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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.

Shine Bright with the Best: College & Career Night 2026 Read More »

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.

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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

Public Notice: Title I and Title IV Ed Flex Waiver Request Read More »

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.

All Access with Dr. Asplen – Creekside High School Read More »

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.”

SJEA & SJESPA Contracts Ratified Read More »

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.

All Access With Dr. Asplen – Pacetti Bay Middle School Read More »

Opening Day 2026-2027

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The student count for the St. Johns County School District (SJCSD) the first day of school, August 10, was 48,093, an increase of 441 students or 0.93% over last year’s first day number of 47,652.

The high school student count was 16,533 with 2,125 students at Bartram Trail High School, 2,341 at Beachside High School, 2,325 at Creekside High School, 1,177 at Pedro Menendez High School, 2,346 at Allen D. Nease High School, 1,838 at Ponte Vedra High School, 1,650 at St. Augustine High School and 2,731 at Tocoi Creek High School.

Middle school attendance totaled 6,250 with student headcounts ranging from 603 at Sebastian Middle School to 1,225 at Pacetti Bay Middle School. The other first day totals were Alice B. Landrum Middle School with 841, Fruit Cove Middle School with 1,094, R. J. Murray Middle School with 754, Gamble Rogers Middle School with 767, and Switzerland Point Middle School with 966.

The district’s K-8 schools totaled 14,683. Liberty Pines Academy had a first day headcount of 1,503, Patriot Oaks Academy with 1,136, Valley Ridge Academy with 953, Freedom Crossing Academy with 1,043, Palm Valley Academy with 1,269, Mill Creek Academy with 1,618, Pine Island Academy with 1,151, Trout Creek Academy with 1,316, Lakeside Academy with 1,516, Hallowes Cove Academy with 1,214, Magnolia Oaks Academy with 1,240 and Sabal Crest Academy with 724.

The elementary school population totaled 9,663. This count only includes approximately 25% of all kindergarten students since most schools stagger the kindergarten start date over a four-day period. Another 964 students attended the district’s charter and alternative schools.

SJCSD staff will continue to monitor attendance numbers, balance classrooms and refine bus routes in the coming weeks.

Opening Day 2026-2027 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 September 11, 2026.

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

We appreciate your willingness to support our schools and students!

Complete the District Library Material Objection Committee Interest Form

District Library Material Objection Committee Read More »

All Access With Dr. Asplen – Valley Ridge Academy

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In today’s All Access, Dr. Asplen tours Valley Ridge Academy, where students are recognized through the school’s “BOB” (Be Our Best) character award program. Along the way, he and Principal Angie Fuller visit science and language arts classrooms to see students learning about cells through music and exploring figurative language, before wrapping up with a look at the school’s family literacy program that encourages reading at home.

All Access With Dr. Asplen – Valley Ridge Academy Read More »

St. Johns County School District Opens First School in Silverleaf Community

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St. Augustine, FL — St. Johns County School District proudly opened the doors to Magnolia Oaks Academy, a state-of-the-art K-8 public school located in the master-planned Silverleaf community. Home of the “Tigers” and featuring a vision focused on empowering learners and building leaders, the academy will serve students from kindergarten through seventh grade during the 2026-2027 school year. MOA will welcome 1,300 students on the first day of school, Aug. 10.

MOA is one of the newest schools joining SJCSD, Florida’s #1-ranked district, and will offer students and families an exceptional educational experience. SJCSD students’ performance on the Florida Assessment of Student Thinking (FAST), End-of-Course (EOC), and Statewide Science Assessment ranks are among the highest performing in the state for reading, math, and science. SJCSD is ranked first in all state-administered EOC exams, including civics. These achievements reflect the dedication of students, the commitment of teachers and staff, and the strong partnerships shared with families and the community.

MOA will provide students with unique opportunities to develop leadership, creativity, and future-ready skills. Seventh grade students will have the opportunity to enroll in a TV Production and Yearbook course, where more than 20 student leaders will operate the equipment for the school’s live morning news broadcast while also designing and producing the annual yearbook. Elementary students will participate in a dedicated STEM resource class that builds computer literacy while introducing robotics, coding, and hands-on problem-solving, preparing learners with the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly innovative world.

“Families who choose our district are engaging in academic excellence, innovative programs, strong character, and a commitment to preparing students for every step of their K-12 learning experience and then for college, careers, and life,” said Superintendent Dr Brennan Asplen. “I am so proud of the hard work and dedication of our students, teachers, administrators, support staff, and our families.” It takes everyone working together to realize the success we have, and everyone should be very proud to be in such a fantastic district.”

In addition to MOA, Sabal Crest Academy in Nocatee will open its doors to over 800 students for the 2026-2027 school year.

Information was also provided about new programs, enrollment, and school choice opportunities available to families, including the variety of academic programs and specialized learning options offered throughout the district.

St. Johns County School District Opens First School in Silverleaf Community Read More »

All Access With Dr. Asplen – Wards Creek Elementary School

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This edition of All Access follows Superintendent Asplen on his tour of Wards Creek Elementary with Principal Kevin Klein. The school’s “Shine Your Light” initiative promotes leadership, integrity, growth mindset, heart, and teamwork, with students recognized through unique programs like a book vending machine. The tour also showcases social-emotional learning, inclusive classroom collaboration, and a shared commitment to helping every student succeed.

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