Thankful for the Dedication of Florida Superintendents
While the Thanksgiving
holiday has passed and we are approaching the upcoming December holidays, I think it is paramount to continue to recognize and express sincere gratitude to Florida's 67 District School Superintendents who serve year-round, 24/7, as the education leader in their community.
Not many people
realize the tremendous scope and responsibility that comes with being a district
school superintendent. In most districts, the school system is one of, if not
the largest employer in a county. School districts are bound by the same
challenges and constraints of any business, with the added responsibility of
the education and general well-being of society’s most vulnerable population.
Another thing that many people do
not realize is that the job of a district school superintendent does not stop
at the end of the school day – it is a 24/7, 365 day-a-year job. Whether it is
attending school and district functions, participating in community events,
dealing with lock-downs, or myriad of other events or situations; the job does not end at 5:00 p.m. nor does
Friday signal the end of the work week for a superintendent.
As a former superintendent, I know
firsthand the importance of continually engaging with your community. I also
know it can be a lonely job. However, I think you would agree with me that the personal
rewards of serving your community through educating students and employing
teachers, staff, and administrators – far outweigh the long hours.
Public schools are the cornerstone
of every community, and district school superintendents play a critically role in ensuring the continued viability and success of the local school system, which has a direct, positive impact on the community at large.
I thank you for your continued service and dedication.
Yours in Education,
Bill Montford