Florida developers are racing to take advantage of a fast-track approval process for turning rural land into subdivisions, a process that state lawmakers expanded this year in their latest move to shift control over Florida’s sprawling growth from local governments to Tallahassee.
Flagler County School Board
Jackson Magee of FPC is Flagler Schools’ Lone National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist
Flagler Palm Coast High School announced scholar Jackson Magee as a Semifinalist in the 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program.
Flagler County School Board Expands Participation Rights For Student Representatives After February Dispute
The Flagler County School Board revised its policy to ensure that student representatives have greater participation during public meetings. Two board members previously attempted to restrict student voices to limited comments. The new guidelines reassert students’ authority to engage fully in discussions alongside elected members.
Flagler County Is Not As Red As You Think
Last Tuesday’s primary in Flagler County clearly demonstrated that voters are exhausted by toxic political demagoguery, reactionary extremism and political theater. THat’s especially so on the School Board, where Will Furry was dispatched, Jill Woolbright was stopped from returning, and Christy Chong is hanging by a mumble.
Record Early Voting in Flagler Primary Marred by Illegal Text Smear in School Board Race
Flagler County saw a record early voting turnout in its primary election but also sharply declining mail-in ballots. An anonymous and illegal text message masquerading as a campaign advertisement targeted School Board candidates days before the election.
S.T.U.F.F. Bus and Education Foundation Equip Flagler Students for the New School Year
Flagler Education Foundation staff, volunteers, donors, businesses, and community partners joined to provide school supplies, backpacks, clothing, resources, and support to students and families across Flagler County.
Smaller Florida School Districts Are Banding Together to Lower Health Costs
As many Florida school districts look to close schools to cope with declining enrollment, leading to budget cuts, some are banding together to reduce health insurance premiums through the Florida Educator Health Trust (FLEHT), a nonprofit organization under the umbrella of the Florida Association of District School Superintendents.
FPC’s Bobby Bossardet’s 1st Day Welcome: Celebrate, and Be ‘Better for Each Other and Our Kids’
In his now-traditional day-before-new-school year letter to his faculty and staff, Flagler Palm Coast High School Principal Bobby Bossardet warmly welcomes students and staff, emphasizing a sense of celebration for the school’s A, but also cautioning against resting on laurels. Bossardet encourages the faculty to build strong relationships with every student and remember that not everyone is happy to be back.
Schools Finally Rethink One-To-One Student Laptop Fad
School districts and state lawmakers across the nation are rethinking one-to-one laptop programs. New policies restrict classroom screen time for young children and emphasize hands-on learning as educational research shows technology improves learning only when students actively use devices to analyze information, solve complex problems, and think critically.
Young Alligator Exercising His Right to School Choice at Rymfire Elementary Is Shown the Pond
Rymfire Elementary Assistant Principal Abra Seay safely relocated a young alligator found under a teacher’s car at the end of a day of training this week, a few days before the resumption of school on Aug. 10. Seay, who grew up in Flagler County, used a broomstick to gently guide the animal into a nearby retention pond. The superintendent said the gator did not qualify for school choice.
Byron and Erika Donalds’ Gospel of ‘School Choice’ Would Turbocharge Vouchers and Privatization
Byron and Erika Donalds are leveraging their political influence and billionaire donations to drastically transform the public education system in Florida. The couple envisions a lucrative free-market educational economy prioritizing universal voucher programs and private charter schools. Critics argue their aggressive privatization agenda unconstitutionally drains essential taxpayer funds from struggling traditional public school districts.
Know Palm Coast’s New E-Bike Rules As You Ride Back to School
As students prepare to head back to school, the City of Palm Coast, Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, and Flagler Schools are reminding families that electric bicycles (e-bikes) remain a popular way to get to and from school—but they also come with important responsibilities. Officials are encouraging parents and riders to review Palm Coast’s e-bike ordinance and practice safe riding habits before the first day of school.
Taxpayer-Funded Private School Students in Flagler Near 2,500, Diverting $17.3 Million from District
Flagler County school officials advanced a tentative budget reflecting yet another surge in state-mandated, taxpayer-supported subsidies for private and homeschool students. The total amount of students receiving public funds for private education spiked 28 percent. The state is diverting $17 million in public funds to those students, money that could otherwise be invested in the district. State lawmakers continue to lower school tax rates despite declining property values locally.
