Transparency

Clear and open communication are the basis of trust and this is an opportunity for growth in our district. When I talk with families throughout our county, it is clear to me that we need to improve communication expectations and transparency at all levels. Clear, effective, and consistent communication can help us rebuild trust with our community. So many parents have legitimate fears and concerns about their child’s education and as leaders we must ensure we can rebuild trust by being transparent and responsive to our families. We need to make sure that people clearly understand the “why” behind every decision.

In more recent years, school districts have been under increased scrutiny regarding professional practices and how they are implemented in education. Education has been heavily politicized and it has affected all stakeholders. Pasco County will not teach Critical Race Theory and I will ensure students have access to developmentally appropriate books and modes of media to enrich their education. It is possible to abide by the law, teach the standards, ensure a safe environment for all, and provide a rich education to our children with the right leadership in place.

We also need to increase community input and engagement prior to final decisions so we can elevate the voices in our community. We can also empower our community and increase engagement by improving access to our board meetings. Agendas, meeting minutes, and decisions should be readily available online to the public and explained in a way that can be understood by the community and how they will be affected. Additionally, every school should have a calendar that families can subscribe to, so all their children’s events automatically populate. Never miss another dress up day again!

Access to books:

I encourage and facilitate parental involvement while maintaining an enriching educational environment and that will be no different as your superintendent of schools. I will implement a balanced approach to managing school library collections with responsible book curation.

Age-Appropriate Content: 

We must continue to ensure that reading materials are thoughtfully selected to align with students' age, development, and interests. Parents will be able to know all available reading material in the media center through https://mind.pasco.k12.fl.us/. This catalog provides a comprehensive list of all the books available in each school's media center.

Parental Rights: 

We want our parents involved in their child’s education and it is vital that the most important people in a child’s life have a say in their learning. If a book is in question, we have a district process already in place to review the text to determine if it is acceptable for all ages or should have restrictions for certain grades (elementary, middle, or high). 

Should a book be deemed appropriate, but questionable to some, then I would like to see us move to a tiered student access system, based on the parent's choice. The parent can approve "all access," allowing their child to access any book in the media center, or "limited access," which would restrict their child from accessing certain shelves. The books on the "limited access" shelf would also be listed for parents to review. 

This system would give parents greater control over their children's reading choices while preserving the literary options for the entire school community. This system empowers parents to make informed decisions about their children's reading material while respecting the rights of other families to access a wide range of books. By maintaining this thoughtful policy, I aim to create an educational environment that simultaneously supports student growth and parental involvement.

I am committed to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to find solutions that respect parental rights, support student learning, and uphold the values of our educational community.

Student Inclusion and Safety:

As Superintendent of Pasco County Schools, I will continue to be committed to fostering an educational environment where every student feels safe and supported, regardless of their background, identity, or personal circumstances. Our schools will be a place of respect and understanding, where all students are empowered to reach their full potential.

Neutral Stance on Ideologies:

My focus is providing high-quality education and supporting student growth which means keeping politics out of the classroom. Pasco County Schools will not support the promotion of any specific ideologies but will encourage critical thinking.

Welcoming Environment:

We will create a welcoming atmosphere for all students, embracing their unique qualities and experiences. Our staff will receive ongoing training to ensure they are equipped to support students from all walks of life. We will focus on building a culture of mutual respect among our student body.

Facilities and Sports:

Students will utilize the restroom that aligns with their sex at birth. To address the diverse needs of our student population, we will provide the option of single-stall restrooms for any student seeking additional privacy to ensure all students have access to comfortable and appropriate facilities. Regarding sports participation, we will adhere to current state laws and regulations while prioritizing fair competition and the safety of all athletes.

Ongoing Support:

Our commitment to student well-being extends beyond the classroom. We will provide comprehensive support services, including counseling and mental health resources, to help students navigate challenges and thrive academically and personally. By implementing these policies, we aim to create a school environment where every student can feel valued, respected, and empowered to succeed.

Related Professional Development & Recognitions:

Management Training Developing Staff

Classroom Assessments Training

Learning Focused Solutions Four Day Training

High Impact Instruction

Universal Design for Learning

Coaching Academy: Coaching to Increase Engagement

Gallup Performance Management

Solution Tree PLC at Work Institute

Coaching Training - Dr.Donna Beegle

Sharpening the Saw Training

Coaching for Improvement - Development Dimensions International

Collaborative Culture

Facilitative Leadership Training

Coaching for Success - Development Dimensions International

Management Training Organizational Plan

School Improvement Training

Managing Instructional Behaviors

Administrator School Leadership Team and ESE workshop

General School Related Personnel Training

Problem Solving Models

Coaching for Success - SREB

Resolving Conflict - Development Dimensions International