Florida / School Districts / Putnam
The Putnam County School Board approved JD Thompson as executive director of construction management after debate over qualifications, advertising reach and a potential familial tie prompted a motion to reconsider; a revote passed with Board Member Buckles abstaining and one dissenting vote.
Florida / School Districts / Putnam
The Putnam County School Board approved the consent agenda unanimously and later voted unanimously to pay funeral and related costs for a custodian and resource officers; both votes were voice votes and recorded as unanimous in the meeting.
Florida / School Districts / Putnam
The board approved an executive director of construction management job description, discussed funding from bond and general funds, and amended policy language to standardize references to district‑owned vehicles as 'Putnam School District owned vehicles.' Several procedural handbooks were presented for information.
Florida / School Districts / Putnam
Superintendent Whitehurst told the board the district’s 2025 grade improved across content areas, outlined expansion of career and technical programs including aerospace technologies, announced three campuses under construction funded largely by bond proceeds, and described student‑support initiatives funded by grants.
Florida / School Districts / Putnam
Superintendent Whitehurst told the board a post‑audit review found 39 mileage reimbursements between Feb. 2020 and June 2025 under review; five had definitive documentation showing district‑vehicle use and were reported to the Office of Professional Practices; FDLE is investigating.
Florida / School Districts / Putnam
The superintendent said the district provided 673 free ECG screenings for grades 7–12, launched a Resilient Roots family therapy program funded by United Way, opened a Marathon Health wellness center for employees and raised starting teacher pay to $48,000.
Florida / School Districts / Putnam
Superintendent reported three campuses are under construction—Crescent City Jr./Sr. High (phased rebuild), Palatka Intermediate, and Middleton Boerne Elementary—funded by a mix of state appropriations and general obligation bond funds; the gym at the Crescent City campus is expected to be finished in 2026.
Florida / School Districts / Putnam
At the annual state-of-the-district presentation, the superintendent said the district’s 2025 grade improved across core subjects and that 10 of 12 performance components rose since 2015, crediting strengthened Tier 1 instruction and targeted K–6 reading and math interventions.
Florida / School Districts / Putnam
Following an Auditor General operational audit, the Putnam County School Board on Nov. 18 voted to tighten controls over permanently assigned district vehicles, require GPS tracking on non-bus vehicles, and require board review of telework assignments; a proposal to hire a construction manager was tabled pending job description and cost details.
Florida / School Districts / Putnam
Several residents and educators told the Putnam County School Board on Nov. 18 they want stronger, independent oversight of bond spending and clearer disclosure of records after an Auditor General report flagged procurement and control weaknesses.