 to 1 to fund classroom addition at Winding Waters K-8.

Hernando School District is set to transform its educational landscape with a groundbreaking $18M investment for new classrooms, sparking excitement among community members!

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1 year ago

School board sets new timeline for superintendent evaluation and contract negotiations School board agrees to finalize superintendent contract discussions by May 6 following evaluations.

The Hernando School Board is paving the way for a transparent evaluation process of Superintendent Mr. Pinder, with crucial decisions set for May 6—will they reach a fair agreement?

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1 year ago

School board approves $15 minimum wage strategy for substitute teachers Board members reach consensus to raise substitute teachers' pay to $15 an hour

Hernando School District is taking a bold step to raise substitute teachers' pay to $17.50, ensuring quality education while navigating staffing challenges!

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1 year ago

Community leaders propose enhanced lighting for local bus stops Officials seek partnership to install lights at unlit bus stops for safety improvements

Hernando School District is taking a bold step to boost student safety by proposing new lighting at unlit bus stops, ensuring no child waits in the dark.

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1 year ago

Hernando County Schools secure over $323K in community donations and grants for student programs Hernando County Schools secure over $323,000 in donations and grants to enhance educational programs.

Hernando County Schools have secured an incredible $323,000 in community donations to elevate educational programs and support student athletes, showcasing the power of local commitment to education.

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