School Board’s Will Furry Pushes Controversial Anti-Abortion ‘Olivia’ Video for Inclusion In Curriculum
Flagler County School Board member Will Furry requested the board review an anti-abortion fetal development video known as “Meet Baby Olivia” for local curriculum integration. Led by activist Andrew Shirvell, public commenters urged adoption despite state-level rejections. Board members are split, with concerns over medical inaccuracies, pending workshop discussions scheduled after the upcoming election.
Moms for Liberty’s Influence on School Board Races Is Not What It Was in Florida, Its Home State
Moms for Liberty’s influence has been on a long decline in its home state as the organization faced a wave of resignations, chapter dissolutions and scandals among Moms for Liberty leadership.
Will Furry Abruptly Silences School Board Members Ruddy and Ramirez, Declaring Policy Discussion Over
Flagler County School Board Vice Chair Will Furry ended a policy workshop discussion abruptly, overruling requests from board members Janie Ruddy and Lauren Ramirez to continue deliberating proposed insurance requirements for school support organizations. Despite board attorney Ryan Hudak suggesting a five-minute extension, Furry forced the board to move on. Ruddy and Ramirez expressed sharp concerns over Furry’s manner.
Cathy Moon, Flagler County School Board Candidate: The Live Interview
Cathy Moon is one of two candidates for the Flagler County School Board, District 1, running against Jill Woolbright, who has declined to participate in the Live Interview. It is a non-partisan race: all registered voters regardless of party affiliation or non-party status may vote in the Aug. 18 primary, which will decide the winner, who will be sworn-in in November.
Jill Woolbright, Flagler County School Board Candidate: The Live Interview
Jill Woolbright is one of two candidates for Flagler County School Board, District 1, running against Cathy Moon. Woolbright, a former School Board member defeated in 2022, declined to participate, as she did in 2022. It is a non-partisan race: all registered voters regardless of party affiliation or non-party status may vote in the Aug. 18 primary, which will decide the winner, who will be sworn-in in November.
The Wild West of Unregulated Private Schools in Florida and Elsewhere That Collect Taxpayer Dollars
An average of 100 new private schools have launched in Florida each of the last five school years. Florida and other states are taking a hands-off approach to regulating private schools that receive public money. School founders — in one case, a Florida woman prosecuted for sexual abuse who lost her license — often aren’t screened. Some states can’t even say how many of these schools exist.
Former Athens Theatre Director Craig Uppercue Steps Into Leadership Role At Flagler Auditorium Today
Craig Uppercue brings decades of theatrical and educational experience to his new role as director of the Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center. Taking over for Amelia Fulmer, the veteran arts administrator plans to prioritize student programs and explore bringing live music and touring shows to the venue. He hopes to replicate the growth he previously helped to orchestrate at the vibrant Athens Theatre in DeLand.
Flagler Schools Return to A Rating for 1st Time in 7 Years as FPC and Buddy Taylor Also Score 1st A in Eons
Flagler County schools earned a district-wide A rating for the first time in seven years as every single school within the district achieved an A or a B grade. Notable successes include Buddy Taylor Middle School and Flagler Palm Coast High School receiving A ratings for the first time in years. Superintendent LaShakia Moore, School Board Chair Christy Chong and principals credit the collective efforts of teachers, staff, students, parents, and the community.
Rising Costs And Looming Tax Reform Force Flagler Commission Again To Rethink Funding for Carver Gym
The Flagler County Commission, reviving a scenario similar to 2010, is again considering divesting from the Carver Center in Bunnell due to rising operating costs and projected revenue losses from a upcoming tax amendment. Local officials are looking to the School Board to take over. Community advocates and program leaders warn that cutting county support will devastate critical local programs, senior services, and youth athletic leagues that currently rely on the thriving facility.
Flagler and Florida Officials Praise Rising Assessment Scores that Contradict Much Lower National Exam Rankings
Flagler County Schools reported student achievement gains on state standardized tests, outperforming Florida averages in most categories. The state Department of Education praised the metrics, noting sixty percent of students performed at or above grade level. But state-specific assessments mask Florida’s low national standings on the SAT, ACT, and NAEP exams.
