Updated Sept. 22, 2023
What’s happening in local schools should be a top priority for local residents. Here’s a space that helps to keep you apprised of some of what’s going on through press releases submitted by schools and educational institutions in Pasco County. For those who want to explore further, this section also includes links to related news stories produced by area news outlets.
- SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS -SEPT. 2023
- RELATED NEWS STORIES – SEPT. 2023
- PRESS RELEASES – AUGUST 2023
- RELATED NEWS STORIES – AUGUST 2023
- PRESS RELEASES- JULY 2023
- RELATED NEWS – STORIES JULY 2023
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Sept. 2023
PHSC Hosts AI Panel Discussion
Media Release | Sept. 22, 2023
Pasco Hernando State College
Office of Marketing and Communications
10230 Ridge Road • New Port Richey, FL 34654
Pasco-Hernando State College hosted “AI and Business: What you need to know now” Sept. 21 at the PHSC Instructional Performing Arts Center in Wesley Chapel, Fla.
The panel discussion covered a variety of artificial intelligence-centered topics including the usage of AI in business, marketing, logistics and finance as well as the overall mainstream impact and prominence of AI.
“AI is weaving its way into the fabric of all industries, and we must embrace this technology and learn to use the tools found in AI to improve our businesses, our lives, and our communities,” said Margie Burnham, PHSC’s special assistant to the president for corporate college and professional development and event organizer.
Many community members, students, faculty and staff were in attendance as Davina Jones, Ph.D., Provost of PHSC’s Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch, facilitated the discussion between speakers Omar Fuentes, co-founder and CEO of Accel-EQ, Lawrence Hall, Ph.D., co-director of the Istitute of AI +X at the University of South Florida, James Libengood, social science instructor at PHSC, Mark Mills, vice president of Advanced Solutions and ConGlobal, and Misty Price, Ph.D., accounting professor at PHSC.
“These events are important because they offer the community an opportunity to learn about new ideas and how they are impacted by them providing reassurance through familiarization,” said Hall.
The college stated they are always looking to build relationships with businesses throughout the community and plan to host more events like these in the future where community members can network and learn about emerging topics affecting industry.
The PHSC Corporate College is organizing business symposiums to start conversations regarding significant issues our area businesses face today, and this was the first of a series,” said Burnham.
The North Tampa Bay Chamber along with Spherion Staffing and Recruiting helped make the event a success through their sponsorship and collaboration.
For more information about upcoming events at PHSC please visit https://phsc.edu
Jesse Pisors, Ed.D., selected as Pasco-Hernando State College president
Media Release | Sept. 19, 2023
Pasco Hernando State College
The Pasco-Hernando State College District Board of Trustees (DBOT) selected Jesse Pisors, Ed.D., to serve as PHSC’s fifth president in the college’s 51-year history. The decision was made at a board meeting held today at the Spring Hill Campus, following trustee interviews with four finalists for the presidency. Pisors will succeed Timothy L. Beard, Ph.D., whose tenure at PHSC spans nearly 17 years, including his service as president since 2015.
“Thank you to the trustees and the Presidential Search Committee for the opportunity to serve as PHSC president,” said Pisors. “I appreciate the thorough presidential search process and getting to know PHSC better—I look forward to working with the wonderful people I met.” Pisors is expected to take office in early January during an approximate one-month transitionary period until Beard’s retirement on January 31, 2024. “We have full confidence that Dr. Pisors will continue to uphold the college’s core values and will lead PHSC to further success in all future endeavors,” said Lee Maggard, Chair, DBOT.
Pisors is a seasoned leader in the field of higher education with a deep commitment to facilitating transformation through education. With a distinguished career spanning over 25 years, he has demonstrated an ability to drive positive growth, enhance student experiences and strengthen community ties. Pisors has served as vice president at two public universities: Texas A&M University-San Antonio (TAMUSA) and University of Houston-Victoria (UHV).
Following Beard’s retirement announcement in January 2023, PHSC launched an intensive, national search for a successor with the assistance of Myers McRae, an executive and consulting firm. Chaired by Trustee John Mitten, an 18-member Presidential Search Committee, comprised of business leaders, community representatives, and PHSC faculty and staff, reviewed hundreds of applicants and interviewed 13 candidates for the presidency.
“The DBOT is deeply grateful for the efforts of the Presidential Search Committee that provided the trustees with four exceptional finalists for consideration,” said Mitten. “We also appreciate each of the distinguished finalists for participating in the extensive presidential search process, including interviews at a Town Hall meeting and receptions hosted at PHSC’s six locations earlier this month.”
