Bud Zimmer, better known as "Mr. Fundamental" for his passionate support of Pinellas' fundamental schools, will be honored at today's school board meeting by a newly formed parents group.

The Fundamental Schools Advocacy Network (FAN) is giving Zimmer its first annual "Bud Light Award" (which is what Zimmer calls the informal "Bud Light" flashlights be bestows on others) for being instrumental in establishing the first fundamental school in Pinellas in 1976 and pushing for more ever since. There are now more than 7,000 fundamental seats at nine schools. The schools stress parental involvement and are routinely among the district's top academic performers.

"Bud motivates, encourages and when necessary, prods parents, teachers, administrators and School Board members alike in his advocacy for our students and our fundamental school program," FAN member Jean Willingham said in a written statement this morning. "He is a researcher, statistician, reporter and advocate ... "