2023-2024 Board of Directors Installed
I am pleased to announce, that Baker County Schools Superintendent Sherrie Raulerson was recently installed as the 2023 - 2024 FADSS President, along with the 2023-2024 Board of Directors.
Supt. Raulerson took over the helm from Bay County Schools Superintendent William “Bill” Husfelt, who was a 4-term elected superintendent in Bay County and retired on July 31, 2023 . Bill's leadership throughout the past year as FADSS President, and his long-term leadership on the Board will be sorely missed.
If there is one constant in public education, it is change; and while change overall can be challenging, it also brings new energy and insight. And our association is fortunate to have Supt. Raulerson in this leadership role as president, particularly at this pivotal time in public education. Her vision for renewed connection and collegiality among superintendents, as well as other education stakeholders, is well-timed. She is one of the most passionate and fearless education advocates I have known throughout my 50 years in education, and I feel privileged to know her and work with her.
I am confident that through her leadership, combined with the stellar group of educators that comprise the FADSS’ board of directors, and with the engagement of every superintendent in Florida, FADSS will continue to successfully meet any challenges head-on to ensure the integrity of Florida’s public education system.
Yours in Education,
Bill Montford
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FADSS 2023-2024 Board of Directors |
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Superintendent Spotlight:
FADSS New President Baker County Schools Superintendent Sherrie Raulerson
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As the recently installed 2023 – 2024 FADSS President, what key initiatives do you plan to focus on during your tenure as president?
I am honored and excited about serving as FADSS President. My goal is to represent the amazing superintendents of Florida in a positive manner. I look forward to serving and continuing to learn from each superintendent and the others involved with our organization. I will also strive to stay focused on the areas where we can make a difference as an organization and remain committed to showing others that we are making a difference in the lives of our students and families. We all need HOPE and ENCOURAGEMENT that what we are doing matters and that we are leaving a legacy in our communities. My initiative may sound simple, but I believe the most important thing we can do is remain committed and hopeful that what we are doing is life changing for others.
What do you see as the most significant challenge(s) currently facing public education statewide and nationally?
Navigating the changes that legislation brings each year and meeting the needs of our students and families are challenging. But year after year we see great things happening with our students. We must continue to share our stories of success and encourage our legislators to allow educators and leaders to make decisions based on the needs of our communities.
What advice would you share with new Florida superintendents?
Stay POSITIVE! The children of Florida NEED you more than ever. We have to stay focused and not lose sight of what we are called to do. In all my years of service as a superintendent and being involved with FADSS, I have been so inspired by the wisdom and love for children that superintendents display each and every day. I have learned so much from my peers. Stay connected to this organization and network with your superintendent friends. And most importantly, find time to recharge, find the positive in each day, then pray, and pray again.
There has been a significant turnover in Florida Superintendents over the past five years, yet you are now entering your 15th year of your 4th elected term as superintendent. What do you feel has contributed to the longevity of your career as a superintendent?
I can quickly answer this question with a resounding answer of FAITH. I know without a shadow of a doubt that God called me to serve the children of Baker County. I believe he called me to serve and equipped me with the ability to find a way to cheer on children and individuals in difficult times. There have been some very difficult times and challenges in the last 15 years as superintendent but the joy and rewards that I have experienced far outweigh the tough times.
Scripture: Keep your eyes on finishing the race. Isaiah 40:31 But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength, they will fly up on wings like eagles; they will run and not be tired; they will walk and not be weary.
In what ways can FADSS further assist and support Florida superintendents?
In my humble opinion, I do not know if I would have survived my first term without FADSS and their support. The support and structure for networking and training that FADSS provides is invaluable.
Any additional comments & thoughts you would like to share?
FINISH STRONG! Whatever days you have to serve, remember you are here for such a time as this and you have been given this gift of the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of so many people. What a tremendous legacy you are leaving!
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A Warm Welcome to the Newest FADSS members in Escambia, Osceola and Sarasota Counties |
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Escambia County Schools Superintendent
Keith Leonard
Escambia County Schools has a home-grown superintendent! Hailing from an educator family, it was no surprise that Keith came back from college to become a social studies teacher in the school district. As well as academics though, Keith was highly involved in district sports, serving as the Tate High School baseball coach, where he started the Tate Aggie Classic, a prestigious high school baseball tournament, before becoming the Tate High head football coach in 1997. In 2003 he moved to the district level, first as chief negotiator, and then as the director of human resources. Most recently he was serving as Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources before being selected by the School Board as the new superintendent.
