Citrus County Schools

Superintendent's Message

As we move into the season of gratitude, it’s a perfect time to pause and reflect on the people that make our schools special. In every corner of Citrus County - from our classrooms to our buses, cafeterias, playgrounds, and front offices - there are amazing individuals who give their time, talent, and hearts to ensure our students thrive.

Every morning, as the sun rises, our bus drivers are among the first to greet our students. They know the names, faces, and stories of the children, offering a reassuring smile and a safe ride each day. They are the first adult of a student’s school experience and often the last one they see before heading home.

Once students step on campus, they are welcomed by teachers and support staff who do far more than teach lessons.  Our teachers spark curiosity, build confidence, and believe in the potential of every child. Whether guiding a kindergartener through reading for the first time or helping a senior prepare for graduation, they dedicate countless hours to planning, grading, and caring. They are the heart of our mission to educate students.

In our cafeterias, another team of heroes ensures that every student is nourished and ready to learn. A warm meal and a kind word can make all the difference in a student’s day. Our food service staff do this work with a smile, providing breakfast and lunch each and every day.

Behind the scenes, our maintenance and custodial teams keep our campuses clean, safe, and welcoming. Our school secretaries, paraprofessionals, and support staff work with our families with patience, managing a thousand details each day to make schools run smoothly. Their work may not always be in the spotlight, but it is essential to our success.

This month, we also express gratitude to our Veterans who serve our country and those who serve in our schools. Through our Veterans in the Classroom program, local service members visit schools to share their experiences, teach lessons on leadership and sacrifice, and help students understand the meaning of service to others. Their presence deepens students’ respect for the freedoms we all enjoy. On November 11th, our district will proudly participate in the Veterans Day Parade in Inverness, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with our community to honor the men and women who have worn our nation’s uniform.

We also give special thanks for the many volunteers, mentors, and community partners who strengthen our schools. From reading with elementary students to coaching, mentoring, and serving on advisory councils, you are the bridge between schools and community. A special word of thanks goes to the Citrus County Education Foundation, whose Celebrity Readers and First Library programs spark a lifelong love of reading.

Our appreciation also extends to the YMCA of the Suncoast, whose Safety Around Water program has taught thousands of Citrus County students’ vital life-saving swimming skills. Their commitment to youth development and healthy living continues through afterschool programs, family activities, and community partnerships that help students.

We are equally grateful for Citrus County Blessings, an organization that provides weekend meals to students who might otherwise go hungry. Through the work of volunteers and donors, children across our county receive nutritious food each week, ensuring that hunger is never a barrier to learning. Blessings is an example of how compassion and community can make a difference in the lives of students and families.

This Thanksgiving season, I invite everyone in Citrus County to take a moment to thank someone who has made a difference in your child’s educational journey. A note, a handshake, or a simple “thank you” can go a long way in showing our appreciation.  Together, our employees make Citrus County Schools a place where every student, every path, and every dream is valued. For that, I am deeply thankful.

Dr. Scott Hebert
Superintendent, Citrus County School District