[{"_1":2,"_109":-5,"_110":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,97],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":44,"_46":47,"_48":49,"_50":51,"_52":53,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":65,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6252659,"mediaKeyId","3186929-9614b146e5cae51f95101b315d987152","parentId",3186929,"title","Melrose Elementary placed in lockdown after disturbing phone threat; district says callers contacted multiple districts","audioSeconds",0,"startMs",2051000,"endMs","viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3186929-9614b146e5cae51f95101b315d987152&start=2051&end=2051","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3186929-9614b146e5cae51f95101b315d987152/thumbnail_2051000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6252659/Florida/Melrose-Elementary-placed-in-lockdown-after-disturbing-phone-threat-district-says-callers-contacted-multiple-districts","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6252659-259145bc6ac8acb25dbe536877dd1df2/orig.mp4?Expires=1770666941&Signature=IkmXFX82zikFO2LXyni8x05UNe~~YPdOBZVRRzK1Lh5cNIj4fV9jLEF9Ll5AqyROSG7O9ez0qFJi~RrC13M-noq~leO03YO9bAjKROof8YwxRNVaBm8Q~fewPyZlyvhhERjTHg1wWka6mpRf7edrvK5mnRwIKdNxlPU~RSMcdLWlGmxYGk5fpxH1MPol991B3akjWK52bd52cpbuzR2sOapAtQ5UESODJ1YceNffG~6kyHs21m26XB08kmd9g9ljd1zMfyDudY~zTFYyEe3FlsQLUXujR0Gko2W6FTrpNXVpCmVD42Ms56D8jkyl5MA6xamS8rp9h9rSy7-kIAfPkQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Putnam School Board","date","2025-05-03T16:58:48.513Z","article","Putnam County School District officials said they initiated a lockdown at Melrose Elementary on April 29 after receiving a disturbing phone call that the district characterized as a threat.

The superintendent told the school board the district immediately moved to lockdown procedures and then a modified lockdown in the western part of the county “out of an abundance of caution.” The superintendent said district leaders learned the caller had made similar calls to other school districts and that law enforcement has the phone number and is investigating.

District staff sent messages to parents and asked families to confirm contact information to ensure they receive emergency notifications. The superintendent thanked parents for their cooperation and thanked principals and staff for responding.

No injuries were reported in the meeting record and the transcript does not indicate any follow-up disciplinary or criminal outcomes. The transcript records a district decision to follow up with law enforcement and to verify parent contact information; no further formal board action was recorded.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","School Board Meeting 4-29-25","oneSentenceSummary","Putnam County schools briefly locked down Melrose Elementary after a threatening phone call; district officials said the caller also phoned other districts and that law enforcement has the number and is investigating.","taxTitle","Putnam, School Districts, Florida","taxId",15628,"location","Florida","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_46":81,"_48":82,"_50":83,"_52":84,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":85,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":86,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6252662,"Putnam schools honor Thrive scholars; Palatka student receives Gates Scholarship",1284,521000,1805000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3186929-9614b146e5cae51f95101b315d987152&start=521&end=1805","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3186929-9614b146e5cae51f95101b315d987152/thumbnail_521000.jpg","/articles/6252662/Florida/Putnam-schools-honor-Thrive-scholars-Palatka-student-receives-Gates-Scholarship","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6252662-2ee96c0f6d9062f1bfcda8e3865478e6/orig.mp4?Expires=1770666941&Signature=V4RclBO9OXzwg2GBcCUlFfBiemR7pXtKZvYaCVGDxje-CVjAY1UNn1LoVjIy3Eh8-wvPuw2mbMAOOu0sSsDYnSJjZ5UGKAsBIvPltZw8wfd9n26VGoBVpQaVo6xGghJ~4CDp3m60ye1iEMTSrqQ5w8dw5it2Y-P9yY222xKfDEY-BBBnN64AC4hDyDQPmnhVOe4O~SKSsP61-RBcJ4U1k80GxJth36ZA8YG3hZi3D2xAA0io8LnNX-h~Gh3hjyLvFQSz6CXop6g7p2X8m9JzI~YJSDuZAKNGugekbOHCiegCtuExtSURWFdi-oL1guT4qmUB2dQl~p82z7osqCnc0Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Putnam County School Board recognized district students selected for the Thrive college-preparation program and announced that one scholar received the Gates Scholarship.

