DeSoto school officials report health screenings, food-distribution totals and new high school features; attorney notes $6,000 closing overrun on new-school buy

The DeSoto County School Board on April 22 received an update from Superintendent Dr. Bennett on student health screenings, district food-distribution activity and features of a planned new high school, and heard from the board’s attorney that the recent closing on property for the new school exceeded the previously approved amount by roughly $6,000.

The superintendent said the Florida Department of Health audited the district’s school clinic and nursing programs “with flying colors.” Dr. Bennett reported dental work for 911 students and 1,424 dental sealants placed; she said 296 students who received dental services had no insurance. For vision screenings, the district recorded 1,071 students screened. Hearing screenings are completed in kindergarten, first and sixth grades; Dr. Bennett said 717 students were tested and 114…