The Suwannee County School Board Regular Meeting began with student remarks and pledge to the flag by Suwannee Middle School FFA members.
The Suwannee County School District, my choice for high quality education!

Thank you to the BES APT for allowing the Suwannee County School District to share information about the proposed school sales surtax referendum.
Providing opportunities for community members to learn about the proposal, ask questions and better understand the ballot language is an important part of our commitment to transparency.
The Suwannee County School District, my choice for high quality education!

Understanding the Proposed School Sales Surtax
A proposed one-half cent sales surtax for Suwannee County schools will appear on the November 3, 2026 General Election ballot.
If approved, the surtax funds safety and security upgrades, technology improvements, and school construction and renovation.
The Suwannee County School District is committed to providing factual, transparent information so community members can understand the proposal and make their own informed decisions.
Learn more about the proposed referendum: https://www.suwannee.k12.fl.us/page/referendum
The Suwannee County School District, my choice for high quality education!
A proposed one-half cent sales surtax for Suwannee County schools will appear on the November 3, 2026 General Election ballot.
If approved, the surtax funds safety and security upgrades, technology improvements, and school construction and renovation.
The Suwannee County School District is committed to providing factual, transparent information so community members can understand the proposal and make their own informed decisions.
Learn more about the proposed referendum: https://www.suwannee.k12.fl.us/page/referendum
The Suwannee County School District, my choice for high quality education!

We Remember. We Honor. We Will Never Forget. 🇺🇸

Florida has a free program for families called New Worlds Reading. Kids in VPK – 5th grade can get 9 free books that you choose + activities to build reading skills.
See if your child is eligible at newworldsreading.com.
See if your child is eligible at newworldsreading.com.

The Suwannee County School District will be closed on Monday, September 7th.
Normal operations will resume on Tuesday, September 8th.
The Suwannee County School District, my choice for high quality education!
Normal operations will resume on Tuesday, September 8th.
The Suwannee County School District, my choice for high quality education!

The Suwannee County School District is looking for an Accounts Payable Specialist to join our team!
We’re looking for someone with:

▪️ A high school diploma (two years of college preferred)

▪️ At least two years of experience in bookkeeping, accounting, record keeping, or a related field

▪️ Strong computer, communication, organizational, and accounting skills

▪️ Knowledge of general accounting principles and financial reporting
Interested in joining the SCSD team? Apply today!
For complete job requirements and application information, visit the Suwannee County School District employment page.
The Suwannee County School District, my choice for high quality education!
We’re looking for someone with:

▪️ A high school diploma (two years of college preferred)

▪️ At least two years of experience in bookkeeping, accounting, record keeping, or a related field

▪️ Strong computer, communication, organizational, and accounting skills

▪️ Knowledge of general accounting principles and financial reporting
Interested in joining the SCSD team? Apply today!
For complete job requirements and application information, visit the Suwannee County School District employment page.
The Suwannee County School District, my choice for high quality education!

The Suwannee County School Board Regular Meeting began with students remarks and pledge to the flag by Suwannee Springcrest Elementary.
Special recognition by the Superintendent went to:
Ayden Humphries - Branford High School Student Ambassador for the 2026-2027 school year
Isabella Washington - Suwannee High School Student Ambassador for the 2026-2027 school year
The Suwannee County School District, my choice for high quality education!



This session offers practical guidance on the college admissions process, including readiness requirements and actionable tips for building a strong application.
Virtual Meeting - August 31, 2026 at 5:30 p.m.
To join the virtual meeting, please use the QR code on the attached image.
Virtual Meeting - August 31, 2026 at 5:30 p.m.
To join the virtual meeting, please use the QR code on the attached image.

The Suwannee County School District will be closed on Monday, August 24th.
Normal operations will resume on Tuesday, August 25th.
The Suwannee County School District, my choice for high quality education!
Normal operations will resume on Tuesday, August 25th.
The Suwannee County School District, my choice for high quality education!

The Suwannee County School District is proud to share information about the Florida Heiken Children's Vision Program (FHCVP), which works to help prevent blindness and improve access to quality eye care for children.
The program provides comprehensive eye exams and prescription eyeglasses at no cost to financially disadvantaged students in Pre-K through 12th grade who qualify.
We encourage you to learn more and take advantage of this valuable opportunity to support your child's vision and educational success.
The Suwannee County School District, my choice for high quality education!
The program provides comprehensive eye exams and prescription eyeglasses at no cost to financially disadvantaged students in Pre-K through 12th grade who qualify.
We encourage you to learn more and take advantage of this valuable opportunity to support your child's vision and educational success.
The Suwannee County School District, my choice for high quality education!


