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Board recognizes district teacher, state-champion teams and spotlights Heron Creek Middle School
Summary
At its Jan. 14 meeting the Sarasota County School Board honored the district Teacher of the Year, state-champion student athletes and awarded a school spotlight to Heron Creek Middle School for academic gains and state recognition.
The Sarasota County School Board used part of its Jan. 14 meeting to recognize educators and student achievements and to spotlight a high-performing campus.
Jennifer Vine of the Education Foundation of Sarasota County introduced the district Teacher of the Year, Kelly Roselle of Venice High School. Roselle told the board she changed her major to history in college and described building relationships with students as the foundation of her classroom work. "My students are what keeps me motivated," she said. Superintendent Conner and board members presented Roselle with a certificate and recognition.
James Slayton introduced state-champion athletic teams from Sarasota and Riverview high schools. The Sarasota High Girls Golf Team was recognized for winning the FHSAA Academic Class 3A state championship with a reported unweighted team GPA of about 3.934. Coach Judy Sams noted her players' academic dedication. Riverview High's girls swim team celebrated its fourth consecutive Class 3A girls swimming state championship; Coach John Bruning credited the students' work and noted multiple individual state champions and relay winners.
Superintendent Conner highlighted district accomplishments including a record-breaking graduation rate of 92.5 percent for the prior year, the district's receipt of multiple workforce-development awards from the Florida Department of Education totaling roughly a little over $1,000,000 for programs such as engineering and about $700,000 for HVAC-focused dual-enrollment work, and upcoming Pine View amateur-radio contact opportunities with the International Space Station.
Heron Creek Middle School principal Christine Lawrence presented achievements that led the school to be named an "Exceeding Expectations" finalist at the state level. Lawrence said Heron Creek became an A-rated school for the first time in 12 years, highlighted increases in reading and math achievement and learning gains, and summarized programs including PBIS, ACE and new agricultural instruction. Board members praised Lawrence and staff for the school's gains and resilience, including recovery since Hurricane Ian.
The recognitions and spotlight underscored a combination of academic, extracurricular and community supports district leaders cited as contributing to improved student outcomes.
The board transitioned after the recognitions to regular agenda business and the instructional-materials public hearing.
