A new draft plan from Highlands County School Superintendent Brenda Longshore proposes cutting 19 district-level positions for the 2026–2027 school year. The reductions focus on administrative, instructional, and support roles at the district level, including positions in academics, transportation, maintenance, and food services. School-based staff are not included in this draft. The School Board will review the proposal during a budget workshop Tuesday, with additional meetings scheduled through May before decisions are finalized.
Three more candidates have prefiled for the upcoming Highlands County School Board election, bringing all three open districts—1, 4, and 5—to two candidates each. In District 5, incumbent Nicole Radonski will face Savannah Casto. District 1 features James Jonsten running against Chantel Parris, as current member Isaac Durrance is not seeking reelection. In District 4, incumbent Reese Martin is challenged by Hilary Hathaway. Candidates cite concerns ranging from school funding priorities to student-focused decision-making. The nonpartisan primary election is set for August 18th.
Highlands County officials are inviting the community to attend a free “Protect Your Children” training as part of Child Abuse Prevention Month. The session will focus on how children may be targeted, warning signs to watch for, and ways to help prevent abuse. It takes place Thursday, April 9 at 4:30 p.m. at the Highlands County Government Center in Sebring. Registration is required to attend, and community members are encouraged to sign up in advance.
A Lakeland woman has been arrested after allegedly posing as a child protective services worker in an attempt to remove a child from a home. Authorities say 56-year-old Nicole Terry Thomas falsely claimed to be with the Department of Children and Families and tried to take a 9-year-old boy, while also threatening to remove other children from the residence. Deputies responded to the scene and determined the claims were fraudulent. Thomas now faces multiple charges, including attempted kidnapping, burglary, and impersonating a government official.