Two Flagler School Board Members Dismiss Concerns Over UNF Deletion of ‘Sexual Orientation’ Protection in District Agreement
The Flagler County School Board will vote on an altered internship agreement after the University of North Florida removed “sexual orientation” from the nondiscrimination clause. School Board members Christy Chong and Will Furry dismissed the change because district policy lacks that explicit phrasing. Legal counsel noted federal law still applies, extending the protection regardless. The discussion surrounding the wording at last week’s workshop underscored the different ways members of the School Board interpret discrimination and how legally to protect students and others against it.
Flagler District Halts Plans For New Schools as Enrollment Shrinks While Private and Homeschool Numbers Surge
Flagler County has abandoned plans to build a middle school and a high school by decade’s end due to shrinking district enrollment. Total school-age children grew by 2,359 since 2018, but these students enrolled in private schools or homeschooling programs instead. Fueled by universal vouchers and lower birth rates, this shift leaves traditional schools under capacity. The district projects a 14 percent enrollment decline by 2035. But it is still collecting development impact fees to finance new schools, which may bring objections by builders.
Flagler County Education Foundation Raises Record-Breaking $125,000
The Flagler County Education Foundation raised a record-breaking $125,000 through its premier Annual Dinner. The funds raised during this single evening will directly power the Foundation’s critical “Make It Happen” initiative and a robust portfolio of educational programs spanning all Flagler Schools.
Last in Teacher Pay, Florida Continues to Dismantle Public Education, Alienate Teachers and Fund Scandal-Ridden Vouchers
Florida ranks last nationwide in teacher pay, forcing educators to take multiple jobs or leave the state entirely. Instead of addressing the crisis, lawmakers suppress public unions, enforces restrictive curriculum laws, and redirects vital taxpayer funds to unaccountable private voucher programs. Systematic political attacks are damaging classroom morale, lowering local school enrollment, and threatening the survival of the public education system. That, of course, is the end game.
Flagler Schools Earns Guy Harvey Conservation District Designation For The 2025-2026 Academic Year
Flagler Schools has been named a Guy Harvey Conservation District for the 2025-2026 school year, underscoring the district’s commitment to environmental education through teacher professional development, experiential learning and environmental leadership. A presentation honoring the recognition will take place at this month’s Flagler Schools Board Meeting at the Government Services Building in Bunnell on May 19.
Educator and Business Owner Rob Wood Challenges Will Furry For School Board, Citing Civility and Experience
Robert Wood has entered the Flagler County School Board District 2 race to challenge incumbent Will Furry. A conservative educator Wood wants to restore prestige and functional civility to a board frequently defined by discord. He brings extensive leadership experience from Western Governors University and the Air Force, and as a local business owner. . He advocates for relationship-driven governance.
Teachers and Students in Flagler Schools Are Now Using AI Extensively and Routinely. Here’s How.
Flagler County schools report nearly universal adoption of artificial intelligence among faculty and staff. Students in secondary grades frequently use digital tools for classroom assignments and independent research, and a version of AI is accessible for students in all grades. District leaders compare this technological shift to the early days of the internet. School board members remain focused on data privacy, academic integrity, and student safety.
Profit and Loss Statements Required of PTOs and Fundraisers? 2 School Board Members Object to New Policy
The Flagler County school district is proposing a policy requiring stricter accounting practices for parent-teacher organizations, booster clubs and individuals raising money for schools. District officials admit no fraud exists to justify these administrative burdens. School Board members Janie Ruddy and Lauren Ramirez argue the rules will discourage volunteers, if not fundraising. The proposal remains inconclusive.
Taxpayer Cost of Private School Vouchers in Flagler County Surges to $19 Million as District Enrollment Falls
Flagler County public schools lost $400,000 in funding and 100 students between fall and January financial and enrollment calculations as private school subsidies of vouchers surged 20 percent since last year. State voucher spending reached $19.2 million dollars this year. District enrollment remains stagnant despite significant population growth, and budget transparency issues persist because state calculations combine voucher funds with district allocations.