Every day, Florida's public schools provide students with high-quality instruction, enriching opportunities, and caring educators who are committed to helping every child succeed. Our teachers meet Florida's certification requirements and work tirelessly to prepare students for college, careers, military service, and life beyond graduation.
Families continue to place their trust in public education. Approximately 75% of Florida parents choose Florida public schools, a testament to the opportunities and dedicated educators that make our schools special.
Here in the Suwannee County School District, we're proud to welcome our students back for another year of learning, growth, and achievement.
The Suwannee County School District, my choice for high quality education!
Families continue to place their trust in public education. Approximately 75% of Florida parents choose Florida public schools, a testament to the opportunities and dedicated educators that make our schools special.
Here in the Suwannee County School District, we're proud to welcome our students back for another year of learning, growth, and achievement.
The Suwannee County School District, my choice for high quality education!

We are SO excited to see our hallways filled with students again! The first day of school is finally here, and we can't wait to kick off another great year across the Suwannee County School District.
Reminder: Monday, August 10, is an Early Release Day. Please make sure you know your child's school dismissal time and have a plan in place for the afternoon.
Back-to-school traffic: Please allow extra travel time, especially during morning drop-off and afternoon dismissal. Traffic around our schools is expected to be heavier during the first few weeks as everyone gets back into their routines.
Welcome back, SCSD!
The Suwannee County School District, my choice for high quality education!

As we prepare to welcome students back on Monday, August 10, we want to remind our families and community that traffic around our schools (especially the Live Oak campuses) will be significantly heavier during the first few weeks of school.
Please allow extra travel time and plan accordingly, particularly during morning drop-off and afternoon dismissal. As families settle into their routines, traffic patterns typically improve over the first couple of weeks.
Thank you for your patience and for helping keep our students, staff, and community safe as we kick off another great school year!
Please allow extra travel time and plan accordingly, particularly during morning drop-off and afternoon dismissal. As families settle into their routines, traffic patterns typically improve over the first couple of weeks.
Thank you for your patience and for helping keep our students, staff, and community safe as we kick off another great school year!

RIVEROAK Technical College provides students and adults in our community with opportunities to earn certifications and train for high-demand careers right here in Suwannee County.
From healthcare and welding to culinary arts and technology, students can build skills that lead directly to the workforce.
✔️ Job Training
✔️ Certifications
✔️ In-Demand
✔️ Local Careers
Building brighter futures right here at home.
The Suwannee County School District, my choice for high quality education!
From healthcare and welding to culinary arts and technology, students can build skills that lead directly to the workforce.
✔️ Job Training
✔️ Certifications
✔️ In-Demand
✔️ Local Careers
Building brighter futures right here at home.
The Suwannee County School District, my choice for high quality education!

As we begin the 2026–2027 school year, the Suwannee County School District will not be able to offer the 21st Century After-School Program. The district applied for a competitive grant and was not selected for funding.
We understand the important role this program plays for families and we recognize the inconvenience this may cause.
In the meantime, Beyond the Bell is offering a private-pay after-school option for families who need care. We encourage those who are interested in this option follow their Facebook page for more information.
We understand the important role this program plays for families and we recognize the inconvenience this may cause.
In the meantime, Beyond the Bell is offering a private-pay after-school option for families who need care. We encourage those who are interested in this option follow their Facebook page for more information.

This week, the Suwannee County School District proudly welcomed our newest teachers and staff members during New Hire Orientation!
We are excited to have these dedicated professionals join the SCSD family and can't wait to see the positive impact they'll make in our classrooms and schools!
Join us in giving our newest team members a warm Suwannee welcome!
The Suwannee County School District, my choice for high quality education!






