In your more than 25 years in public education, you have served in numerous roles, including Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, Principal, Safe Schools Specialist, and ELA classroom teacher. What led you to pursue a career in public education?
There comes a time in many college students' lives when the number of introductory and prerequisite courses is running low, and the time is up to declare a major. My academic advisor presented this choice to me during my sophomore year. During that time period, I was contemplating business management and physical therapy, but neither option truly felt like a calling. Finally, the confusion was such that I decided to turn it over to God in prayer.
Almost a week later, I received an unexpected answer in the form of a scholarship offer to the school of education at the University of West Florida. While it wasn’t on my radar to become an educator at the time, seriously entertaining the idea was something I felt compelled to do. The idea of becoming an educator grew on me. Making an impact on the next generation began to feel like a calling. Finally, I could give back what others had given me- time, expertise, and attention. And, what was most compelling was the fact that I would be able to impact students academically through teaching while also having the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of students through coaching.
Since then, I’ve never regretted the decision to devote my life to public education. This path has never been the most effortless, but it has always been the most fulfilling. I love what I do! From the classroom to the playing field to the boardroom, my focus has been dedicated to educating, enhancing, and encouraging students.
To me, there’s nothing more important than investing in our children. The future depends on it; those like me called to the profession will reap more rewards than they can imagine. I’m blessed to be a part of this community in ways I never imagined, and I wouldn’t change it for the world.
What innovative/impactful initiative in your school district are you most proud of during your tenure as a superintendent?
Our new and expanded Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs come to mind when considering innovation and impact. One new initiative I’m tremendously proud of and delighted to see in action is Kids CODE! CODE stands for Creative Online Developmental Education. Currently, twenty-one elementary schools are participating in this program. This program aims to spark interest in and impart knowledge in computer programming through online instruction. Participation in the program has increased intellectual curiosity and self-confidence in many of our youngest students!
An equally exciting and vitally important CTE program involves our Medical Academy. The goal of this program, like all of our other career preparation paths, is to start students on their way to being employment ready in areas of need for our local community. This program is funded by the Triumph grant and supported by HCA Florida Hospital in Ft. Walton Beach, Florida. Okaloosa County students will physically attend classes on campus at HCA Florida Hospital, where they will learn and interact with doctors, nurses, and patients. This innovative hands-on experience model will give students a clearer picture of what it means to be in the medical field while earning industry certifications as well. I’m proud that our district can play a part in alleviating local shortages in medical personnel.
Along with the new CTE initiatives mentioned, we’ve expanded an existing program related to an area of great need in our community. The carpentry program existed before I took office, but it’s growing to help meet our community's needs. Choctawhatchee High School has added a new Construction Program. Pryor Middle School received the 2019-2020 Family and Community Involvement Award from the Florida Department of Education for their Built by Pryor- Skills to Build Architecture and Construction class. This exemplary program is a model for bringing schools and community partners together to impact student success positively by providing a foundation in marketable skills. We’re proud of these and all the other CTE initiatives one can find throughout the district. They’re making a difference in the community.
You are currently engaged in your CEOLDP Leadership Challenge. Describe the main focus of your challenge and how it will move your district forward.
Upon being appointed as Superintendent of Okaloosa Schools and subsequently elected, I knew there had to be a clear vision and focus for everything we would do as a district. After many meaningful discussions with various stakeholders, six pillars of our organization's foundation emerged and were redefined. While each post holds equal importance, this year, our focus revolves around a renewed focus on academic excellence.
It’s hard not to reference the global pandemic here. Like most other districts, many of our students were quarantined or at home online. The realities of running a school district during the pandemic necessitated time and resources normally spent on academic excellence to be diverted towards what was most important at the time, which was the health and safety of our students and employees. But now, we’re back in our school buildings, and the focused emphasis has shifted attention back to the meaningful instruction of our students.
With a renewed focus on School Performance Plans (SPP), we have returned to an authentic and meaningful SPP process, ensuring each school's goals are apparent and coming to full fruition. My role is to provide principals with the tools and resources needed to make this document come alive.
Leadership is the key to success for any performance plan. Therefore, my CEOLDP Leadership Challenge equips all school leaders with the tools they need to move this district forward. To this effect, another of the six pillars has comes into play: continuous learning. In principal meetings, we are living the example of student-focused continuous improvement through evidence-based strategies.
Change is always challenging! For a fundamental shift to occur, the need for change first needs to be demonstrated, and the path forward broken into strategic steps. In turn, school leaders must do the same for their faculties and staff. My role as superintendent is overseeing the district's daily operations and being the visionary for systemic change. This year’s focus is professional development opportunities for administrators purposefully designed to empower communication and implementation of the district's structural renewal and revitalization of academic leadership. As a district, we are moving forward together, preparing the next generation to continue the tradition of academic excellence.
What innovative/impactful initiative in your school district are you most proud of during your tenure as a superintendent?
Our new and expanded Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs come to mind when considering innovation and impact. One new initiative I’m tremendously proud of and delighted to see in action is Kids CODE! CODE stands for Creative Online Developmental Education. Currently, twenty-one elementary schools are participating in this program. This program aims to spark interest in and impart knowledge in computer programming through online instruction. Participation in the program has increased intellectual curiosity and self-confidence in many of our youngest students!
An equally exciting and vitally important CTE program involves our Medical Academy. The goal of this program, like all of our other career preparation paths, is to start students on their way to being employment ready in areas of need for our local community. This program is funded by the Triumph grant and supported by HCA Florida Hospital in Ft. Walton Beach, Florida. Okaloosa County students will physically attend classes on campus at HCA Florida Hospital, where they will learn and interact with doctors, nurses, and patients. This innovative hands-on experience model will give students a clearer picture of what it means to be in the medical field while earning industry certifications as well. I’m proud that our district can play a part in alleviating local shortages in medical personnel.
Along with the new CTE initiatives mentioned, we’ve expanded an existing program related to an area of great need in our community. The carpentry program existed before I took office, but it’s growing to help meet our community's needs. Choctawhatchee High School has added a new Construction Program. Pryor Middle School received the 2019-2020 Family and Community Involvement Award from the Florida Department of Education for their Built by Pryor- Skills to Build Architecture and Construction class. This exemplary program is a model for bringing schools and community partners together to impact student success positively by providing a foundation in marketable skills. We’re proud of these and all the other CTE initiatives one can find throughout the district. They’re making a difference in the community.
Any additional comments & thoughts you would like to share?
As a society, we must never forget the importance of educators or the impact public education makes on the lives of all Americans. Schools change the lives of students for the better. There are numerous courses and programs through which our kids can explore interests and make informed decisions about their futures. Our faculties and staff are there to help guide them along the way. Whether a student is interested in college, the military or career-ready certifications, our district is committed to providing the training and support they need to be successful.
There’s so much riding on public education —too many people depend on us to prepare the next generation for their place in our community, state, and country for us not to give it our all. The mission is of the highest priority. We must find ways through adverse and rapidly changing circumstances. As a favorite children’s book by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury so aptly illustrates, when problems arise, there’s only one thing to do: We can’t go over it. We can’t go under it. We’ve got to go through it!
I’m fortunate to be able to “go through” with my Okaloosa County School District Family! Each day I wake up feeling blessed to be a part of this district and community. I’m ever thankful for the relationships and mentoring that shaped my future, allowing me this opportunity to make a difference in the lives of students, families, and the community at large. Though challenging, it truly is a dream come true.