“Today, we have our class of 2025 Thrive Scholars,” Miss Michael, who introduced the students at the April 29 meeting, said. She listed students from Palatka High, Crescent City Junior Senior High, Q. R. Roberts Junior Senior High and other district schools and asked several to share their college plans.

Rebecca Fing told the board she will attend the University of Florida. “Yes. Go Gators,” Miss Michael said when Fing announced her choice. Demonte Barnes said he will attend Tulane University, and Anahi Lugo said she will attend Amherst College. The board recognized students who were unable to attend for testing or other obligations.

Miss Michael also announced that Demonte Barnes is a recipient of the Gates Scholarship, which the presenter described as a selective last-dollar award that covers the cost of attendance not covered by other financial aid. “He is a recipient of the Gates scholarship,” Miss Michael said, adding that the Gates award covers tuition, fees, room, board, books, transportation and may include other personal costs as determined by FAFSA. The transcript does not include the Gates Foundation’s direct statement or paperwork; the announcement came from district staff.

The district also introduced incoming Thrive students who will attend six-week summer programs at partner colleges and later apply for the six-year Thrive pathway. Board members and staff congratulated the scholars and asked families and the public to celebrate their achievements.","Putnam County School District recognized its 2025 Thrive Scholars and announced that Palatka High senior Demonte Barnes received the Gates Scholarship, a full-cost award for outstanding minority students.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":42,"_43":90,"_45":90,"_46":91,"_48":92,"_50":93,"_52":94,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":95,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":96,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6252667,"Board member schedules Highway Safety Task Force meeting, cites enforcement uptick on Highway 17",1682000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3186929-9614b146e5cae51f95101b315d987152&start=1682&end=1682","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3186929-9614b146e5cae51f95101b315d987152/thumbnail_1682000.jpg","/articles/6252667/Florida/Board-member-schedules-Highway-Safety-Task-Force-meeting-cites-enforcement-uptick-on-Highway-17","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6252667-13625c07e5d94dc47e698a1e9247aea1/orig.mp4?Expires=1770666941&Signature=OtjsqNqHkE9W6yjlE~KriQNMueivw1ra5dXsoaQvGf6WGjEBWU73Wi0PJsSzd32D76Esf1NRzyPiCBfGZ-XmTrQNFqGfzSt9zeORaRsSZ0Og2SdK2hAFmm4MsgD5TN~4H-JyipkfDJlf19JdybVKus~KHiS30aqRt12R4Lr44ln5Si4sPkKjYPRQ3hqnj~sabb1p2TTcEnXFo6k9kpnY2flE7JdSQgqq4LPiH0oGsB9iEuLWVuFW8jfxFZuKqzKa1lZyZBgdO7G7lNJ0eb8nyGKcrg5CFKKqIVAMiN0ElKSssJqXrw1lrqR4-7jCbRDqtSVDnL5yZqgb0z-MoBP5Vg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A Putnam County School Board member announced a public meeting of the county’s Highway Safety Task Force and described recent enforcement activity on Highway 17 and Highway 19.

“The traffic, highway safety task force is meeting on Wednesday at 2:00,” the board member said, adding the meeting may be moved to the County Commission meeting room to accommodate public attendance. “It’s an opportunity for the public to come forth and speak, give us ideas, what their concerns or possible solutions are.”

The board member said enforcement had increased in trouble spots and that some patrols issued warnings while state troopers issued citations. “I think the sheriff alone gave, gave out 90 tickets. Now his were warnings. Where the highway patrol, there is no warning. You get a ticket,” the board member said. The transcript does not provide a formal count of citations or identify individual officers.

