This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Sessions faces incumbent Lisa Miller and another challenger, Dell Quary. Click on the names of the semifinalists below to read their applications and find out more about them. The consensus of the board was to move forward with the seven candidates that were presented to us by the Citizens Screening Committee, said Cunningham. background-color: #6db24f; Example video title will go here for this video. The four candidates have also received donations from leaders of the Winter Haven 9-12 Project, another conservative group. This page contains links to important documents, including the Code of Conduct, Student Progression Plan, School Board polices, and more. There's no perfect solution when a school board suddenly needs to fill a vacancy: leave the seat empty until 2026, appoint someone to fill the seat, consolidate an election with an upcoming regular election, hold a special election now - or consider other options. He holds a bachelors, masters anddoctoratein educational leadership from the University of Central Florida. They're making it very partisan, trying to win votes, I think, and just ignore the real issues in our community.. Polk County Public Schools offers many programs for qualified, high-achieving students. Quick access to forms, resources, and information. The Polk County Public Schools school board maintains the following policy on public testimony during board meetings:[10]. Sheriff Grady Judd has also provided a statement to the chair of the school board, Sara Beth Wyatt, supporting Mr. Heid: It has come to my attention that a criticism has been made against the Polk School Board's background process related to the hiring of Superintendent Fred Heid. Practically speaking, the nonpartisan status simply means that candidates cannot campaign based on party affiliation such as on signs or mailers and are not listed by party on ballots. text-align: center; If not, please subscribe and help keep coverage of the most important local news coming. His name would not have been presented to the school board if there was any valid question related to his qualifications, integrity, or his care and concern for the safety, educational needs, and wellbeing of children under his care. 2023 Central Florida Development Council. People have the right to support the candidate that best aligns with what they feel is best for them, she said by text message when asked about partisanship. Jacqueline M. Byrd was the superintendent of Polk County Public Schools from 2016 to 2021. Kathryn LeRoy was the superintendent of Polk County Public Schools from 2013 to 2016. The opportunity to be heard is subject to policies adopted by the Board as follows: The presiding officer of each Board meeting at which public participation is permitted shall administer the rules of the Board for its conduct. Polk County school board members asked each candidate questions pertaining to their morals, educational values and methods for problem solving. Are we helping to fulfill that promise? Heid was appointed superintendent on July 1, 2021. They're students, and we represent all of them, no matter what their familys party affiliation is., She added: I think the whole situation in our country has really impacted us more than we realize on a local and state level. She has also taught, been an assistant principal and principal in Orange County. Federal courts | Click on the links below to learn more about the school district's Frederick Heid is the superintendent of Polk County Public Schools. Those interviews will take place in April. LAKELAND Following two-hour interviews witheachof the five candidates for school superintendent, tours of Polk County, a livevirtualquestion and answer session, breakfasts, as well as lunches and dinnerswith prominent Polk citizens, it is now time for the Polk County SchoolBoard to offer a job to a candidate the majority of them agree upon. Allegation: The Polk County School Board failed to conduct a proper background check on Mr. Heid as a candidate prior to hiring him as superintendent. In December, thedistrict advertised the positions and received applications from all over the country. Information for planning the next steps of your education and beyond. Public policy. Updated: 5:05 PM EDT April 26, 2021. There's more socialization. For the last seven years he was superintendent of District 300. Mr. Heid was never a named party in the filing we reviewed. We all want our kids to be reading on grade level. } PCPS refutes this baseless. He has not endorsed any other School Board candidates, his office said. Before Heid stressed the importance of leadership within our schools, he thanked his wife in the room for her support. ERNST PETERS/ THE LEDGER It is a reality of elections that some citizens scan their ballots and. The deadline was Jan. 31. The district one of the Top 30 largest in the U.S. announced more than 50 people submitted applications for the job. Polk County School Board Administrative Offices in Bartow, Fl. PCPS refutes this baseless allegation in its entirety. Many of the finalists said Polk County is an impressive place to land not only for the educational values the district already has, but also for the community. How do we continue to improve? Heid said, adding that he wants to learn what the communitys overall satisfaction is with Polk County schools, beyond grades. Get the best experience and stay connected to your community with our Spectrum News app. We may have to meet and agree to disagree. The presiding officer shall be guided by the following rules: No Board action shall be taken on requests made during public discussion