School Board's Kahoun named Certified Board Member
The Florida School Boards Association, the professional association for school boards in Florida, has named Osceola County School Board Chair Heather Kahoun, as its newest Certified Board Member (CBM). To earn that distinction, members must complete 96 hours of training in Leadership, Advocacy, and Knowledge content areas.
“As a former educator and lifelong learner, I value professional learning and what it can do to enhance our effectiveness as school board members, Kahoun said. “This certification process has deepened my understanding of school governance and reinforced my commitment to making informed decisions that benefit our students, teachers, and community. I’m honored to bring this additional expertise to our Board as we work together to ensure every child in Osceola County receives an excellent education.”
“I am proud to recognize Heather as a Certified Board Member,” FSBA Leadership Services Director Tina Pinkoson stated. “Since her election in 2022, Heather has shown a willingness and desire to learn.”
St. Cloud Future Land Use workshop Tuesday
The City of St. Cloud’s Community Development team will hold a public workshop from 5:30-7 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 13, in the first-floor lobby at City Hall to present information on the City’s draft Comprehensive Plan Future Land Use Element update. Staff will be available to discuss changes to the plan, and a city consultant will make a presentation at 6 p.m. For more information and to view update documents, visit the Comprehensive Plan webpage at www.stcloudfl.gov/2076/Comprehensive-Plan
St. Cloud earns 2nd Economic Gardening award
The City of St. Cloud’s Economic Gardening program has received the International Economic Development Council 2024 Excellence in Economic Development Bronze Award for Business Retention & Expansion, the city announced Thursday.
In June the program earned the Economic Advancement Award from the Florida League of Cities during the Florida Municipal Achievement Awards event.
“Economic gardening” is an entrepreneurial approach to economic development that embraces the idea that entrepreneurs drive economies. St. Cloud’s Economic Gardening program included many financial and technical assistance programs for businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and by downtown construction. The program offered $190,000 in grants, technical support, fee waivers and marketplace information to ensure the success of small and mid-size businesses. Among the programs included in the Economic Gardening program have been Cloud Cash, utility payment assistance, marketing grants, and a shuttle service for downtown events.