The other finalists for the PHSC presidency included:
Gilbert Evans, J.D., Ph.D.
Eric Hall, Ed.D.
Saul Reyes, Ed.D.
For more information about the search process and the candidates, visit https://phsc.edu/about/leadership/presidential-search
Are you a high school student who needs an outfit for Homecoming? The Cinderella and Prince Charming Project is opening starting on September 22nd in a new location. Donations are welcome. See the image above for more information including dates and times or go to the Marjory’s Hope website here or the FB page here.
LINK TO LOCAL EDUCATION NEWS STORIES
Sept. 2023
Pasco County School News
- Gulf High School Band Program Receives Generous Donation from Local Businesses, PCN, Sept. 15, 2023
- Opportunity Knocks: Pasco County Schools Hosts Non-Instructional Job Fair, PCN, Sept. 11, 2023
Local News Outlets
- Dayspring Academy breaks ground on Angeline Campus, Laker/Lutz News, Sept. 19, 2023
- Pasco school board OKs $2 billion budget, Suncoast News, Sept. 19, 2023
- Pasco County School Board adopts nearly $2 billion budget, Laker/Lutz News, Sept. 19, 2023
- Pasco Schools helps in response to Hurricane Idalia, Laker/ Lutz News, Sept. 19, 2023
- Adaptive Sports Fair coming, Laker/Lutz News, Sept.19, 2023
- Pasco school board reverses course on student shirt length rule Suncoast News, Sept. 18, 2023
- Zephyrhills High School students sent home after brawls Suncoast News, Sept. 13, 2023
- Price increases for new West Zephyrhills Elementary, Laker/Lutz News, Sept. 12, 2023
PRESS RELEASES
Aug. 2023
PHSC Hosts Student Life Retreat
Media Release, August 4, 2023
Pasco Hernando State College
Office of Marketing & Communications
Pasco-Hernando State College hosted its annual Student Life Retreat at Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club Aug. 1-3.
This year’s retreat-themed “Level Up” focused on building student skills that will assist them in future academic and life endeavors. The event highlighted ways to level up skillsets of executing, influencing, strategic thinking and relationship building.
“The retreat is vital because it gives students a chance to obtain skills employers are looking for that they may not obtain in the classroom,” said John Fey, assistant director of student life and leadership.
The annual retreat is open to all PHSC students, emphasizing those about to enter the college environment. For many of the students like Ashley Usoro, an incoming freshman from Wesley Chapel looking to pursue her nursing degree, this event was the first opportunity to experience the collegiate environment.
“It was a great opportunity to learn about myself being surrounded by new people and perspectives and a great experience for anyone coming to college for the first time,” said Usoro.
New to the event this year was an opening community resource expo featuring over 50 booths where students could obtain resources and network with local colleges and universities, businesses and non-profit organizations and PHSC groups and clubs. Approximately 500 students, vendors, faculty, staff, family, and friends attended the expo.
“This year we decided to add an expo including a wide array of entities that students might get value from. We had a great turnout from exhibitors that were not only able to serve the students from PHSC but other students from colleges in the area who were able to come and make connections,” said Fey.
Nearly 100 students stayed on-site at Innsbrook throughout the three-day retreat allowing them to build relationships with each other and participate in teambuilding exercises, attend workshops, and hear from keynote speakers, including Derrick Brooks, who shared their winning leadership strategies and perspectives.
“I met a lot of new people and made new friends while learning how to effectively work together and identify strengths and areas of improvement in my leadership abilities,” said Usoro.
Related News August
- Florida grapples with vague laws on school books, lessons, Tampa Bay Times, Aug. 9, 2023
- Pasco opens new school dedicated to early learning, Suncoast News, Aug. 8, 2023
- New school and new rules, as Pasco rings in the 2023-2024 school year, Laker/Lutz News, Aug. 8, 2023
- Angeline Academy of Innovation to prepare Pasco students for STEM careers, Suncoast News, Aug. 7, 2023
- The heat is on, and area football coaches are keeping a close watch, Suncoast News, Aug. 7, 2023
- Questions swirl around AP, Cambridge psychology courses in Florida, Tampa Bay Times, Aug. 4, 2023
- Grand jury investigating bid-rigging involving DeSantis’ education department, Tampa Bay Times, Aug. 4. 2023
Pasco Hernando State College Adds Intercollegiate Women’s Flag Football
Media Release | July 24, 2023
PHSC Office of Marketing & Communications
Pasco-Hernando State College is adding a women’s flag football team to its intercollegiate sports offerings beginning this August.
