Message from Superintendent of Schools Dr. Scott Hebert

Listening, Learning, and Leading Together

By Dr. Scott Hebert

Superintendent of Schools, Citrus County Schools

When I became Superintendent of Citrus County Schools, one of my first priorities was to listen. Before making decisions about the future of our school district, I wanted to hear directly from the people who know our schools best which included our students, families, employees, and community members.

That commitment led to a Listening and Learning Tour, where I met with stakeholders from across Citrus County to gather feedback, hear concerns, and learn more about the hopes and expectations people have for our schools. Those conversations were invaluable, but I quickly realized that listening cannot be a one-time event. To effectively lead a school district, it must be an ongoing process.

For many years, Citrus County Schools has benefited from a Student Advisory Council and a Parent Advisory Council. These groups continue to provide important perspectives on the experiences of our students and families. Their input helps shape decisions and ensures that the voices of those we serve remain at the center of our work.

To expand opportunities for more voices to be heard, I established a Teacher Advisory Council and a Support Staff Advisory Council. Our teachers and support employees work directly with students every day and possess a unique understanding of what is working well and where improvements can be made. These councils provide an opportunity for honest conversations about district initiatives, challenges, and opportunities. Their insights help guide future decisions and strengthen our ability to support both students and employees.

Recognizing the important role our local economy plays in shaping educational opportunities, I also created Business and Community Advisory Councils. To ensure broad representation across our county, there are two separate councils.  One serving the east side of Citrus County and one serving the west side. These groups bring together business leaders, industry representatives, and community members who help us better understand workforce needs and emerging trends. Their perspectives help us align educational opportunities with the skills students will need to be successful after graduation.

In addition, I regularly meet with representatives from the Citrus County Education Association to discuss concerns, explore solutions, and hear ideas that can improve our schools. While we may not always agree on every issue, open communication and collaboration are essential to creating the best possible learning environment for students.

Listening extends beyond formal meetings. Throughout the year, I attend community events, visit schools, participate in after-school activities, and engage with students, families, employees, and community members wherever possible. Whether it is a sporting event, fine arts performance, business gathering, graduation ceremony, or community celebration, these experiences provide opportunities to connect with the people we serve.

I believe that a superintendent must remain engaged in the community. Understanding the needs, aspirations, and challenges of our community allows us to make better decisions and develop programs that prepare students for the future.

Our responsibility is to prepare every student for what comes next. For some students, that future includes enrolling in a college or technical school. Others will enter the workforce immediately after graduation. Some will choose to enlist in the military and serve our nation. Each path is valuable, and each student deserves opportunities that help them achieve their goals.

At Citrus County Schools, we often say, “Every Journey Begins Here.” Preparing students for those journeys requires strong partnerships between schools, families, businesses, and the community. It requires listening, learning, and working together.

I am grateful for the many individuals who continue to share their ideas, concerns, and aspirations for our schools. Your voices help shape our future, and I remain committed to ensuring those voices are heard.  Together, we can continue creating opportunities that prepare every student for success.

Welcome to the 2026-2027 School Year

On behalf of our incredible teachers and staff, it is my honor to welcome our students and families to the 2026–2027 school year. As I begin my second full year as your superintendent, I remain deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve the students, families, employees, and community of Citrus County.

There is nothing quite like the beginning of a new school year—the excitement in our hallways, the curiosity in our classrooms, and the renewed sense of possibility across our campuses. Each new year gives us another opportunity to grow, strengthen our connections, and help every student recognize their potential.

This year, we are introducing RISE—a framework that reflects who we are as a school district and who we are committed to becoming. RISE stands for Respect, Inspire, Support, and Empower. While it will help guide us throughout the coming school year, RISE is much more than an annual theme. It is a lasting commitment that will shape our work for years to come.

We will Respect every learner, staff member, family, and community partner. We will Inspire curiosity, confidence, purpose, and a desire to keep growing. We will Support students by providing the guidance, care, discipline, and safe learning environments they need to succeed. And we will Empower them with the skills, experiences, and opportunities needed to thrive in an ever-changing world.

At Citrus County Schools, our students remain at the heart of every decision we make. Their safety, academic success, personal growth, and well-being will always be our highest priorities. Our mission is to educate all students through relevant curriculum and meaningful experiences that prepare them for life beyond graduation. Whether a student’s journey leads to college, a career, military service, or another opportunity, we want every graduate to leave us prepared and confident about what comes next.

We are proud to have maintained our district’s “B” grade, but we are not satisfied with standing still. Our goal remains to become an “A” district. Reaching that goal will require high expectations, accountability, continuous improvement, and a shared commitment from our students, employees, families, and community. Together, I know we can continue moving Citrus County Schools forward.

Parents and families, your partnership is essential. Your involvement, encouragement, and communication make a tremendous difference in your child’s education. Our award-winning Parent Guide and Calendar will soon arrive in the mail with helpful information for navigating the year. I also encourage you to remain connected through ParentSquare and regularly visit your school’s website and social media pages for important updates.

This year also marks our transition to FOCUS, our new student information system. Families should download the FOCUS Community App and become familiar with the new platform, which will provide access to important student information throughout the school year. As with any major transition, we appreciate your patience as we work together to make the change as smooth as possible.

I am excited to welcome back our returning families and meet those who are beginning their journey with Citrus County Schools. Please stop and say hello when you see me at a school event or out in our community. I always appreciate the opportunity to listen, learn, and hear directly from the people we serve.

Every journey begins here—and together, we will continue to RISE.

We’ll see our students on Monday, August 10. Here’s to a strong start and an outstanding 2026–2027 school year!

Dr. Scott Hebert
Superintendent of Schools