School Safety, Dispeling Rumors Among Discussions at School Board Meeting

The Pasco County School Board reconvened for its first regular board meeting after the holiday break Tuesday.

Among the items on the agenda, awards for 39 elementary schools. The Five Star School Award, the Florida Department of Education's highest recognition for community and parent involvement, was accepted by school representatives during Tuesday's meeting.

Elementary schools earning recognition included Denhams Oaks, Connerton, Oakstead, Seven Oaks, Pine View, Quail Hollow, and Lake Myrtle.

The award is given to schools demonstrating outstanding achievement in the five criteria areas of business partnerships, family involvement, volunteers, student community service, and school advisory council. 

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In the wake of the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Connecticut, school safety remains on the minds of many. During his address to the board, Superintendent Kurt Browning aknowledged the continued concern and said he plans to meet with Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco this week to discuss measures the county can implement to keep Pasco schools safe. 

Browning also discussed briefly his recent trip to Germany, which he and board co-chairwoman Alison Crumbley both attended along with other local leaders. The trip was an information gathering expedition, to gather ideas on how to better prepare students for high-wage, high-skills jobs, according to the Tampa Bay Times.

Both Browning and Crumbley noted that they returned with plenty of ideas. They also both noted that the trips were not county-funded.

"My trip was not paid for by tax dollars," Crumbley said. "Somehow I've got to get that out to the bloggers."

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Board member Joanne Hurley took an opportunity during the meeting to preview a new program she said the Pasco County Sheriff's Office is slated to unveil next week.

The Juvenile Choice Program for middle and high school students is designed to make students aware of the everyday choices in their lives that will affect their futures, Hurley said.

More details will be available next week, she said.

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As Browning continues to build his team, one recent appointment was a steal from Hillsborough County. Linda Cobbe, former Hillsborough County Schools spokeswoman, has taken over as Pasco Schools Director of Communications.