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

September 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.

Risk Management Recieves Theo Award

We are honored to share that NEFEC's Risk Management Program has been named a 2025 Theo Award Winner for excellence in workers' compensation.


The Theo Awards, named after President Theodore Roosevelt, honor organizations that demonstrate innovation and commitment in protecting workers and strengthening workplace safety.


With the support of our valued partners, PMA Management Corp., superintendents and risk management directors from participating member districts, and NEFEC's own risk management team, we reimagined our approach, leading to more streamlined processes, improved incident response, and stronger return-to-work initiatives.


This recognition reflects the power of collaboration across our districts and partners. Thank you to all who contributed to this achievement.

English Langauge Learners (ELL) Network

Leaders from 16 districts came together for the ELL Network to share innovative ways to better support english learners across the region. The Florida Department of Education's Title III Director, Mark Drennan, and his team joined virtually with updates and a walkthrough of ELL Plans.


NEFEC is excited to keep this important work moving forward with quarterly meetings throughout the year.

Annual Secondary Counselor Forum

It was a great day with school counselors at the NEFEC Annual Secondary Counselor Forum this month. Counselors explored legislative updates, effective approaches, college entrance exams, and CAPE scholarships. Thank you to the wonderful counselors for joining and all you do for your students every day!

Mark Your Calendars


28th Annual Golf Scramble


FREE's annual golf scramble is scheduled for April 10, 2026, at The Palatka Golf Club.



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


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