Board members discussed potential long-term projects to address traffic volume, including four-laning sections of road, but said such work is expensive and not currently listed in the Florida Department of Transportation’s five-year work plan. “You're looking at $60,000,000 and that is not... in the DOT’s five year work plan,” the board member said.

The board named Q. R. Roberts Junior Senior High principal Joe Theobold as a task-force member and encouraged public engagement at the meeting. No formal resolutions or binding directives were adopted at the board meeting; the announcement functions as a public outreach and coordination next step.","A board member announced a public Highway Safety Task Force meeting and said increased enforcement on Highway 17 and Highway 19 produced warnings and citations; long-term roadway expansion was discussed but not funded in DOT’s current work plan.",{"_33":98,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":99,"_41":100,"_43":101,"_45":102,"_46":103,"_48":104,"_50":105,"_52":106,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":107,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":108,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6252672,"Putnam school board adopts 2025-26 personnel allocations, says adjustments possible after legislature sets funding",675,1096000,1771000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3186929-9614b146e5cae51f95101b315d987152&start=1096&end=1771","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3186929-9614b146e5cae51f95101b315d987152/thumbnail_1096000.jpg","/articles/6252672/Florida/Putnam-school-board-adopts-2025-26-personnel-allocations-says-adjustments-possible-after-legislature-sets-funding","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6252672-bf35fac5e46f56831bf8ac8aea8ca105/orig.mp4?Expires=1770666941&Signature=etez18O8xVS3n7hURyS71pbZXYLGwAUrufckjiS2QllJnTvgTg6ZRR6Xfv3IwbM9NPk0tOtlVWvFRLHTHgH1veGUxV2mnSvzfcl30Q-Hkio-KvbHf1Gx-D7YiDR~zfXF3udemHdx5S3cO3WPOOrEhyOjz4jfcD4XJgrH17gRLLZZRH8oa1iiUCcAbwxpA13U8VFmkumCUUQlGJpwk3kkL6IY8q0bHp~TJBtKkOQc~rlxYtbQWa2TXZapnSrgc9SV5gWDclOn~rhpc97Foj4KlrEI0v7zrKJ40a8njnTT9J52h3W863xXPRJXyIsu6x4ZRhGlZ~ZO37I7xw7aMF8FAw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Putnam County School Board on April 29 approved the district’s personnel allocations for the 2025-26 school year and said it will adjust staffing if state funding changes.

Board member Miss Pickett, speaking during the consent-agenda discussion, said she had met with the superintendent and the district chief financial officer and that the board adopted the allocations now to keep planning on track. “We’re still waiting for the legislature to allocations in line and move forward with the budget negotiations,” she said. “Even though we’re adopting these today, if we need to go back and make changes after we receive our allocations, we can do that with personnel.”

The board approved the consent agenda with the exception of item G5; later the board voted to approve G5 separately. Board members described the vote as unanimous in the meeting record.

Why this matters: personnel allocations set the number and types of positions the district expects to fund and hire for the coming school year. The final staffing plan can change if the Florida Legislature’s budget alters the district’s state funding.

In discussion, Pickett said the superintendent and CFO are already examining ways to consolidate and streamline some positions. That review, she said, will continue and be part of future budget conversations.

No ordinance, statute, or other legal citation was introduced during the discussion. The board did not tie any personnel changes to specific legislative language in the record.

The board did not provide a specific count of positions added or eliminated in the transcript; the recording reported only that the allocations were adopted and that adjustments remain possible after final funding is known.

The board’s action keeps the district’s hiring and planning timeline intact while leaving flexibility if the legislature changes the district’s allocation.","The Putnam County School Board approved personnel allocations for the 2025-26 school year but said the district can revise staffing after final state allocations arrive; board members also discussed consolidating positions to streamline operations.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Melrose Elementary placed in lockdown after disturbing phone threat; district says callers contacted multiple districts

Putnam schools honor Thrive scholars; Palatka student receives Gates Scholarship

Board member schedules Highway Safety Task Force meeting, cites enforcement uptick on Highway 17

Putnam school board adopts 2025-26 personnel allocations, says adjustments possible after legislature sets funding