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

October 2023 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.
Visit our website

October's Resiliency Leaders for Perseverance

NEFEC supports the development and implementation of Florida's Resiliency Education Initiative. Each month, NEFEC superintendents and administrators are recognized for a specific characteristic or resilience. October's characteristic is perseverance.

Perseverance: Continuing to try, even when things are hard.


Perseverance is a vital trait that empowers individuals to overcome challenges and achieve their goals. It is the unwavering determination to persist in the face of adversity that often distinguishes success from failure. Perseverance enables individuals to learn from their mistakes, adapt to changing circumstances, and ultimately reach their full potential. Whether in personal relationships, academic pursuits, or professional endeavors, the importance of perseverance lies in its ability to turn obstacles into stepping stones toward a brighter future.

October’s Resilient Leaders Recognized For Perseverance:


Supt. Will Hartley, Bradford County

Supt. Robby Edwards, Lafayette County

Bonnie Jones, Principal, Baker County 

Cassie Melvin, Principal, Bradford County 

Roger Little, Principal, Columbia County 

Josh O’Neal, Principal, Dixie County 

Kristin Bozeman, Principal, Flagler County 

Cheri Langford, Principal, Gilchrist County 

Tim Adams, Principal, Putnam County 

Laura Williams, Principal, Suwannee County


Stay up-to-date with the resiliency initiative on NEFEC's Facebook page.

Science and Social Studies Materials Fair

An Instructional Materials Fair was held for all NEFEC districts this week. Around 300 educators from small and rural districts explored Social Studies and Science materials for upcoming adoptions. 


Vendors conducted breakout sessions to provide information about their products. Educators were able to ask questions and explore materials. Collaboration took place among districts throughout the day. 


Districts will now form committees with stakeholders and proceed with the adoption process.  

Proud of Third Year PLCP Teacher

Congratulations to Taylor Dykes, sixth grade teacher at Melrose Elementary School in Putnam County, on being selected Teacher of the Year!


Taylor is in her third year teaching and is a third year participant in NEFEC's Professional Learning Certification Program (PLCP).


PLCP supports teachers who arrive to education with alternate certification by providing professional learning, mentor support, and a road map to obtaining professional certification.

Mark Your Calendars
26th Annual Golf Tournament

FREE's annual golf tournament is scheduled for March 22, 2024, at The Palatka Golf Club.
Summer Leadership Conference

NEFEC's Annual Summer Leadership Conference is scheduled for July 8-10, 2024, at the Sawgrass Marriott in
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL.


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


Twitter  
EDUC8