Board spotlights staff achievements and hears student leaders from Innovation High

The meeting opened with recognitions. Superintendent Maria Vasquez honored Melanie Simmons for 28 years in district service, noting her leadership elevated Rock Lake Elementary from a D to an A grade and that Rock Lake earned a Florida Department of Education School of Excellence designation under her guidance.

Board members also recognized Olympia High teacher Gloria Povera for being selected for the Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms program and for redesigning teacher planning rooms; Edwina Forbes, an evening custodian at Olympia, was recognized for 14 years of service.

Student body leaders Ashayna Sheen and Molly Hampton from Innovation High School presented accomplishments across athletics, arts and student programs and proposed a Senior Tiles initiative to create a permanent mural honoring their first graduating class. Board members praised the students' efforts and encouraged district staff to explore how successful practices might be replicated across the district.

The chair invited veterans in the audience to stand in recognition during the Veterans Day meeting.