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

April 2025 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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Assistant Principal of the Year from Nassau

Congratulations to Nassau County School District’s Bryan Alvaré on being selected as the 2025 Florida Assistant Principal of the Year!

Future Business Leader of America

Carra Clark of Lafayette High was elected Region 1 State Vice President for Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA). Carra will travel the state representing Region 1 during her senior year aiming to bring FBLA to small and rural districts. Carra, a top 5 student at LHS, maintains a 4.0 GPA while dual enrolled at North Florida College and River Oak Technical College. A four-time All-Area soccer player, she led the Lafayette Lady Hornets to four consecutive district championships. Carra will not only represent Lafayette High School and Lafayette County but also NEFEC districts as she travels the state. Congratulations to Carra and Lafayette High School.

New Teacher Network Award Winners

Congratulations to the New Teacher Network participants who were awarded $150 mini grants! These outstanding new educators applied what they learned through the network by implementing powerful strategies such as explicit instruction, effective classroom management, and strong organizational procedures. They also brought high-effect protocols like jigsaw and concept mapping to life in their classrooms.


By sharing their experiences and student impact, they’ve not only strengthened their own practice but also contributed to a community of learners. We are proud to celebrate their innovation, reflection, and dedication.

(left to right) Congratulations to: Brie Miller - Baker, Travis Homewood - FSDB, Caitlyn Oakes - Baker, Lashnda Curtis - Bradford, Cheyenne Godwin - Bradford, and Sheralynn Gonzales - Bradford

Mark Your Calendars

Summer Leadership Conference


NEFEC's Annual Summer Leadership Conference is scheduled for July 21-23, 2025, at the Sawgrass Marriott in

Ponte Vedra Beach, FL.



Conference Registration & Hotel Reservations





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


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