SCHOOL BUS
Foundation for Rural Education Excellence
Supporting Academic Achievement in
Rural Northeast Florida Communities

April 2024 Newsletter

The Foundation for Rural Education Excellence, a registered 501 (C)(3) organization, was founded in 1998 to facilitate philanthropic support for rural school districts of the North East Florida Educational Consortium (NEFEC): Baker, Bradford, Columbia, Dixie, Flagler, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Lafayette, Levy, Nassau, Putnam, Suwannee, and Union Counties as well as Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind and PK Yonge Developmental Research School. Working collaboratively, our mission is to enhance academic success and career opportunities for rural students in northeast Florida.
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Putnam's Michael Chaires 2024 AP of the Year

Congratulations to Putnam County School District's Michael Chaires on being selected as the 2024 Florida Assistant Principal of the Year - Palatka Jr - Sr High School.

Resiliency Leaders: Responsible Decision Making

NEFEC supports the development and implementation of Florida's Resiliency Education Initiative. Each month NEFEC superintendents and administrators are recognized for a specific characteristic of resilience.

Resilient Leaders Recognized For Responsible Decision Making


Superintendent Mike Ripplinger, Union County Schools

Traci Wheeler, Director of Accountability & Special Programs, Baker County

Chris Coffey, Principal, Bradford High School, Bradford County

Delana Locke, Assistant Principal, Anderson Elementary School, Dixie County

Thomas Cannon, Dean of Students, Bell Elementary School, Gilchrist County

Ryan Mitchell, Principal, Hamilton County High School, Hamilton County

Melissa Johnson, Principal, Callahan Elementary School, Nassau County

Matthew Elixson, Director of School Safety and Mental Health, Union County


Stay up-to-date with the resiliency initiative on NEFEC's Facebook page.

Level II Principal Certification Completers

Cohort 8 of the NEFEC Principal Leadership Academy (PLA) completed their projects this week. The PLA serves as a pathway for administrators in the NEFEC region to obtain their Level II Florida School Principal Certification. The academy wrapped up with the presentation of inquiry projects, highlighting the impact being made in schools and districts. Congratulations to these educational leaders!

New Teacher Network Finishes the Year

NEFEC wrapped up New Teacher Network 23-24 over the last two weeks with professional learning for both new teachers and mentors. The closing sessions focused on progress monitoring, data-informed decision making, and high leverage practices. Presenters included 2015, 2023, and 2024 Florida Teachers of the Year, FDLRS NEFEC, Title IX/Part A and Title IV coordinators, and many more. Thank you to the passionate educators and mentors who joined on this journey of growth and learning!

Mark Your Calendars

Summer Leadership Conference


NEFEC's Annual Summer Leadership Conference is scheduled for July 8-10, 2024, at the Sawgrass Marriott in

Ponte Vedra Beach, FL.


Conference Information & Registration



Foundation for Rural Education Excellence
(352) 317-0621
foundationruraled@gmail.com


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