4/21/2026 Workshops (School Properties/Budget)

This was a school board workshop held by the School Board of Highlands County on April 21, 2026, focused primarily on reviewing and discussing school board-owned properties and budget allocations related to school staffing. The board reviewed various vacant properties, including parcels behind Roder Bridge and near Sebring High School, discussing potential sales or uses, with legal counsel noting that sales to government entities may not require bidding but would need board and county approval. The workshop also covered the status and costs of leased properties, insurance requirements, and the potential for appraisals to determine market values. Additionally, the board discussed detailed school-level personnel allocations, including reductions totaling approximately 3.9 million dollars and 61.95 positions, with specific attention to assistant principals, classroom teachers, and paraprofessionals. The allocation of administrative positions related to Highlands Virtual School and Highlands Career Institute was debated, including concerns about leadership structure and budget impacts. Public comment addressed concerns about the restructuring of Highlands Career Institute without formal board vote, emphasizing the need for transparency and collaboration in decisions affecting students and staff. No formal votes were recorded during this workshop, but several action items were suggested, including obtaining appraisals for certain properties and reviewing insurance documentation.