At the Okeechobee County School Board meeting on Tuesday, March 11, a young man signed a rather...
Join our family of readers for as little as $5 per month and support local, unbiased journalism.
Already have an account? Log in to continue. Otherwise, follow the link below to join.
Please log in to continue |
OKEECHOBEE — At the Okeechobee County School Board meeting on Tuesday, March 11, a young man signed a rather important piece of paper. Lane Davis of the Okeechobee High School Fishing Club signed a letter of intent for a scholarship with the University of Montevallo in Alabama. Friends, family and coaches of Lane attended to take part of this big event. Lane stated that he had received sever scholarship offers from other schools but ultimately decided that the University of Montevallo would be the best fit for him.
Additionally, Lane, a few of his fellow club members, OHS Fishing Club Coach Christen Coleman, and OHS Fishing Club boat captains were all honored at the meeting for qualifying for the Bassmaster High School National Championship.
Also honored at the meeting were all of the teachers who have been with Okeechobee Schools for five years.
Dr. Joseph Stanley gave a presentation about the re-branding of Okeechobee County Schools. Stanley explained that when most people think of branding, they think of a logo, but it is much more than that. “Research consistently shows that the effect of branding is the enhancement of things like trust, reputation of the community, and the retention of talent in the form of employance,” Stanley stated. He explained that a survey of administrators had been done and that only 8% of them could identify the vision and no one could identify the mission.
He went on to mention that there are multiple names used such as Okeechobee County School District, the School Board of Okeechobee County and Okeechobee County Schools, which has created some confusion. Stanley explained that branding is important in creating consistency and unity in an organization and it’s important for the public to be able to clearly see that unity and know that there is a common goal and mission.
Twenty-three (34%) school districts in Florida have recently undergone a re-branding. These districts have earned grades of A or B at a rate of 10% higher than the state average. They have also retained students at a rate of 10% higher than the state average.
Board member Melissa Jahner stated that she had visited several of the districts that have undergone a re-branding and that “the difference in their districts is like night and day and absolutely amazing.” She also feels it would be an excellent time for Okeechobee to move forward with a re-branding in to coincide with the new Okeechobee Schools website as well as having a new superintendent of schools this year.
The board also approved the Celebrate Music In Our Schools Month proclamation. The proclamation proclaims March 2025 as the month to celebrate music in schools. This celebration is a way to encourage all staff and students to celebrate and acknowledge that music education is an essential part of student’s well-rounded education.
Lastly, Superintendent Tedders announced that the bill (CS/HB 733) that was passed in 2023 that would require the change of start times for all Florida schools will likely be repelled. Many parents, teachers and school administrators have expressed concern that the earlier start times would be dangerous for children as it would have many out walking in the dark. Keep an eye on Lake Okeechobee News for updates on this topic.