unless the Board declares the matter to be an emergency in accordance with current law. From employers, do they see an outstanding candidate they know will do well? Keep checking the super search page for the latest news and developments. Were going to make sure were going to be able to support the candidates who are going to be reflective of our values.. He has a proven track record in attaining positive student academic performance, resulting in improved graduation rates., Hes also bilingual in English and Spanish and understands the diverse multicultural students, families and staff members throughout our county, she said. After that, he moved to Orange County to serve as an assistant principal, then principal. The content of the story fails to meet any professional or ethical standards for journalism. Information on how to become an approved volunteer and other ways to support Polk County Public Schools. In Florida, that can cause confusion over votes in school board races. Two local prestigious foundations have teamed to honor former Polk County Schools Superintendent Bill Miller while also providing a local teacher with an exceptional development opportunity. PCPS and Mr. Heid have always been open to responding to media and community requests for information and comment. She clearly has my best interest and the districts at heart so we can continue to flourish.. Frederick Heid was the first to be interviewed on Thursday. A 3,000 acre mixed-use area connecting universities and established institutions with entrepreneurial entities such as startups and business accelerators. When a new superintendent is hired, the goal is to make it a smooth transition how would you help the educational community adjust to a new governing style with a new superintendent? asked Polk County school board member, Kim Fields. PCPS refutes this baseless allegation in its entirety. Previously, he was the chief academic officer for Duval County Public Schools in Jacksonville and a bureau chief for school improvement for Region 1 for the Florida Department of Education. Polk c $ 163,006 $ 163,006 $ 163,006 $ 163,006 $ 172,829 $ 98,003 $ . Who are the Polk County Public Schools superintendent candidates? Superintendent of Schools Read biographical information about the Superintendent. Local Republican groups, such as the Faith Based Republican Club of West Polk, have scheduled campaign forums that include only the candidates the party has endorsed. The Polk County School Board sets policies for Floridas seventh-largest school district, which employs about 14,000 and serves more than 110,000 students. Sign up to receive messages from your school. Id like to see that flourish, he said. We all have to come to a consensus on things. But there are plenty of connections between the group and the self-described conservative candidates. He holds a bachelorsdegree insecondary education and a masters in educational leadershipfrom the University of South Florida, and is working on adoctoratein leadership in education administrationat Aurora University in Aurora, Illinois. Race and math shouldn't have anything to do with each other.. I represent all constituents. Ethics, Principles & Core Values Learn about the school district code of ethics and more. [This districts] growth, economic potential, partnerships with the community is well established. The district had a yearly average of $280,304,571 in outstanding debt. Martin referred to reports in April that the Florida Department of Education had rejected dozens of math books for use in the state schools because of prohibited topics, including mentions of race. Follow her on Twitter at @KMooreTheLedger. I think definitely, in the last few years, that the parties have gotten more involved, particularly Republicans and conservatives, Jewett said. Previously, she was the chief of staff for the Clark County School System in Las Vegas, the nations fifth largest school district. "There have been some situations where some pranks, so to speak, have been pulled during class time or during passing times in the schools and, talk about disruption, the school has to stop, potentially [go on] lock down.". When candidates werent being interviewedWednesday and Thursday, they were being driven around thesprawling county to see school sites, other popular spots everything fromfromLake Mirror to LEGOLAND along with booming areas like Davenport, which has two new school buildings going up. Updated: 6:20 PM EDT March 29, 2021 BARTOW, Fla. It comes down to six. Our background investigation was well aware of legal filings involving District 300 schools in Kane County, Illinois. Any allegation that he is anything less than a highly principled and capable leader has been shown to be without merit by our background investigation. Kim Reynolds' former unofficial education policy advisor, has filed a bizarre lawsuit against the Ankeny School District in the "Kimberly Reicks Court" and seeks $87,035,000 in damages, according to the documents filed in Mahaska County. Why do so this time? Most importantly for me, its about a family atmosphere, Borders said. It may not reflect actual teacher salaries in the district. PASCO COUNTY, Fla. - The Pasco County school district began sending out a survey Wednesday to principals, teachers, parents and students asking for feedback regarding the use of cell phones in schools, as district leaders consider banning the devices. The school board was not restricted to these seven candidates and could remove or add any of the applicants who applied for the position. She is a registered Democrat, while her husband is a Republican, but said she doesnt vote based on party