This summer, we're celebrating the amazing alumni of Suwannee County School District and the journeys they've taken since graduation.
Today, we're featuring Leon "Dupree" Hatch, III, a 2000 graduate of Branford K-12 (now Branford Elementary School and Branford High School). Every day, Dupree helps give some of the tiniest and most vulnerable patients a fighting chance. He serves as an Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Attending Neonatologist, and Medical Director of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt in Nashville, Tennessee.
As a neonatologist, Dupree specializes in caring for critically ill newborns, including premature babies born as early as 22 weeks, infants requiring complex surgeries, and babies facing life-threatening medical conditions. In addition to providing direct patient care, he oversees one of the largest NICUs in the country, helping lead a team that cares for approximately 120 babies each day.
When asked about the impact SCSD had on him, Dupree shared:
"The faculty and staff at Branford K-12 had a huge impact on who I am and my love for education. Between my parents and the teachers at Branford—chiefly Willie Veal—they developed and grew a love for science that turned into my career in medicine."
While at Branford, Dupree was involved in varsity football, basketball, baseball, and FFA. Although he says it's impossible to pick just one favorite memory, some of the moments he treasures most include traveling to football and basketball games, competing in state and national FFA competitions, and the wisdom he gained in Mr. Veal's classroom.
Looking back on everything he's accomplished, Dupree says he is most proud of:
"I have been married to my wife Brittney for 15 years and we have three sons. I am extremely proud of my three boys and my family."
For today's SCSD students, Dupree offers this advice:
"Don't be afraid of picking a career that requires you to do a lot of extra schooling or training. The years fly by, and some of your best memories will happen during your training."
Thank you, Dupree, for representing Branford and the Suwannee County School District so well.
The Suwannee County School District, my choice for high quality education!
Today, we're featuring Leon "Dupree" Hatch, III, a 2000 graduate of Branford K-12 (now Branford Elementary School and Branford High School). Every day, Dupree helps give some of the tiniest and most vulnerable patients a fighting chance. He serves as an Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Attending Neonatologist, and Medical Director of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt in Nashville, Tennessee.
As a neonatologist, Dupree specializes in caring for critically ill newborns, including premature babies born as early as 22 weeks, infants requiring complex surgeries, and babies facing life-threatening medical conditions. In addition to providing direct patient care, he oversees one of the largest NICUs in the country, helping lead a team that cares for approximately 120 babies each day.
When asked about the impact SCSD had on him, Dupree shared:
"The faculty and staff at Branford K-12 had a huge impact on who I am and my love for education. Between my parents and the teachers at Branford—chiefly Willie Veal—they developed and grew a love for science that turned into my career in medicine."
While at Branford, Dupree was involved in varsity football, basketball, baseball, and FFA. Although he says it's impossible to pick just one favorite memory, some of the moments he treasures most include traveling to football and basketball games, competing in state and national FFA competitions, and the wisdom he gained in Mr. Veal's classroom.
Looking back on everything he's accomplished, Dupree says he is most proud of:
"I have been married to my wife Brittney for 15 years and we have three sons. I am extremely proud of my three boys and my family."
For today's SCSD students, Dupree offers this advice:
"Don't be afraid of picking a career that requires you to do a lot of extra schooling or training. The years fly by, and some of your best memories will happen during your training."
Thank you, Dupree, for representing Branford and the Suwannee County School District so well.
The Suwannee County School District, my choice for high quality education!

The Suwannee County School District provides additional support for students and families through Title I and family engagement programs.
These resources help strengthen academic achievement while building strong connections between schools and families.
✔️ Extra Support
✔️ Parent Engagement
✔️ Student Success
✔️ Family Focus
Because student success starts with strong partnerships.
The Suwannee County School District, my choice for high quality education!
These resources help strengthen academic achievement while building strong connections between schools and families.
✔️ Extra Support
✔️ Parent Engagement
✔️ Student Success
✔️ Family Focus
Because student success starts with strong partnerships.
The Suwannee County School District, my choice for high quality education!

Several Suwannee County administrators had the opportunity to attend the 2026 NEFEC Summer Leadership Conference as NEFEC celebrated its 50th anniversary. đź’š
Throughout the conference, participants engaged in sessions focused on instructional innovation, artificial intelligence, school leadership, career readiness, legislative updates, and strategic communications. These learning opportunities provided valuable ideas, resources, and strategies that can be brought back to strengthen teaching, learning, and leadership across Suwannee County.
Professional learning and collaboration like this help us continue growing as educators and leaders so we can better serve our students, staff, and families.
A special thank you to NEFEC for hosting another outstanding conference and for 50 years of supporting school districts through leadership, innovation, and excellence in education.
Congratulations NEFEC on this incredible milestone, and here’s to the future!
The Suwannee County School District, my choice for high quality education!




