ORANGE PARK — The state of Clay County schools is strong, according to Superintendent David Broskie, who gave his sixth annual State of the Schools address Feb. 27. 

In the presence of many local elected officials, county leaders and community partners, Broskie discussed the achievements of the A-rated district and some of what it has in store for the future. 

Forty-two thousand students and 5,345 employees make up the vast district with 3.2 million miles traveled by buses, 5.6 million meals served per year and 6.7 million square feet of buildings.

Broskie said they’ve garnered many accolades, including being recognized by the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) as an academically high performing district, earning 1,926 nationally recognized industry certifications, achieving a 95% graduation rate and having 11 of its schools be recognized as schools of excellence by the FLDOE. 

Broskie said that ongoing monitoring of teacher practices and continuous improvement have proved the success of students and teachers. He said the school district has conducted 7,796 walk-throughs.

“The question might be ‘How do you know good things are happening in the classroom?,” Broskie said. “The answer is, we go there to see it. And then we monitor that.” 

The superintendent spoke on not only student success in the classroom, but outside as well. Twenty-seven unique sports, regional and state championship titles, 110 college signings, he said the student experience shines. 

Broskie welcomed Fleming Island High School senior Lindsay Gillis to the podium to give a speech about how much being a Clay County student has shaped her as a person.

Broskie said that continued growth for the future is to be expected.

Within the next seven to eight years, Lake Asbury is expected to see at least 2,700 new homes, Oakleaf/Middleburg at least 2,500, Green Cove Springs/Saratoga Springs/Governors Park/Agricola at least 14,000 and other areas at least 200. 

He said the school district plans to build accordingly, with new schools already in the works.

“School systems don’t have the option of saying 'No vacancy,'” Broskie said. 

The district has several potential future school builds: two $150 million high schools in Saratoga Springs and Governors Park; two $68 million K-8 schools in Governors Park; and a $47 million K-5 school in the Lake Asbury/Saratoga Springs area.

The only school with a set opening date is the Saratoga Springs high school, slated to open its doors in 2030. 

To further address growth concerns, the district has also begun construction of additional school wings on Lake Asbury Junior High School and Oakleaf Junior High School; each with 32 extra classrooms to accommodate about 640 additional students. They are expected to be open this fall. 

The two middle schools will also begin providing sixth-grade education, an approach used in 65 of Florida’s 67 school districts.

“In essence, you’ve got a two-for-one deal, budgetarily,” Broskie said. 

Overall, Broskie said the school district has a bright future, and he is excited for what’s to come. 

"Clay County Schools is not just a good school system, it's a great school system," he said.