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All Access with Dr. Asplen – R. B. Hunt Elementary School

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Our latest episode of All Access with Dr. Asplen takes us to R. B. Hunt Elementary School!

Come along as Dr. Asplen explores the campus, connects with students and staff, and highlights some of the wonderful things happening at R. B. Hunt Elementary School. This episode offers a glimpse into the everyday moments, opportunities and experiences that make this school community unique.

We invite you to watch the video and share it with others as we continue showcasing the incredible things happening across St. Johns County School District.

Thank you for helping us celebrate the students and staff who make St. Johns County School District Florida’s #1 school district! Together, we Shine Bright with the Best!

All Access with Dr. Asplen – R. B. Hunt Elementary School Read More »

School Board Meeting on November 10

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On Tuesday, November 10, the St. Johns County School Board will hold a School Board Meeting at 4:30 p.m. The meeting will be held in the auditorium at Orange Street and in the virtual platform Webex. If you would like to join the meeting, please visit the link below from a supported Android/Mac/Windows device and you will be entered as an attendee.

If you do not have the ability to log in through the virtual platform, you may call in to the meeting using the phone number and access codes listed below.

  • Join the School Board Workshop by phone –
    Call 1-844-992-4726,
    use access code 2630 970 1739
    and password 99363634

In the event that you want to attend this meeting and make a public comment and experience technical difficulties, please call the St. Johns County School District’s main line at 904-547-7500 for assistance.

This WebEx event is set to allow attendees to join early. If you join early, you will see a message stating “The host for this event will arrive shortly”. Once the event begins you will be automatically joined into the event. If you have issues connecting to this event when using the WebEx app on an iPad, iPhone or Android device, please remove the WebEx app from your device and reinstall it from your device’s app store. WebEx is constantly updating their software and in most cases, this will fix the issue.

Need help using Webex? Please read How to Join a Webex Meeting.

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Now Accepting First Controlled Open Enrollment Applications

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ST. AUGUSTINE, FL — The St. Johns County School District is now accepting applications for the first window of Controlled Open Enrollment for the 2026-2027 school year.

The application window is open November 2 through November 13, 2026, and is available to all Florida residents. Controlled Open Enrollment is a statewide school choice option that allows families to apply to schools outside of their district-assigned attendance boundary, based on availability.

The St. Johns County School District is Florida’s number one ranked school district, with students consistently achieving top results in reading, mathematics, science, and end-of-course assessments. Students also perform above state and national averages on Advanced Placement exams and ACT and SAT assessments.

“Every student deserves access to an educational environment where they can learn, grow, and succeed,” said Superintendent Dr. Brennan Asplen. “Controlled Open Enrollment allows families to explore the exceptional academic programs and learning experiences available throughout our district and choose a school that best meets their child’s needs and goals.”

Selecting a preferred district school offers several benefits, including access to high-quality academic programs supported by strong instructional practices, schools that align with a child’s interests, learning style, or future goals, and locations that may be closer to home, work, or childcare.

Families interested in applying for Controlled Open Enrollment can find a full list of schools accepting applications, eligibility details, and apply on the district website.

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All Access with Dr. Asplen – South Woods Elementary School

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We’re excited to share the latest episode of All Access with Dr. Asplen, featuring South Woods Elementary School!

In this episode, viewers get a special look inside South Woods Elementary School, where students and staff come together to create a welcoming and engaging learning environment. From meaningful classroom experiences to the connections that make each school day special, this video highlights the enthusiasm and dedication of the South Woods Elementary School community.

We hope you enjoy this opportunity to explore South Woods Elementary School and meet some of the students and staff who make it such a wonderful place to learn and grow.

Thank you for helping us celebrate our schools and the people who make St. Johns County School District Florida’s #1 school district. Together, we Shine Bright with the Best!

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27 St. Johns County Schools Named Schools of Excellence

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District Earns Academically High-Performing Designation for 2025–2026

Twenty-seven St. Johns County School District schools are designated as Schools of Excellence for 2025 – 2026, according to the Florida Department of Education. The district is also one of 18 in Florida designated as an Academically High-Performing School District for 2025 – 2026.

The Schools of Excellence designation recognizes schools that rank among the top 20% of Florida schools serving similar grade levels for at least two of the past three school years. Schools may keep the designation for up to three years if they continue to meet state requirements.

The following St. Johns County schools were included in the 2025 –  2026 designation:

Elementary Schools: Cunningham Creek Elementary School  Durbin Creek Elementary School, Hickory Creek Elementary School, Julington Creek Elementary School, Ketterlinus Elementary School, Ocean Palms Elementary School, Otis A. Mason Elementary School, Palencia Elementary School, PVPV-Rawlings Elementary School, R. B. Hunt Elementary School, Timberlin Creek Elementary School, W.D. Hartley Elementary School.

