Q: How has your first month as a board member been?
A: Since being sworn in at the special meeting of the school board on Nov. 19, I participated in my first regular board meeting on Dec. 9. I have been attending/auditing all the school board meetings since I was elected in August to get up to speed. Also, as of mid-December, I have met all the principals and visited all the schools in District 7. Our principals are incredible — they are happy at their jobs and supportive of their teachers and staff.
One thing I did learn is that we have some schools with high numbers of ELL (English Language Learners) students and without Title 1 funding, we’re not able to get them the coaches they need. I’ll be looking for creative ways to get funding to fill these gaps.
Q: Were you able to attend the Town Hall meeting with Superintendent Christopher Bernier at Twin Lakes Academy Middle School on Dec. 10?
A: Yes, and it was a very productive meeting. I wish more people could have attended, but I was grateful for the opportunity to talk with those there. They were able to address their concerns with me and Superintendent Bernier. His presentation asked the questions, “What do we as a district do well?” “What can we do better?” and “What keeps you up at night?” He also presented some of the challenges facing the district. We have to find $100 million for our operational budget. This is what’s driving the conversation about potential school closures as well as magnet school transportation. These are ongoing and difficult conversations. Superintendent Bernier made a point to note that cuts to staff haven’t been mentioned yet, and the reason is because he is hoping that other things we are contemplating will be enough to prevent that drastic step.
Q: Do you have anything else to share with District 7?
A: I have some good news to highlight:
I learned from Principal Aurelia Williams at Twin Lakes Academy Middle School that they have an entrepreneurship program as part of their Career and Technical Education. It’s a partnership with CSX. It’s very impressive and I don’t think it’s been highlighted enough. Principal Williams is a strong and caring leader of her school.
At our Dec. 9 board meeting, the Treble Makers, a singing group from Bartram Springs Elementary, provided entertainment with an acapella holiday presentation that was very good.
At Mandarin High School’s November SAC meeting, their academy culinary program students made the most delicious homemade potstickers for the attendees. Also, the Mandarin High School Drama department recently presented an evening of two One-Act Plays: “The Actor Games” and “The Day the Internet Died,” which was student-directed.
Finally, I am so impressed with Principal Dr. Michael George at Atlantic Coast High School. He actually doesn’t have an office so that his teachers have more space to work. He was a previous Principal of the Year and this is just one example of his servant leadership.
Q: How can our readers contact you?
A: They can email me at BolducM@duvalschools.org or call me at (904) 927-1699.
