State Representative Matt Hudson paid a visit during the school board meeting to give everyone in attendance his legislative update.

The highlight of an otherwise typical business meeting during which the board voted unanimously to approve the 2015/16 Master Inservice Plan, 2015/16 Digital Classrooms Plan, and consent agenda, was a visit from District 80’s State Representative Matt Hudson.

Speaker Pro Tempore Hudson praised Superintendent Puletti’s engagement and persistence in Tallahassee in addressing the needs of Hendry County’s schools and students. Speaker Hudson also fielded questions from the Board and audience.

I had questions regarding what options Hendry/Glades Counties are left with after the sudden closure of the mental health facility that was serving approximately 425 students at the time it disbanded. No agency or provider bid on the $1 million contract to provide mental health services for our area, so we are still without accessible mental health care in one of the most impoverished areas of the State.

Though Speaker Hudson could not give me the answer I would have liked, I appreciate his honesty in telling me the status of progress on addressing this problem that is so intertwined with the generational poverty experienced within our county.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve this county and these best students in the world! The next board meeting is the day after Labor Day, September 8.  You can find the board packet and agenda online:  http://hcsb.schoolwires.net/Page/4936

~ Stephanie