The program was initiated through a $10,000 grant from the NJCAA Foundation, NFL Flag and Reigning Champs Experiences.
“Women’s flag football is a challenging, intensely competitive sport that builds players’ strength, agility and confidence,” said PHSC President Timothy L. Beard. “Flag football demands a fresh skill set for women athletes and I believe our students will enjoy the chance to play. I am very pleased we have the opportunity to add this exciting new sport to PHSC’s growing athletic program.”
Madison Burr is slated to lead the team as head coach in the upcoming fall season that will focus on raising awareness, player engagement and talent building, scrimmages and practices. An eight to ten-game regular season schedule is being built for next Spring with matches and tournaments in and out of state.
“Flag Football is a great fit for women athletes who are trying to stay healthy, practice social skills and make a difference with the knowledge of the game of football,” said Burr. “Women’s Flag Football is rapidly growing in high school and college sports throughout our area and we are thrilled to offer and expand this program in the upcoming year.”
Through partnership with several colleges throughout the nation the NJCAA Foundation, NFL FLAG and RCX sports have encouraged the growth of the sport and education through providing countless new pathways for student-athletes.
“We are excited to see the sport of women’s flag football continue to grow at the two-year level. The NJCAA Foundation looks forward to supporting this growth in partnership with NFL Flag and Reigning Champs Experiences,” said Brian Luckett, NJCAA Foundation Executive Director. “This grant will help provide the association’s member colleges with needed resources to begin flag football programs and create additional opportunities for female student-athletes across the country.”
Beat the rush! The Florida Department of Health in Pasco County is offering FREE back-to-school immunizations.
Media Release | July 17, 2023
Florida Dept. of Health, Pasco
No appointments are necessary! Walk-in
availability for ALL required school
immunizations. Contact Pasco DOH
for more information: 727-619-0300
West Pasco
Wednesday, August 2 and 9 from 7:30 a.m.–7 p.m. at Pasco County Health Department,
10841 Little Rd\oad., New Port Richey.
East Pasco
Tuesday, August 8, and Wednesday, August 9 from 7:30 a.m.–7:30 p.m. at Pasco County Health Department, 13941 15th St., Dade City.
Central Pasco
Friday, August 4 from 9 a.m.–1 p.m. at Pine View Middle School, 5334 Parkway Blvd., Land O’ Lakes.
PHSC Baseball Player Picked in MLB Draft
Media Release | July 13, 2023
PHSC | Office of Media & Communications
The Toronto Blue Jays selected Chay Yeager, Pitcher for Pasco-Hernando State College, during the MLB Draft on June 11, 2023.
Yeager is a two-way player for the Bobcats going 69.1 innings pitched with 102 strikeouts for a 13.24 K/9 during 15 appearances and a 3.76 ERA in the 2023 season. His hitting stats are .258/.343/.440 with an 18.1 K% and 8.2 BB%.
More information about PHSC’s athletic programs can be found at bobcats.phsc.edu.
PHSC Athletes Excel on and of Field
Media Release | July 13, 2023
PHSC | Office of Media & Communications
Gabrielle Marshall and Aidan Corn, student-athletes at Pasco-Hernando State College, have been recognized for their overall contributions on and off the field.
Marshall, PHSC women’s cross-country runner, was awarded the Larry Monts Award on June 21. The award is given to those who have excelled in academics, athletics and altruism through a selection process by cross-country coaches throughout the state.
“Gabrielle has not only exhibited outstanding leadership and dedication to the cross-country team but has excelled in the classroom. She is truly deserving for all her achievements as a student-athlete at Pasco-Hernando State College the last three years,” said Steve Winterling, Director of Athletics, Pasco-Hernando State College.
Gabrielle earned her A.A. degree from Pasco-Hernando State in Fall 2021 and a Technical Certificate in Practical Nursing in Summer 2022 while leading PHSC to consecutive Florida College System Activities Association Athletics Championships under the guidance of FCSAA Region 8 coach of the year Jacki Wachtel. While enrolled Marshall worked at Moffitt Cancer Center and served as a special needs ministry and youth volunteer and worship leader in her local church.
Corn, PHSC freshman outfielder, was selected to the 2023 NJCAA Division II All-American baseball team. The All-American team is comprised of the greatest players from across the nation. Corns’ season stats include 49 runs, 86 hits, 54 runs batted in and 7 home runs, out of 204 at-bats with a .422 average.
“Aiden put together one of the best offensive seasons in Pasco Hernando State College history and was a leader on and off the field,” said Lyndon Coleman, PHSC Head Baseball Coach.
