>>> Second Draft of District Staffing Plan sees more cuts
Superintendent Brenda Longshore has drafted the latest version of the district’s staffing plan for the upcoming school year, and the latest version sees 62 positions being cut. Nearly 43 school level positions would be eliminated, including 31 instructional positions and about 12 support positions. According to the plan, five classroom teachers will be eliminated from Highlands Career Institute located at South Florida State College, with the second most reductions coming at Lake Placid High School with a cut of four teachers. No changes will take place at Lake Country Elementary or Lake Placid Middle School, as well as Highlands Virtual School. This will be up for review at their workshop this afternoon at 4. If you can’t attend the workshop in person, you can watch it on the School Board’s website or YouTube channel.
>>> County Commission Meeting Preview
The County Commission meets in regular session this morning with various items up for discussion. Some notable topics include a construction contract for the main avenue sidewalk project, and to add flex space and standards for plazas and other retail businesses that come to the area. There will also be considerations for rezoning a few parcels of land and to amend the Istokpoka marsh water shed improvement district. The meeting starts at 9 at the Government Center on South Commerce Avenue. If you can’t go in person, you can watch the proceedings on Facebook and YouTube.
>>> Woman dies in Haines City Crash Friday
A 24-year-old woman was killed in a two-vehicle crash early Friday morning, when her vehicle collided with a semi truck and eventually crashed into a church building. The crash happened just after midnight on US 27 near B. More Road. According to a press release, the hundi being driven by the woman struck the side of the semi, then went off into the median, before striking the church wall. The driver of the truck was not injured and cooperated with the investigation. Officials say speed may be a factor in this crash, with no criminal or civil charges expected to be filed. The highway was closed for more than five hours before lanes re-opened just before 6am.
Sebring—The SFSC Rotaract Club is hosting a Charity Bingo Night on Friday, May 1st at the Sebring Hills Association Clubhouse, located at 200 Lark Avenue. Doors open at 4 p.m., paper sales begin at 5, and games start at 6 p.m. The event features bingo, a 50/50 drawing, raffle prizes, and door prizes. Food will be available, including $6 walking taco or pizza combos. All proceeds benefit student-led service projects. Attendees must be 18 or older.