Q: Can you bring us up to date on the search for a new superintendent [as of interview date of May 15]?
A: The two finalists were in town on May 13 and 14. They participated in panel interviews with the focus group, the school board members and they had the opportunity to meet the district cabinet on May 13. They also had the opportunity to tour an elementary, a middle school and a high school. On May 14, they sat for one-on-one interviews with each board member as well as attended the Meet and Greet for district employees and community members at EverBank. Despite the horrible rainy day we had that day, more than 200 community members, parents and students showed up.
There have been a lot of opportunities for the public to engage in this process. In addition to input via a QR code given to attendees at the Meet and Greet event, we received emails and online feedback.
I’d like to thank Dr. Wendy Northfleet and Reagan Copeland for their service as representatives from District 7 on the focus group for this search. Their involvement and input was invaluable.
Q: What’s the next step?
A: The board will vote to select the next superintendent on May 23 and the anticipated start date will be July 1. We have two highly qualified candidates and either would do a great job for Duval County. I think it’s important for the community to know that when the board members met to select the finalists, these two were identified by every single board member.
Q: Do you have an update on the community meeting concerning school consolidations and boundaries for District 7?
A: On Monday, June 17 at 5:30 p.m. at Atlantic Coast High School, the district will host a public meeting to discuss the Master Facility Plan as well as have a conversation about school boundaries. While District 7 has no schools slated for consolidation or closure, input would be appreciated regarding the potential changes to school boundaries.
The goal is to unify and clean up boundary lines to make them more cohesive between middle school and high school. I think this will help us do a better job of building community.
Q: Do you have anything else to share with District 7?
A: I’d like to thank ReadUSA, who was in every elementary school in the district to provide two free books to each student for summer reading. I enjoyed visiting schools in District 7 and seeing the students’ reactions to being able to pick out their books.
I also hope everyone enjoys a fun and safe summer!
Q: How can our readers contact you?
A: They can email me at HersheyL@duvalschools.org or call me at (904) 390-2375.