More than 100 schools compete at PHSCs level and only around 50 players get the honor of being selected as an All-American.
More information about PHSC’s athletic programs can be found at bobcats.phsc.edu.
PHSC Selected for FAA Training Program
Media Release | June 29, 2023
Pasco Hernando State College
The Federal Aviation Administration recently selected Pasco Hernando State College for participation in the Unmanned Aircraft Systems-Collegiate Training Initiative program.
The FAA’s UAS-CTI program recognizes institutions that prepare students for careers in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), commonly referred to as drones. In order to qualify for the initiative, schools must offer a bachelor’s or associate degree in UAS or a degree with a minor, concentration, or are working towards a certificate in UAS. Schools must provide curriculum covering various aspects of UAS training, including hands-on flight practice, maintenance, uses, applications, privacy concerns, safety, and federal policies concerning UAS.
“The benefits of this collaborative working relationship will include a continuous dialogue with stakeholders to connect colleges and universities with general industry, local governments, law enforcement, and regional economic development entities to address labor force needs. UAS-CTI partners can help support efforts to expand the future aviation workforce while providing additional opportunities for PHSC’s science, technology, engineering, arts and math students,” said Megan Kostelnik, PHSC Aviation Programs Instructor.
The program provides graduates with the necessary skills and knowledge to become industry leaders in various Unmanned Systems related fields, including UAS and ROV pilots, sensor operators, mission planners and ground technicians. Students study the spectrum of the industry including hazardous operations, government regulations, surveillance, data collection, and the engineering aspects of Unmanned Systems. The program focuses on problem-solving skills with unmanned systems; provides technical skill proficiency, and practical competency applied training that contributes to the academic knowledge, work attitudes, technical skills, and occupation-specific skills in various industries.
More information about PHSC’s Unmanned Vehicles Systems Operation program can be found at phsc.edu/academics/programs/transportation/unmanned-vehicles .
RELATED NEWS STORIES
- Florida’s ‘removed book’ list is coming. Schools plan to use it., Tampa Bay Times, July 18, 2023
- Tampa Bay schools grapple with evolving rules on book removals, Tampa Bay Times, July 13, 2023
- Classes resume in a month. Will your Florida school have enough teachers? Tampa Bay Times, July 12, 2023
- Florida creates state-level appeal for school book challenges, Tampa Bay Times, July 12, 2023
- Pasco County Schools names new communications director Laker/Lutz News, July 11, 2023
- Pasco teacher who favors parental rights seeks school board seat, Tampa Bay Times, July 11, 2023
- Florida school boards will no longer get final say on book challenges, Tampa Bay Times, July 10, 2023
- Pasco County bans cellphones in elementary school classrooms, Suncoast News, June 29, 2023
SUMMER FEEDING SITES
Pasco County Schools’ Summer Food Service program will begin on June 5 and continue until July 28. Breakfasts and lunches will be provided Monday through Thursday to anyone 18 and younger at the following school locations.
| West Pasco | Central Pasco | East Pasco |
| Anclote Elementary, Anclote High, Chasco Elementary, Cotee River Elementary, Dayspring Academy (Harmony Location), West Pasco Education Academy, Fivay High, Fox Hollow Elementary, Gulf Highlands Elementary, Gulf Side Elementary, Gulf Middle, Hudson Primary, Academy, Mitty P. Lock Elementary, Moon Lake Elementary, Richey Elementary, Schrader Elementary, Sunray Elementary, Wendell Krinn Technical High, West Pasco Education Academy | Crews Lake Middle, Dr. Mary Giella Elementary, Shady Hills Elementary | Centennial Elementary, East Pasco Education Academy, New River Elementary, Pasco High, Pasco Middle, Quail Hollow Elementary, R.B. Cox Elementary, R. B. Stewart Middle, San Antonio Elementary, Woodland Elementary, Zephyrhills High |
Students attending PLACE or Extended School Year programs at these schools will receive their meals on campus while attending the program.
Additionally, buses will be at the following locations on Monday through Thursday to provide lunch:
- Hilltop Landings Apartments (37611 Colina Drive, Dade City)
- Resurrection House Park (37124 Lock Street, Dade City)
- Trilby United Methodist Church (37504 Trilby Road, Dade City)
- Zephyrhills YMCA (37301 Chapel Hill Loop, Zephyrhills)
- Zephry Park (38116 5th Avenue, Zephyrhills)
Anyone with questions can email tyoung@pasco.k12.fl.us.
