Nassau County School District school bus driver Jennifer Ramsey was honored by the Nassau County School Board last Thursday for her quick thinking that saved a child’s life.
Bailey Taylor, a mother of three children who attend Nassau County schools, wrote an email to the Nassau County School Board to bring to their attention “an incident involving Jennifer Ramsey, a bus driver in your district, whose quick thinking and vigilant actions have profoundly impacted my family.”
According to Taylor, “On Jan. 23, a potentially tragic event unfolded as my children, Noah, Grace and Claire, were disembarking from their school bus on SR 200. A log-carrying semi truck failed to stop in time and, in an attempt to avoid a collision, swerved onto the grass right next to the school bus door. At that moment, my son, Noah, was stepping off the bus. Ms. Ramsey, realizing the imminent danger, promptly and assertively called out to Noah, instructing him to stop. Her alertness and quick response ensured that Noah remained safe on the bus steps as the semi passed dangerously close by.”
“I cannot express enough how grateful we are for Ms. Ramsey’s presence of mind and her commitment to the safety of the children she transports,” continued Taylor’s email. “Her actions on that day exemplify exceptional professionalism and a deep sense of responsibility towards the well-being of her passengers. It is heartening to know that individuals like Ms. Ramsey are at the forefront of our children’s daily commute, ensuring their safety with utmost dedication.”
Nassau County School Superintendent Kathy Burns presented Ramsey with a special certificate for her heroic actions that saved Noah’s life.
“Our bus drivers are VIP on our team. They are the first person our students see every day and the last person they see in the afternoon,” said Burns. “Ms. Ramsey’s quick actions were life-saving. It’s the dedication and care for the students that makes a difference and builds positive relationships.”
At the Feb. 8 regular meeting, the board also:
- Approved the minutes of the regular meeting held on Jan. 25, 2024.
- Approved the minutes of the School Board Workshop, Agenda Review & Ford and Associates, held on Jan. 25, 2024.
- Approved Personnel Agenda and Addendum.
- Approved student transfers received.
- Approved a donation of $3,185 from Mark Puca/Let’s grab the tab, made to the FIT program.
- YMS requests approval of field trip to Wild Adventures in Valdosta, Ga. WES requests approval of field trip for Safety Patrol to Washington, D.C.
- Approved the proposed 2024-25 school calendar.
- Approved a request to waive fees for girls (Amateur Athletic Union) AAU team.
- Approved and signed amendment to Article 4.0 Payment for services rendered by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. ERAU is a committed partner who supports all of NCSD’s aeronautics programs (West Nassau, Fernandina Beach and Yulee high schools) through equipment, professional development and curriculum.
- Recommend approval of the Tyson Road Proportionate Share Mitigation Agreement.
- Approved advertisement of recommended revisions to Administration Rules 5.12, 5.9 and 2.51. The advertisement will notify the public of the date, time and location of the public hearing concerning Administration Rules 5.12, 5.9 and 2.51. The public hearing will take place during the school board's regularly scheduled meeting on March 14, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. at the district office.
- Administration Rule 5.12 has to do with out of zone transfer options.
- Administration Rule 5.9 has to do with the administration of medicine at school.
- Administration Rule 2.51 involves safe and secure schools.
- Approved a 20-day public review period for social and science textbook adoption. A public hearing will be conducted to allow for public comment concerning the lists of social studies and science materials recommended for adoption. The board will vote on approval of the 20-day public review period, which began on Feb. 9 and ends on Feb. 29. The public may access the recommended materials digitally via the district’s website, https://www.nassau.k12.fl.us/InstructionalMaterialsPublicReviewAccess. The public will have an opportunity to comment on the recommended social studies materials at the board’s March 14 meeting, prior to vote by the board. The date for public comment and board approval for science materials is to be determined and will take place after the state board publishes the approved list of science materials. For in-person viewing, call the district office at 904-491-9900 to schedule.
tdishman@fbnewsleader.com