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.

Under the leadership of Marla Hiers, Director of Personnel with the Levy County School District, a group of aspiring leaders is meeting periodically to gain insight into the various leadership roles that exist within their school district.

In addition, these future leaders are being guided through a book study. John Maxwell’s book, Leadershift, is being proudly displayed at their January 13th book chat. The book study is being facilitated by Ronda Parrish (not pictured), Manager of Instructional Leadership Programs with the North East Florida Educational Consortium. Both NEFEC and the Levy County School District are proud of this opportunity to mentor and grow future leaders together.

At their January 13th meeting, NEFEC's Organization of Education Leaders (NOELs) prepped for literacy week by sharing quotes from their favorite children's books. The noise level in the Union County School Board office grew as district staff shared personal connections with books. District leaders were encouraged to plan events for the week of January 24-28 when the entire state of Florida will be promoting literacy.

Marcie Tucker, principal of Lake Butler Elementary School, spoke to NEFEC's Organization of Education Leaders (NOELs) on January 13th about her experiences with the Rural Connect Literacy Grant. She shared that LBES has used the professional learning as a school-wide approach to literacy.

A core group of teachers, along with herself and the literacy coach, have attended Rural Connect Professional Learning Communities throughout the 2021-22 school year. This has allowed them to network with other NEFEC teachers. Teachers have formed lasting relationships with other teachers across the region. Marcie shared the value of sustained professional learning for truly making a difference in student growth as a school.

FREE's annual golf tournament is scheduled for March 25, 2022, at The Palatka Golf Club.

Summer Leadership Conference