Summer Means Progress: Behind the Scenes with Citrus County Schools Facilities, Construction, and Maintenance Teams

While students and teachers enjoy a well-deserved summer break, another group of dedicated professionals is hard at work across Citrus County Schools. Summer is one of the busiest times of the year for our Facilities, Construction, and Maintenance Departments, led by Director Eric Stokes and his outstanding team.

Mr. Stokes brings more than 30 years of experience in the construction and facilities industry to Citrus County Schools. Over the course of his career, he has held numerous construction-related licenses and has spent roughly half of his professional life working in the private sector and the other half serving our school district. His expertise, leadership, and commitment to excellence have helped ensure that our students and staff have safe, comfortable, and efficient learning environments.

The summer of 2026 has proven to be another productive season as Mr. Stokes, his teams, and the outside contractors they oversee continue to complete critical facility improvements throughout the district.

Among the major projects currently underway are re-roofing efforts at both Homosassa Elementary School and the Withlacoochee Technical College (WTC) campus. Roof replacement projects are essential investments that protect our facilities, preserve taxpayer resources, and ensure that classrooms remain safe and operational for years to come. Florida’s weather can be particularly demanding on school facilities, making these proactive improvements especially important.

Another significant project this summer is the installation of a new fire alarm system at Citrus Springs Elementary School. Safety remains our highest priority, and upgrading critical life-safety systems helps ensure that students, staff, and visitors are protected with modern, reliable technology.

One of the largest projects underway is a major HVAC upgrade at Crystal River Middle School. This project highlights the incredible work of our maintenance department, which has consistently maximized the lifespan of existing equipment. The HVAC units being replaced have served the school for more than 25 years, enduring multiple hurricanes and operating well beyond their anticipated life cycle. Through diligent maintenance, careful repairs, and responsible stewardship of district resources, our team was able to extend the usefulness of this equipment far beyond industry expectations. Simply put, we got our money’s worth. The new system will improve energy efficiency, reliability, and comfort for students and staff while reducing long-term maintenance costs.

Security enhancements also remain a top priority for Citrus County Schools. Each year, district leaders work closely with local law enforcement agencies to identify opportunities to strengthen campus security. This summer’s security project focuses on front office enhancements at Lecanto Primary School. These improvements are designed to provide additional layers of protection while maintaining a welcoming environment for students, families, and visitors.

This project is especially noteworthy because it was made possible largely through grant funding secured with the assistance of the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office, former CCSB Police Chief Captain Montgomery, and our law enforcement partners. Their collaboration demonstrates the strong relationships that exist between Citrus County Schools and local public safety agencies. Together, we continue to seek innovative ways to improve school safety while being responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars.

Another exciting project is taking place at the Crystal River High School Veterinary Academy. This enhancement project is being funded through Career and Technical Education (CTE) grant resources and will significantly expand and improve the program’s capabilities. Citrus County Schools has long recognized the importance of providing students with real-world career pathways, and the Veterinary Academy continues to be a shining example of that commitment. The improvements will provide students with enhanced learning opportunities, expanded hands-on experiences, and greater preparation for future careers in veterinary medicine, animal science, and related fields.

Beyond these major construction projects, numerous smaller improvements are being completed throughout the district by our maintenance teams. While these projects may not always make headlines, they are essential to the daily operation and long-term success of our schools. From classroom repairs and painting to plumbing, electrical work, grounds maintenance, and facility upgrades, these teams address countless needs that help our schools function effectively.

Equally deserving of recognition are our custodial teams. Throughout the summer months, custodians work tirelessly to maintain construction areas while simultaneously preparing schools for the upcoming academic year. Floors are stripped, cleaned, and refinished. Classrooms are deep cleaned and refreshed. Buildings are inspected and prepared. Grounds are maintained and enhanced. Their work often occurs behind the scenes and outside normal school hours, yet it plays a vital role in creating welcoming learning environments for students and staff.

These dedicated employees are truly the quiet heroes of our school district. They work long hours under demanding schedules and often with tight deadlines to ensure every school is ready when students return in August. Their commitment to excellence helps provide safe, comfortable, and adequate learning environments where students can thrive.