Middle Schools: Alice B. Landrum Middle School, Fruit Cove Middle School, Pacetti Bay Middle School, Switzerland Point Middle School.

High Schools: Allen D. Nease High School, Bartram Trail High School, Beachside High School, Creekside High School, Ponte Vedra High School.

K-8 Academies: Freedom Crossing Academy, Liberty Pines Academy, Palm Valley Academy, Patriot Oaks Academy, Pine Island Academy, Valley Ridge Academy.

“We are proud of our schools and the hard work behind these recognitions,” said Superintendent Dr. Brennan Asplen. “Our students and staff earn this success every day, with support from families and our community. We will continue building on that work to help every student succeed.”

St. Johns County School District remains committed to high expectations and meaningful learning opportunities that prepare students for their futures.

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Shine Bright with the Best: Celebrating Disability History and Awareness Weeks

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In recognition of Disability History and Awareness Weeks, St. Johns County School District is proud to highlight students in our Life Work Program.

Life Work serves young adults with disabilities who have earned a standard high school diploma and benefit from continued support as they build skills for employment, social interaction and independent living. Through classroom instruction, work-based learning and real-world experiences in the community, students identify their strengths, explore their interests and prepare for life after high school.

Watch the video to learn more about our Life Work students and their experiences.

Shine Bright with the Best: Celebrating Disability History and Awareness Weeks Read More »

District Library Material Objection Committee

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If you are interested in serving on the SJCSD Library Material Objection Committee, we invite you to submit your interest by completing the Objection Committee Interest Form.

To be considered for the initial committee, please complete the form and required training included on the form by October.

Please note: The form will remain open throughout the school year, and committee members will be selected at random.

Thank you for your willingness to support our schools and students!

Complete the District Library Material Objection Committee Interest Form

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Shine Bright with the Best: College & Career Night 2026

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On September 2, students and families came together at the World Golf Village Renaissance Conference Center for College & Career Night – an evening focused on exploring possibilities and planning for the future. More than 90 colleges, universities, businesses and organizations were on hand to connect directly with students, share information and introduce them to a wide range of opportunities after high school.

Whether students were interested in continuing their education, exploring a potential career field or simply beginning to think about what comes next, College & Career Night gave them the opportunity to ask questions, make connections and start important conversations about their futures. It’s another way we’re helping our students discover their possibilities and Shine Bright with the Best!

For more information, please visit our Guidance & Programs of Choice website.

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Come Drive the Bus With Us on Sept. 26

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The St. Johns County School District Transportation Department will host a hands-on recruitment event Saturday, September 26, offering prospective school bus drivers an opportunity to get behind the wheel of a full-size school bus and learn more about available positions.

The ‘Come Drive the Bus with Us’ event will take place from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m. at First Coast Technical College’s Public Safety Campus, 3640 Gaines Road in St. Augustine.

Unlike a traditional recruitment or open house event, ‘Come Drive the Bus with Us’ will allow participants to meet school district transportation team members and take a school bus test drive on the campus test track. Participants must have a valid driver’s license to drive a school bus during the event.

“We want people to have the opportunity to experience what it is like to drive a school bus and meet the team before deciding whether the position is right for them,” said Superintendent Dr. Brennan Asplen. “Our transportation employees play an important role in supporting students and families throughout St. Johns County, and this event allows prospective applicants to learn more about that work firsthand.”

Community members interested in learning more about school bus driving careers with the district are invited to attend and speak with transportation staff about available opportunities and the application process.

OneBlood’s ‘Big Red Bus’ bloodmobile will also be on site from 8:00 to 11:30 a.m. for community members who would like to donate blood.

Come Drive the Bus with Us! Sat, Sept 26 - 8am-11am - Public Safety Campus Test Track, 3640 Gaines Road, St. Augustine, FL 32084 - Must have a valid driver's license
See Available Positions in the Transportation Department
Donate Blood Flyer
Make an Appointment to Donate Blood

Come Drive the Bus With Us on Sept. 26 Read More »

Instructional Materials Adoption for Career & Technical Education (CTE)

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The St. Johns County School District has begun its review of instructional materials for Career & Technical Education. These resources are chosen from the list of materials submitted to the Florida Department of Education.

You may access digital resources on http://www.EdCredible.com once they are available from the publisher (instructions for access available on this webpage).

Print Materials: Some printed materials might be available. You may review materials from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM when district offices are open. To access them or receive assistance with online resources, call 904.547.8900.

Get Involved: Parents and community members are encouraged to participate. If you want to join a school committee to serve on a review team, contact any school or call 904.547.8900 by Friday, October 30, 2026. Committee spots are limited, and school administrators will select members from those interested.

