Thankful for the dedication of Florida Superintendents
The holiday season is upon us, and I cannot think of
a better time to express my sincere gratitude to each of you for your service
as the education leader in your 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 outweighs the
long hours.
Public schools are the cornerstone
of every community and your job as the educational leader is so critically
important. Again – I thank you for your service and dedication.
Yours in Education,
Bill Montford