Below are the news briefs for the Leon County School Board meeting that took place July 25, 2023. The Board approved several items on the consent agenda, including an item that approves the recommended order submitted by Hearing Officer DJ Wright that the book I Am Billie Jean King (ordinary People Change The World) by […]
D.J. Wright, a retired principal and Leon County Schools hearing officer, has recommended that the book “I Am Billie Jean King” remain in the Hawks Rise elementary school library. Wright made the decision after hearing arguments from a parent who wanted the book removed and from a Leon County School (LCS) official who supported retaining […]
On July 10th, the Leon County School Board addressed several issues during their Agenda Review Meeting. The Board discussed how they might find an athletic trainer for Chiles High School which has been struggling to hire one. Four out of five Leon County high schools have a teacher who doubles as an athletic trainer. Recently, […]
The costs of installing turf fields at Leon County High Schools has changed dramatically over the last six years, from $910,000 in 2017 to $2.5 million in 2023 – a 175% increase. Public records (see below) from Leon County Schools shows that the installation of the turf field at Cox Stadium cost $910,108 in 2017 […]
The Leon County School Board held a regular meeting on July 11th and addressed a number of topics summarized below. The Board approved a number of items in the consent agenda. One of the items approved the establishment of the LCS Talented and Gifted Education Advisory Council. The function of this Council is to allow […]
The Leon County School Board held its monthly meeting on June 27th and addressed a number of topics summarized below. The President of Leon Educational Staff Professional Association (LESPA) addressed several concerns before the Board. She said surviving her first year as LESPA President was not an easy road, stating, “I had no idea how […]
The investigative report related to the Chiles football program has been released by Leon County Schools. The report concludes that Chiles head football coach Kevin Pettis violated district policy related to ethical conduct. Violations related to three students were corroborated despite denials by Pettis. In addition, the report noted concern related to three similar lease […]
On June 20th during the LCS Agenda Review Meeting, the Board received a presentation by Government Consultant Jessica Janasiewicz related to the major changes that occurred during the 2023 legislative session. Janasiewicz explained that House Bill 1 expanded the voucher system to all children in Florida, and included another program for homeschooled students, maxed out […]
Leon County Superintendent Rocky Hanna has reached an agreement with the Florida Department of Education (DOE). The agreement is the result of an investigation that determined there was probable cause to justify sanctions against Hanna. The settlement includes two years probation, a $1,000 fine to be paid during the probationary period and Hanna must take […]
After an investigation, the Chiles High School football coach – Kevin Pettis – has been removed. LCS released the following statement: Following the conclusion of an independent investigation, coach Kevin Pettis has been removed as the head football coach at Chiles High School and will be reassigned. As required, the investigation’s findings will be forwarded […]