During the 2016 Legislative Session an amendment was made to Florida Statute 1002.31. It amended the existing Florida Statue on controlled open enrollment and changed controlled open enrollment from an option to a directive for district school boards.  Prior to the amended statute, Holmes District Schools had a plan in place that allowed students living in our district to attend the district school of their choice and a plan on how students from other districts could obtain a waiver to attend one of our district schools. This amendment to Florida Statute 1002.31 is requiring our district to restructure our plan for the 2017-2018 school year and beyond.

The new plan requires that any student who is living outside the zone set for each district school to complete an Annual School Reassignment Application yearly. Students who live outside the school district will also be required to complete the application. Priority will be given to Holmes District Schools students first, along with court orders, foster care and military relocation. Holmes School District has set student capacity limits at each of our schools. At this time, Holmes School District does not see an issue with students continuing to attend a school outside of their zone, but will require that the application process be followed for each student. 

A public hearing on the new plan is scheduled for February 21, 2017 at 4:00 p.m. in the Board Room at the Holmes District School Board Office, 701 E. Pennsylvania Ave., Bonifay, Florida.

Click the Related Files link for draft versions of the plan and application form, as well as a list of frequently asked questions.  You may also request a hard copy of controlled open enrollment draft in person at the Holmes District School Board Office. 

Due to the threat of severe weather, everyone is urged to exercise caution when traveling to school tomorrow morning (Wednesday, February 15).  There is a possibility that some dirt roads may be impassable by school bus and by vehicle. If the bus cannot travel down your dirt road, and you cannot transport your child to school, please contact the school and give your child's name and address. If you have any questions, please contact your child's school.

Valentine's Day Deliveries

February 3, 2017

This year, in an effort to minimize distractions and interruptions to instructional time, in addition to transportation/bus safety precautions, deliveries of flowers, balloons, etc. made to the school will not be given to students during the school day.   If something is delivered to the school for a student, the student may pick it up from the office at the end of the day.  If a student rides a bus home, the student’s parent will be contacted to pick up the item(s).  These items will not be allowed on the bus.

There will be no school on Monday, February 20 in observance of Presidents' Day.  Classes will resume on Tuesday, February 21.
There will be a special session of the Holmes District School Board on Friday, January 27 at 2:00 p.m. in the Board Room at the district office.  Click the Related Files link below for the agenda.
Due to heavy rainfall, some dirt roads may be impassable by school bus and by vehicle tomorrow morning (Monday, January 23). If the bus cannot travel down your dirt road, and you cannot transport your child to school, please contact the school and give your child's name and address. If you have any questions, please contact your child's school.
Holmes District Schools will be closed on Monday, January 16. Classes will resume on Tuesday, January 17.

Wednesday, January 11, 10:52 a.m.

The soft lockdown has been lifted.  All students and staff are safe and secure.

Wednesday, January 11, 8:55 a.m.

Bethlehem and the Ponce de Leon schools are currently operating on a soft lockdown status as a precautionary measure.  All students and staff are safe and secure.  We will update when the lockdown has been lifted.

Governor Rick Scott has proclaimed January 9-13, 2017 as Florida First Responder Appreciation Week.  We in Holmes County sincerely appreciate the sacrifice and dedication of our community's first respsonders!  Several schools have planned activities to honor our first responders. Please visit each school's website for a list of specific events.

Governor Scott's proclamation can be found by clicking the "Related Files" link below.

Road Closures

January 2, 2017

Holmes County Emergency Management has issued the following notice:

UPDATE ON ROAD CLOSURES:

Spring Valley Road at bridge

Ten Mile Creek at Highway 2

Howell Williams Road at bridge

Adolph Whitaker before the bridge

Curry Ferry Road

Blue Springs Road

Willoughby Lane

Pope Lane

Roping Road

Grover Lewis Road

Esker Martin Road

Love Road

Beall Road

Helms Road

Cane Mill Road

Bush Road

Beall Packing Road at the bridge

Valee Road

Paulk Road at the bridge

Morrison Road

Brackin Road

Robins Bridge Road at the bridge

Bonifay Chipley Road at the county line

Monroe Paul Road

Please use caution if out traveling.  There is the potential for more severe weather throughout the evening and overnight.  Please continue to monitor the situation by visiting the Holmes County Emergency Management Facebook page.