School Board Cools On YMCA Pool Partnership While Considering Building Its Own, Despite Fiascoes
The Flagler County School Board is not enthusiastic about a potential partnership with Palm Coast for a shared YMCA pool, instead showing interest in the district building its own Olympic-size facility despite past management and financial failures at its own Belle Terre Swim and Racquet Club. This discussion coincided with an unsolicited $1.9 million offer from Ryan Companies for surplus district land that could provide revenue for a district stake at the YMCA.
Palm Coast City Hall and 3 Schools Lost Internet and Phone Service Thursday and Friday in Accidental Cable Cut
A subcontractor accidentally severed a Fibernet line along U.S. 1 on Thursday, caused significant internet and phone outages for Palm Coast City Hall, Matanzas High School, Belle Terre Elementary and Indian Trails Middle School. Crews worked overnight to repair the damage and restore services by Saturday morning. Teachers transitioned to offline instruction to avoid classroom disruptions. The city manager intends to seek full financial reimbursement for the repair project costs.
Limiting Student School Board Members To Cheerleading Scripts Undermines Role’s Original Intent
Flagler County Schools established student board members in 2002 to provide authentic youth perspectives on policy. The students once influenced graduation requirements and infrastructure improvements. Recent trends relegated them to ceremonial duties and prepared scripts. Board members Lauren Ramirez and Janie Ruddy want to restore meaningful participation, Will Furry and Christy Chong don’t. A new policy defining the roles would be pointless if it does not empower students to lead effectively as intended.
Deputy City Manager Lauren Johnston Leaves Palm Coast For Top Operations Role At Flagler Schools
Palm Coast Deputy City Manager Lauren Johnston is moving to the Flagler County School District as the new chief of operations in place of Dave Freeman. Superintendent LaShakia Moore announced the appointment this morning alongside new Human Resources Director Joshua Walker. Johnston accepted a significant pay cut to improve her work-life balance. City Manager Michael McGlothlin plans to name an interim replacement within a week.
Flagler School Board Tensions Flare Again as Members Reject Lauren Ramirez’s Call For Procedural Retreat
Flagler County School Board members rejected a request from Lauren Ramirez for a retreat to discuss board procedures and parliamentary conduct. The discussion highlighted ongoing friction between members and exacerbated by a vacant fifth seat Governor Ron DeSantis has failed to fill though he’s known it would require an appointment for a year. Members argued a retreat should wait until a full board is seated following the upcoming August primary or November election.
Flagler Schools Update Mandatory ECG Testing Policy for Student Athletes, This Time Without Controversy
Flagler County is updating its mandatory electrocardiogram testing policy for student athletes to align with new state legislation that mirrors the district’s pioneering rules. The school board on Tuesday voted to advance changes requiring students in athletics and marching bands to complete screenings every two years. The district’s ongoing partnership with AdventHealth provides free clinics, which recently saved a local basketball player from cardiac emergencies.
Flagler School Board Members Clash Over Allowing Student Representatives to Participate in Discussions
The Flagler County School Board is divided over a proposed policy defining the official roles of its student representatives. While two members advocate for allowing students to actively participate in board discussions without voting power, two others argue student input should be strictly limited to prevent political “weaponization” and procedural issues. The district administration is revising the draft to reach an acceptable compromise.
Proposal to Honor Jim Guines With Flagler School Building Name Paused Over Lease Doubts
The Flagler County School Board is delaying a proposal to rename its leased Engagement Center after the late Jim Guines, a former board member and lifelong educator. Board members expressed concerns about dedicating a potentially temporary facility to Guines, as the district’s lease expires in September. The board will wait for more clarity on the building’s future before proceeding with any permanent facility naming plans.
Former School Board Member Trevor Tucker Enters Race Against Christy Chong in Rematch
Former Flagler County School Board member Trevor Tucker has filed to run for his old District 4 seat, challenging incumbent Christy Chong. Citing a lack of board cohesion and a desire for rational governance, Tucker admits he underestimated the need to campaign in 2022. He plans a more robust effort this election cycle to address district dysfunction.
