Q: Do you have an update on the school district’s five year plan?
A: At our meeting on Feb. 11, the school board approved a new five year plan. It’s important to note that we annually update this plan; it’s actually like an annual plan with a five year forecast. The new five year plan includes a high school, two elementary schools (one in RiverTown and one in the southern part of the county), four K-8 academies (including RiverTown, Nocatee, and Silverleaf already under construction) and one school expansion for South Woods Elementary that’s in progress. Interestingly, in our 20 year plan, we have projected 24 more schools in total. In 20 years, we anticipate a student population of 78,838 in 64 schools.
Q: What is the latest on the search for a new superintendent?
A: By the time you read this, we will have finished taking public input. We received more than 3,100 responses to our survey and there are still a few days left [as of interview date of Feb. 12.] Some of the responses we received from students taking the survey, in answer to the question about strengths the superintendent will need, included support of advanced academics and support for integrated student leadership positions. Students felt that teacher pay, quality and cost effective student lunches, and the dress code were critical needs to be addressed. Finally, students surveyed said personal qualities that the new superintendent should possess included an educational background, financial awareness, problem solving skills, and the ability to be a kind and gentle mentor.
Teachers who answered the survey were interested in support for free or paid certifications, consistent procedures, expectations and discipline, and that the superintendent should be student-focused. Teachers felt that innovative programs and new ideas for professional learning were important and they felt that personal qualities that the new superintendent should possess included an educational background to include experience as a teacher and a principal, non-partisan, visible, and pro-teacher, as they felt that teacher retention is key in our county.
We expect to get a robust number of quality candidates for this position. We plan to name the new superintendent on May 20, but only if we have found the right person. All of the superintendent search information is available on our website.
Q: When can parents start registering new students for next school year?
A: March 1 is when registration for new kindergarteners or students new to our schools opens up. Parents should register online at their zoned school’s website.
Q: Do you have anything else to share with District 1?
A: I’m delighted that both the Teacher of the Year and Rookie Teacher of the Year, named at a wonderful event sponsored by INK! on Jan. 31, are from District 1. Congratulations to Jill Adams, instructional literary coach from Creekside High School, our new Teacher of the Year, and James Tansey, an educator in an ESE classroom at Fruit Cove Middle School, our new Rookie Teacher of the Year.
Q: How can our readers contact you?
A: They can email me at beverly.slough@stjohns.k12.fl.us or call me at (904) 547-7510.