As we look forward to the start of another school year, it is important to recognize and thank the many individuals who make these improvements possible. From Director Eric Stokes and his leadership team to our maintenance technicians, custodians, contractors, and community partners, their efforts are helping build a stronger future for Citrus County Schools.

While summer may appear quiet on our campuses, tremendous work is taking place behind the scenes. Thanks to these dedicated professionals, our schools will be ready to welcome students back to safe, modern, and well-maintained facilities for another successful year of learning.

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Florida K-12 AI in Education Task Force Continues Important Work

Great insights shared this morning at the Florida K-12 AI in Education Task Force meeting in Tampa.

As a founding member of the Task Force, I am grateful to work alongside Dr. Maya Israel, Roberto Alonso, and the many dedicated educators and leaders who coordinated and presented today’s session. I am proud of the collaborative work taking place across our state to help school districts navigate innovation in a thoughtful, practical, and student-centered way.

Our mission has always been clear: share best practices, support educators, and provide resources that help schools confidently adapt to emerging technologies while keeping students at the center of every decision.

Technology will continue to evolve, and education must evolve with it. By learning from one another and working together, we can ensure our teachers have the support they need and our students are prepared for the future with the appropriate safeguards, skills, and opportunities in place.

Thankful for the many partners across Florida who continue to contribute their time, expertise, and commitment to this important work. Together, we are helping shape the future of education for all students.

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A Week of Learning, Leadership, and Lasting Memories in Washington, D.C.

This week, our 2026 Citrus County Schools Safety Patrol students and their families experienced one of the most memorable traditions in our school district as they traveled through our nation’s capital, Washington, D.C. From historic landmarks and national monuments to museums and memorials that tell the story of America, this annual trip provided students with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn beyond the classroom while building friendships and creating memories that will last forever.

The Safety Patrol Trip has long been a cherished tradition that recognizes student leadership, responsibility, and service. This experience gave students the chance to see firsthand the history, government, and ideals that have shaped our nation while broadening their perspectives and inspiring them as future leaders and engaged citizens.

This incredible experience would not have been possible without the support of many dedicated partners and volunteers. We extend our sincere appreciation to Sheriff David Vincent and the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office, especially our outstanding School Resource Officers (SROs), deputies, EMS personnel, and support teams who worked tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of our students throughout the trip. Their commitment to our children and schools was truly invaluable.

We are also deeply grateful to our community partner, Educational Tours, for once again providing exceptional travel planning, accommodations, and logistical support. Their professionalism, attention to detail, and unwavering commitment to student safety helped make this remarkable journey possible from start to finish. Because of their efforts, our students and families were able to focus on learning, exploring, and enjoying every moment of this unique experience.

A special thank you also goes to our many community sponsors, whose generosity helped support this longstanding tradition. Their investment in our students reflects the strength of a community that believes in providing young people with meaningful educational opportunities beyond the classroom walls.

Most importantly, we recognize our dedicated teacher sponsors and chaperones. These educators devoted countless hours to planning, supervising, and supporting students throughout the trip. Their leadership, care, and commitment ensured that every student had a safe, enriching, and memorable experience.

Having personally experienced this trip twice as a parent, my wife, children, and I can attest to the profound impact it has had on everyone involved. The memories created, the lessons learned, and the experiences shared will remain with students and families long after returning home. It is an opportunity that broadens horizons, builds confidence, and deepens appreciation for our nation’s history and democratic institutions.

As the trip comes to a close, it is inspiring to reflect on how our Safety Patrol students represented Citrus County Schools with pride, maturity, and enthusiasm. They earned this opportunity through their leadership and service to their schools and continued a tradition that has positively influenced generations of students.

To our 2026 Safety Patrol students and families, we hope you enjoyed every moment of this remarkable adventure. You have taken in the history, embraced the learning opportunities, created new memories, and shared experiences that will stay with you for a lifetime.

Safe travels home, congratulations, and thank you for representing Citrus County Schools so well in our nation’s capital.

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