Michelle Moore and Calvin Grant Named Flagler Schools’ Teacher and Employee of the Year
Michelle Moore of Belle Terre Elementary School was named the 2025-2026 District Teacher of the Year. Calvin Grant of Flagler Palm Coast High School was named the 2025-2026 District Employee of the Year. Moore and Grant will represent Flagler Schools in the Florida Department of Education’s state-level competitions later this year.
Florida House Advances Plan to Phase Out Non-School Property Taxes Despite Anguish Over Local Services
Florida House committees advanced two major property-tax proposals on Thursday, including a constitutional amendment to phase out non-school homestead taxes over ten years. While Republicans argue the move prevents local governments from treating residents like an “ATM,” Democrats and local officials warn of decimated public services. Meanwhile, the Senate has yet to release a companion plan, leaving the final form of a potential November ballot initiative in a holding pattern as leaders negotiate.
Flagler Student Musicians Shine at All-State; All-County Concert Set for Jan. 31
Four Flagler County students represented the district at the Florida All-State Band performances in Tampa following a rigorous audition process. Matanzas Director Ryan Schulz was also recognized for coordinating the High School Honors Band. The community can see local talent next at the All-County Band Concert, Saturday, Jan. 31, at 11:30 a.m. in the Matanzas High School Pirate Theater.
Against 2 Colleagues’ Claims of Inexperience, Lauren Ramirez Achieves Elite FSBA Certified Status
Flagler County School Board member Lauren Ramirez has earned the Florida School Boards Association’s Certified Board Member distinction, a credential held by only 27 percent of members statewide. This achievement comes months after fellow board members Will Furry and Christy Chong blocked her vice-chairmanship, citing a lack of experience. Despite managing a business and four children, Ramirez completed 96 hours of specialized training. She is currently the only member of the Flagler board to hold this professional certification.
Jill Woolbright, Controversial Former School Board Member and Culture Warrior, Files to Run Again
Former Flagler County School Board member Jill Woolbright, who claimed she was in “satanic warfare” against the district, has filed to run for the District 1 seat she’d held for two years. She faces newcomer Cathy Lynn Moon, a retired postal executive focused on fiscal efficiency and public school advocacy. The district is grappling with stagnant enrollment and the rising impact of state private-school vouchers, an issue both candidates address.
After Anemic Congressional Campaign, Furry Pivots Back to School Board Re-Election from His Coveted Vice Chairmanship
Flagler County School Board member Will Furry has quit his bid to challenge U.S. Rep. Randy Fine in the GOP congressional primary to run for re-election to the School Board. Furry attributed his withdrawal to uncertainty over potential redistricting, though his campaign struggled to raise funds against opponents like Fine and Charles Gambaro. His return follows a contentious November episode where he and Chair Christy Chong deadlocked the board for nine hours to block a colleague’s appointment as vice chair.
Flagler District Wants Exemption to Later School Start Times Despite Sleep Science on Healthier Adolescents
The Flagler County school district is preparing to exempt itself from a Florida law requiring later start times for middle and high schools by 2026. Citing logistical challenges, transportation costs, and parental preference for current schedules, district officials argue against the change despite scientific evidence supporting more sleep for adolescents. A recent district survey indicates that while parents acknowledge the health benefits of later starts, many fear disruptions to work schedules and extracurricular activities.
The Phoenix Declaration’s Serenade of Dog Whistles
The Heritage Foundation’s “Phoenix” doctrine, recently adopted by Florida, is a Christian nationalist manifesto designed to eradicate educational dissent. It prioritizes “parental omnipotence” over children’s intellectual freedom. By diverting public funds to private vouchers and sanitizing history, the doctrine cements a decades-long conservative war against public education and enforces a “pinched, angry” monoculture that suppresses critical thinking in favor of dogmatic, exclusionary patriotism.
Audit of State Funding Of School Vouchers Reveals ‘Myriad of Accountability Problems’
The state’s school voucher program has exhibited “a myriad of accountability problems” and caused a funding shortfall for public schools, a state audit released this week shows. The audit, encompassing the 2024-2025 school year, was presented this week to lawmakers, who are spending the weeks leading up to the legislative session learning the woes of […]