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Highlands board introduces new ESE director; Sebring High showcases medical program
Summary
The Highlands County School Board introduced Ruby Kaufman as the district's new exceptional student education director and heard a presentation on Sebring High School's expanding health sciences program led by medical instructor Amanda Parker and students.
The Highlands County School board introduced Ruby Kaufman as the district's new exceptional student education (ESE) director and received a classroom presentation on the health sciences pathway at Sebring High School.
Doctor Mark Longshore, superintendent, invited Ruby Kaufman to the dais and introduced her to the board. "I'm super excited," Kaufman said, adding that she appreciated her new team and is "motivated" by the work ahead.
The board then heard from Amanda Parker, identified in the meeting as the medical instructor at Sebring High School. Parker described the school's revised career pathway, which now includes a medical assisting track alongside continued instruction in certified nursing assistant (CNA) skills. "We're doing CPR right away," Parker told the board, and said students are learning EKG, phlebotomy and simulation-based clinical skills on mannequin arms and full mannequins.
Students in Parker's program spoke briefly to the board about how the coursework has influenced their plans. Cyril Wright, a student, said Parker teaches multiple classes within a single program and praised her instruction: "She's a great teacher." Maya Van Dam, another student, said the program helped clarify her intention to pursue pre-medicine at the University of South Florida.
Why it matters: The hires and program growth highlight the district's investment in career-and-technical education and its emphasis on ESE leadership. Kaufman's arrival signals an administrative change in special-education leadership; the expansion of hands-on health training at Sebring High provides students with career exposure and articulated credits, according to board members who spoke later in the meeting.
Board reaction and context: Superintendent Longshore welcomed Kaufman and asked her to say a few words to the board. Several trustees and the superintendent praised Parker and the students; trustees later referenced local college articulation agreements that allow students to carry credits into postsecondary health programs.
Looking ahead: Board members encouraged residents to visit Sebring High to see the medical program and noted the district will continue recruitment for related positions at other campuses.
