Landrum Middle School students in Ponte Vedra Beach will get a new weightlifting team for the 2026-27 school year, funded entirely by an anonymous parent donation.

Principal Troy Kasting announced the program at the Sept. 17 School Advisory Council meeting, according to SAC meeting minutes. The old weight room has been cleaned out and re-equipped. Faculty can also use the space after hours.

Improvement plan focuses on attendance

Kasting praised student performance, telling the 13-member council that Landrum "easily has some of the highest performing kids, with an acceleration rate close to 98%."

The 918-student campus's improvement plan centers on attendance, advanced coursework and small-group instruction. Assistant Principal David Barnes shared data through ParentSquare showing an absentee rate of about 15.4%, or roughly 128 students, most of them eighth graders.

Bylaw changes align with Sunshine Law

The council approved updated bylaws with no opposition to comply with Florida's Sunshine Law, which requires members to attend and vote in person for a quorum. The changes also eliminate officer positions beyond chair and co-chair and allow administrators to appoint those roles if needed.

Staff member Carrie Ortbals moved to approve the bylaws. Parent member Kristin Lunsford seconded.

The quorum rule was first flagged at Landrum's Jan. 15 meeting, when a school board attorney noted that one prior vote would need to be redone.

Budget tops $33,000 as six staffers join

The council's combined budget stands at $33,308.79, split between $3,494.55 in the SAC account and $29,814.24 in school rec funds.

Landrum also hired three teachers and three paraprofessionals this year, covering physical education, front-office clerical work, media center support, and security and lunch duties.

Student member Anna Sellers reported that teachers are using the IXL learning platform, which the SAC purchased in May for $10,600. The Parent Teacher Organization is also moving forward with a digital marquee for the front entrance, with installation expected between February and April.

The next SAC meeting is Thursday, Oct. 15.