- December 15, 2025
+ Board renames Pathways Academy
Pathways Academy will now be known as Everest Alternative School, following a 4-1 vote by the School Board June 19. Trevor Tucker opposed.
In an effort to rebrand the school as more of an “alternative-discipline program” and less of a “dropout-prevention program,” Superintendent Janet Valentine said, the new name signifies a “fresh start.”
“Students aren’t allowed to come and stay in that program,” she added. “We want students to enter and exit and go back to their home-zone schools.”
The school’s new principal, Winnie Oden, agreed.
“I’m a firm believer in second chances — I’m also a firm believer in third chances, if it comes down to it,” she said. To her, the new name represents an opportunity to plan and achieve.
“Many of (our students) are broken socially and emotionally,” she said. “(But this school) gives them the opportunity to work through some things … (We) set the stage to say, ‘You can change. You can climb that mountain, and we’re going to give you the tools to do it.’ … (The name change) makes it clear to the community that we’re trying to change.”
Board member Colleen Conklin also specified that the district is no longer referring to Pathways/Everest students as “at-risk,” but rather “students of untapped potential.”
“A name change seems to be a superficial change,” board Vice-chairman Andy Dance said. “But I’m buying in.”
Others weren’t. “It doesn’t seem like it’s very necessary,” Tucker said.
+ Townsend named for Public Safety
By unanimous vote of the School Board, Director of Student Services Katrina Townsend was appointed to the Public Safety Coordinating Council, which is tasked with reviewing safety challenges in Flagler’s judicial system.
+ Bunnell man jailed, hospitalized after kicking in windshield
An irate Bunnell man kicked in a woman’s windshield June 19. As a result, he was hospitalized and then jailed.
According to the report from the Bunnell Police Department, Jessie Allen Estrep, 22, was charged with two felonies and two misdemeanors. See www.palmcoast observer.com for the story.
+ Public Meetings
Palm Coast City Council — the next regular meeting is 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 3, at the Community Center.
Flagler County Board of County Commissioners — the regular meeting is 9 a.m. Monday, July 2, at Board Chambers, 1769 E. Moody Blvd., Building 2, Bunnell. A workshop follows at 10:30 a.m. at the Emergency Operations Center.
