Q: Can you give an update on the district’s Strategic Planning meetings?
A: These community meetings were held in October. The role of the Strategic Planning meetings is to chart the plan for the district for the next five years, as pertains to priorities and budget. If a community member missed these meetings and would still like to weigh in, they can contact me [at the contact information listed below].
Q: Do you have any advice concerning the ongoing pandemic as it relates to Duval County schools?
A: I’d encourage everyone to remain diligent and use caution when gathering in groups. This is because how we act outside the classroom impacts what happens in our schools.
The district closed Fletcher High School for several days in October due to an outbreak of COVID caused by students gathering outside of school. When the Department of Health determined that 20 percent of the students were impacted, they made the decision to temporarily close the school.
Q: Do you have anything else to share with District 7?
A: Principal Kristie Kemp, who has been principal at Loretto Elementary for the past six years, has retired. The new principal is still to be determined at this time [interview date of Oct. 16]F, but will start on Nov. 1.
Also, the board will welcome two new board members at our organizational meeting in November: Cindy Pearson for District 3 and Dr. Kelly Coker for District 1.
Q: How can our readers contact you?
A: They can email me at HersheyL@duvalschools.org or call me at (904) 316-3609.