Instructional Materials Adoption for Career & Technical Education (CTE) Read More »

Instructional Materials Adoption for World Languages

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The St. Johns County School District has begun its review of instructional materials for World Languages. These resources are chosen from the list of materials submitted to the Florida Department of Education.

You may access digital resources on http://www.EdCredible.com once they are available from the publisher (instructions for access available on this webpage).

Print Materials: Some printed materials might be available. You may review materials from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM when district offices are open. To access them or receive assistance with online resources, call 904.547.8900.

Get Involved: Parents and community members are encouraged to participate. If you want to join a school committee to serve on a review team, contact any school or call 904.547.8900 by Friday, October 30, 2026. Committee spots are limited, and school administrators will select members from those interested.

Instructional Materials Adoption for World Languages Read More »

Public Notice: Title I and Title IV Ed Flex Waiver Request

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Public Comment Period: September 16 through October 5, 2026

St. Johns County School District is seeking public feedback on proposed Ed Flex waivers for the 2026 to 2027 Title I, Part A and Title IV, Part A federal grants.

SJCSD is requesting flexibility from certain federal requirements to better align funding with identified student needs, district priorities, and programs demonstrating positive outcomes.

For Title I, Part A, the district is seeking flexibility related to carryover limitations, schoolwide program poverty thresholds and grandfathering provisions, Parent and Family Engagement funding, budget and activity level revisions, and Rank and Serve requirements. These flexibilities would help the district maintain continuity of services, respond to changing school needs, and expand opportunities for meaningful parent and family engagement.

For Title IV, Part A, the district is seeking flexibility from required spending percentages across program areas and limitations on certain technology expenditures. This would allow the district to strengthen high priority initiatives, including tutoring and targeted academic intervention supported by effective instructional technology.

The proposed waivers would not change the allowable uses or overall purposes of Title I or Title IV funds. They would provide SJCSD greater flexibility in directing federal resources based on identified needs while maintaining appropriate oversight and accountability.

Parents, employees, students, and community members are invited to provide feedback on the proposed waivers through October 5, 2026.

Provide Feedback on the Proposed Title I, Part A Waiver
Provide Feedback on the Proposed Title IV Waiver

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All Access with Dr. Asplen – Creekside High School

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This edition of All Access with Dr. Asplen brings us to Creekside High School, with senior class president Bree McCoy leading the tour. Dr. Asplen sits in on an AP Seminar Capstone class, cheers on the band ahead of their trip to Chicago, and stops by the school’s TV production academy to meet its newest student anchors.

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SJEA & SJESPA Contracts Ratified

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We are pleased to announce the successful ratification of the 2026–2027 contracts for the St. Johns Education Association (SJEA) and the St. Johns Educational Support Professional Association (SJESPA). This milestone reflects the strong communication and shared commitment demonstrated by both bargaining teams throughout the negotiation process. The SJEA agreement supports our dedicated employees while reinforcing our collective focus on providing the highest quality education and service to our students, families, and community. We extend our sincere appreciation to everyone involved for their professionalism and partnership in reaching this outcome. Together, we continue to build a strong future for St. Johns County Schools.

Paul Abbatinozzi, Deputy Superintendent and SJCSD Chief Negotiator, stated:

“This agreement is the result of a collaborative process grounded in mutual respect and a shared commitment to our employees and students. We appreciate the professionalism demonstrated throughout negotiations and are proud of an agreement that supports our dedicated educators while maintaining our focus on student achievement. As the District’s chief negotiator, I am especially grateful for the partnership and problem-solving approach displayed by both bargaining teams. Together, we continue to build a district where employees are valued and students thrive.”

Jesse Biesiada, SJEA Chief Negotiator, stated:

“The ratification of the 2026-2027 agreement demonstrates what is possible when bargaining teams work together with a shared commitment to students, employees, and the community. While negotiations often involve differing perspectives, both teams remained focused on finding common ground and achieving an outcome that strengthens our schools and supports those who make student success possible every day.”

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All Access with Dr Asplen – Julington Creek Elementary

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In today’s All Access with Dr. Asplen, Principal Reichenberg takes us on a tour of Julington Creek Elementary. Dr. Asplen visits a new VPK class, joins kindergarten students for a game of Sparkle, checks out scooter hockey in P.E., and meets second graders portraying presidents and first ladies during their Hall of Presidents presentations.

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All Access With Dr. Asplen – Pacetti Bay Middle School

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This edition of All Access with Dr. Asplen takes us to Pacetti Bay Middle School, where students showcase their leadership and creativity through the WEB program and TV production, which produces the school’s daily news show. Dr. Asplen also enjoys performances from student vocalists and cheerleaders celebrating the school’s strong Wildcat spirit.

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