Hernando County Schools have been hitting the headlines, but the news isn't always good.
Hernando, formerly an "A" district, dropped to "B" status when the Florida Department of Education released school grades in June. Although no school earned a grade below a "C," Hernando still seems to be lagging behind other districts in the state. The Hernando Today reports:
According to a FDOE press release, 1,481, or 58 percent, of schools statewide, scored an "A" with an increase of 82 schools compared to last year. Meanwhile, 31 schools, or 1 percent statewide, earned an "F." That amount is 13 fewer schools compared to last year.
In addition to lower FDOE school grades, SAT scores and Advanced Placement test scores have also dropped significantly among high school students. According to SAT data released in September, district-wide scores in reading dropped four points, while writing scores plummeted eight points and math scores fell three points. Hernando High School and Central High School in particular showed large decreases in SAT scores, with Hernando plummeting over 20 points in each content area and Central falling as many as 18 points. Furthermore, when it comes to Advanced Placement tests, the district-wide percentage of passing scores is only 48.3%.
The reports don't stop at lackluster grades and test scores, either. This academic year alone, at least six Hernando County Schools employees have been arrested, suspended, or fired:
- In June, the state permanently revoked the teaching license of former Nature Coast Technical High School physical education teacher and coach, Jamie Joyner, for misconduct with a female student, including staying in a hotel room with her.
- In September, former culinary arts teacher and girls' soccer coach at Central High School, Jason Gray, had his teaching license suspended for drunk dialing a female student and asking her for a ride home.
- Also in September, Powell Middle School's Paul Duncan, who teaches math and coaches boys' golf and girls' basketball, and was also chosen as Teacher of the Year last school year, was arrested on DUI charges.
- In October, Central High School's Diana Kristine Young was fired after school officials discovered an outstanding warrant from Tennessee for failing to appear in court on drug sale and distribution charges.
- In November, it was discovered that Powell Middle School's assistant principal, Royce Green, had been smoking in the boys' restrooms for three months. His habit, which is illegal according to Florida state law, was a well-known secret among Powell's staff members. Fortunately, the students of Powell's Campus Police program were persistent in finding out the source of the smoke and then appropriately reported their findings.
- In early December, according to students and staff at Powell Middle School, the band director, Mr. Hutson, was suspended for several days for assault against a female student.
This does not include teachers or other employees who were asked to resign and whose stories didn't make the news.
