HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM ALL OF US!

At this time of the year, it's important to take some time to reflect on our families, friends, and colleagues. We are so thankful for each of you. All of you care about our students and work hard to make education excellence attainable for them. We hope that your holidays are filled with laughter, love, and some rest.

FREE and NEFEC also wish you a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year. We plan to begin 2025 with fresh engagement and renewed energy for our foundation, districts, and most importantly our students. Thanks for being a catalyst for making that happen!

Mini-Grants With New Teacher Network

In early December, FREE partnered with NEFEC's New Teacher Network to provide $150 mini-grants for three new teachers who attended and implemented practices learned through the network.

New Teacher Network Session #2 mini-grant winners were:

Lacianna Bielling - Union County (6th & 7th Math)

Rachel McClelland - Bradford County (Kindergarten)

Carolyn (Cari) Spencer - Columbia County (Spanish)

Congratulations to these amazing new teachers. We can't wait to award five more winners throughout the year for the impactful work taking place in the classrooms of new teachers. 

Dixie County Moves On Electric Buses

Dixie County Public Schools (DCPS) has introduced 23 new electric school buses, making its fleet one of the largest in Florida. Funded by a $9 million rebate from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean School Bus Program, this initiative underscores the district’s commitment to reducing emissions and improving air quality. The deployment signifies a critical milestone in DCPS’s transition away from diesel-powered transportation. Check out the press release using the link below:

The EV Report

Heartland Educational Consortium Visits

NEFEC is one of three educational consortia in Florida. NEFEC proudly hosted Donna Garcia, Executive Director, and Whitney McGee, Director, of the Heartland Educational Consortium this week as a part of the Tri-Consortia partnership. Together, the consortia are working to strengthen Florida's small and rural school districts. Thanks to both ladies for stopping by. We are better together.

27th Annual Golf Scramble

FREE's annual golf scramble is scheduled for March 28, 2025, at The Palatka Golf Club.

Registration Information

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