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Osceola County Schools Superintendent
Dr. Mark Shanoff
Superintendent Mark Shanoff may be new to Osceola County but certainly not to the Florida Public Education system. Mark has served more than 20 years in education, including over 17 years in Orange County where he was a principal at elementary, middle, and high school. He has also served in Volusia as Chief Operations Officer, and most recently (again in Orange County) as interim Chief Information Officer. Mark is focused on embracing the challenges that come with being the 10th fastest growing county in the nation and is looking forward to a busy start to the school year as he embarks on a series of 10 town hall meetings (2 per week) to engage all stakeholders.
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Sarasota County Schools Superintendent
Terrance Connor
Most recently the Deputy Superintendent and Chief Academic Officer of Hillsborough County, Terrence Connor served for over 3 years as the Chief Academic Officer/Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction for Clay County District Schools as well as the Chief of Secondary Education. He began his educational career in Duval County in 2004 as a middle school science teacher, quickly becoming the assistant principal and then principal at the middle school before becoming high school principal. Terrence believes his experience in both a small and very large district will help him transition to the job in Sarasota, and he’s looking forward to establishing the relationships needed to propel instruction and learning forward.
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Suwanee County Schools Superintendent Ted Roush Awarded FACTE Superintendent of the Year |
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Congratulations to Suwannee County School District (SCSD) Superintendent and FADSS Board member Ted Roush, who was recently recognized as the Superintendent of the Year by the Florida Association of Career and Technical Education (FACTE). He received the award at FACTE's 57th Annual State Conference, and SCSD teacher Stacy Young was the recipient of FACTE's Outstanding Teacher in Community Service Award. |
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Angeline Academy of Innovation will welcome students in grades 6-10 in August 2023 to a unique learning environment that empowers students to take charge of their learning with an active, technology-infused experience. Angeline Academy of Innovation will offer career academies that provide an integrated entrepreneurship pathway within three high-demand fields.
The Engineering and Applied Robotics pathway will immerse students in the study and practice of fundamental engineering concepts, the engineering design process, and industrial robotic programming. The Cybersecurity and Information Technology pathway will prepare students for employment or advanced training for various careers in the Information Technology industry. Finally, the Biodesign pathway will integrate science, mathematics, engineering, and information technology to create solutions inspired by nature for challenges in healthcare, sustainability, and security.
Joanne Glenn, the principal at Pasco County’s newest school, Angeline Academy of Innovation, said AI is the bleeding edge of innovation, and she wants her students to learn from it.
“We’ve made the decision to be curious and investigate and embrace AI because we feel it is our job to prepare our students for careers and post-secondary study," Glenn said. She said they're building a pathway of courses to teach artificial intelligence. Glenn also explained that Pasco County will use AI tools in other avenues of study as well. “I still believe that the human element is necessary to technology, at least right now, is only as smart as the people pushing the buttons. We're going to train our students to be able to use that technology the right way,” Glenn said.
“We are so excited and proud of our Angeline Academy of Innovation (AAI)," states PCS Superintendent Kurt Browning. "It is a beautiful facility that will provide our students with incredible academic opportunities. AAI is the third of our planned three ‘technical high schools’ that specifically integrate our technical education and higher rigor coursework into a single program. We are thrilled to be able to offer these unique learning opportunities to Pasco students."
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FADSS 2023 Fall Leadership Conference
By Katrina Figgett, FADSS Director of Training
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We are looking forward to seeing everyone next month at FADSS 2023 Fall Leadership Conference in Orlando, and welcoming our newest superintendents! Nothing can replace the connection, information sharing, and simple camaraderie that we experience when we are all together.
As always, we have a robust conference planned that will provide you with high-quality professional development, sharing of best practices, and substantive networking opportunities. The 2023 Fall Conference, titled “Collaboration for Student Success” will focus on how Public Schools engage with their community to provide the best quality education for all students. Sessions will include presentations by current superintendents showcasing innovative practices, and practical methods, for working with stakeholders.
Participation for the Fall Conference has been expanded to include the option for each superintendent to register one member of their leadership team, and recommend a focus on individuals who are versed in academic challenges and statutory/rule requirements related to academic performance. A link to register for the Fall Conference and hotel accommodations was sent out on July 6 and the registration deadline is August 21st.
See you in September!
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Thank you to FADSS 2023 - 2024
Annual Business Partners
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Florida Association of District School Superintendents
208 South Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32301
850.577.5784
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Be sure to follow FADSS on Twitter/X [@PublicSchoolSup] and tag FADSS in your district tweets so we can share the great stories and happenings in Florida public schools across our state!
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