As we enter this holiday season, I am filled with immense gratitude for the incredible support of the people of St. Johns County. I want to express my heartfelt thanks to all the voters who overwhelmingly chose to invest in the future of our children, our educators and the quality of life in our beautiful community. Nothing is more important than the children in our communities. The decisions made at the voting booth this year will provide our schools with essential resources for many years.
By approving the renewal of the half-cent sales tax, residents and visitors are directly supporting the growth and enrichment of our district. This vital funding allows us to continue building new, state-of-the-art facilities, adding critical safety and security enhancements, advancing the technology our students need, and preserving the quality of our existing campuses. The impact of your commitment means our students will continue to benefit from high-quality learning environments that prepare them for bright futures.
Additionally, I would like to extend my appreciation for the community’s approval of the 1-mill increase in property tax, sending a clear message that public schools in St. Johns County are valued and prioritized. Your support enables us to recruit and retain the finest educators and staff, and to strengthen the programs that enrich the lives of our students.
I am also grateful for our community partners and faith-based organizations as we approach the holidays. Their generous support of our homeless and unaccompanied students this season will make a meaningful difference in the lives of families and children. I am equally thankful for the tireless efforts of our schools to ensure that every child in need will experience joy and warmth during this time of year.
With this spirit of gratitude, I am also personally preparing for a transition. After much reflection, I have announced my retirement, effective at the end of June 2025. It has been an honor and privilege to serve the St. Johns County School District. I am confident that the search now underway for a new superintendent will identify someone committed to upholding the values and excellence that define this community. We will inform you of opportunities to provide your input in this important process in the coming weeks.
As we celebrate this holiday season, I wish each of you a joyous time filled with rest, rejuvenation and time spent with loved ones. I hope our students, teachers and staff enjoy this break and return in 2025 with renewed energy and enthusiasm for the year ahead. Thank you, once again, for your continued support of our schools and our future.
Warmest wishes and happy holidays,
Tim Forson
Superintendent of Schools
