FLEMING ISLAND – Although the county is still grappling with a constant barrage of book challenges, the school district focused more on its accomplishments during its first meeting of the new year.

The district has reason to tout its accomplishments, like being identified as an “A” school district by the Florida Department of Education.

“Only 16 districts in the state of Florida are ‘A’ school districts. Clay County is one of them,” said Superintendent David Broskie.

Broskie shared the Clay County School District is ranked the No. 6 in Florida based on metrics such as academics, athletics, diversity, quality of teachers, and reviews from students and parents. The civics educational program is No. 1 in the state, Broskie said.

The school board was also recognized for achieving Certified Board Status. “This is a great way to start your 2024, by receiving this plaque,” said a Florida School Boards Association representative. “You have elevated the standards of the board in Clay County and are a shining light to all school districts and beyond.”

EdFIRST, a half-cent sales tax implemented to raise revenue for infrastructure improvements in public schools, was reported to have raised $17.8 million in revenue for the 2022-2023 fiscal year. The projection for the 2023-2024 fiscal year is $21.5 million.

Since its inception in 2021, the total revenue raised from the half-cent sales tax is $47.2 million. Total expenditure was $31.9 million.

Expenditures for this year included air conditioning repair at McCrae Elementary, restroom renovations in Ridgeview High, roof renovations on both Middleburg High and Oakleaf Village Elementary and a new cafetorium for Keystone Heights Elementary. The Citizen Advisory Committee approved these projects and many more.

Board Member Erin Skipper invited the public to an open forum Jan. 16 at Orange Park High to discuss the district’s media policy, primarily the “book ban” debate.

“I know we’ve been talking about books quite some time,” said Skipper. “We want to hear from you.”