affiliation. JamesMcIntyreJr. currently the director of the Center for Educational Leadership at the University of Tennessee and an assistant professor. And so I'm always for more voices to be heard as part of the process.. Click here for more information Community Resources Online resources and services for students! Miller said she was troubled by the Republican Partys promotion of an entire block of candidates. Links to online catalogs, eBooks, and reference and research tools. The board will then choose the applicants they want to interviewin the next few weeks. She was previously assistant commissioner for data and research with the Tennessee Department of Education. Neither Mr. Heid nor PCPS was ever contacted regarding these allegations or asked for a response. The semifinalists will be asked to submit written/video responses to a series of questions. For example, Noltes daughter-in-law, Nicole Nolte, is the groups communications director. Library Media Services offers a number of services and programs to aid students, school library staff, teachers, faculty, district office staff and members of the community. text-align: center; All I ever ask for is transparency. U.S. Congress | Thursday was the second day of two-hour interviews and a district tour for each of the five finalists. Dunn is a campaign consultant for two local school board candidates; he has been featured by the Lakeland Ledger previously regarding his having been convicted on federal fraud charges. The vote on the superintendent selection is the final item on the agenda. She asserted that Republicans and CCDF are running a coordinated campaign for the conservative candidates. His overarching goal for the district is to continue focusing on improving academic outcomes. 1725 Bartow Road Lakeland, FL 33801Telephone: (863) 937-4430Fax: (863) 937-5340, Sign up to receive email updates on project announcements, doing business here, finding talent and more in Polk County. About a dozen or so people attended the interview sessions on Wednesday and Thursday, while about four dozen people gathered for Thursday evenings meet and greet at the Jim Miles Centerin Highland City. Links to additional information for students. The push for change doesnt stop until every target area reaches 100%. Monday Sept. 13 2021. Find your Board member, access Board meeting calendars and agendas, and learn how you can watch meeting broadcasts. Byrdssuccessor is scheduled to be selected at the April 27board meeting. Wilson said they are looking for someone with financial experience, who can lobby Tallahassee for more funding and find areas in thedistrictsnearly $2 budget where money could be better spent. Frederick Heid was selected from among five candidates during a school board meeting Tuesday night. That pleases Cunningham, who said her first goal for Heid is to spend the necessary time to get to know the people, places and critical issues facing our district. A district spokesperson said the survey, called a "Thought Exchange," will help board members decide if and when they will hold a workshop to discuss the cell phone policy. POLK COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) - A school board member in Polk County lost narrowly to a first-time candidate with the backing of Gov. Byrd took a position as the deputy superintendent of schools in Polk County in June 2013. He was previouslythe superintendent of Knox County Schools in Knoxville, Tennessee, and chief operating officer,deputy chief financial officer and budget directorof Boston Public Schools in Massachusetts. Martin also cited the whole concept of social engineering, suggesting that Polk County schools are devoting more attention to social issues than to the basics of education. Being collaborative, were able to avoid the noise., He knows there are things he can just do without spending a lot of time on them, but he prefers to get input on the front end, explaining and building support for an idea. More than 50 people submitted applications for the job. She underwent educational leadership training at Harvard University. During his tenure, the district established full-day kindergarten classes, a path for high school students to earn their associate of arts degree and the DREAM (Dedicated Reinforcement, Engagement, and Motivation) Academy, which provides support to at-risk first through fifth graders. He holds a bachelors degree in administrative systems management from Norfolk State University, amasters in special education from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, and doctorate in educational policy, planning and leadership from the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. James Dunns participation in the podcast leads us to believe that he is seeking to mislead and sway voters before the upcoming school board elections. RELATED: State Senator Manny Diaz appointed Florida's next education commissioner, "It was almost like a drug, like they couldn't stop using it. Sex education: Polk County School Board unanimously approves changes to curriculum, More on CCDF: Conservative group wants to inspect Polk election system. Thursday was the second day of two-hour interviews and a district tour for each of the five. Florida voters passed a constitutional amendment in 1998 establishing that school board elections would be nonpartisan. A longtime Florida educator and University of South Florida graduate has been chosen to lead the Polk County School District. School board elections. Allegation: The Polk County School Board failed to conduct a proper background check on Mr. Heid as a candidate prior to hiring him as superintendent. The opportunity to be heard need not occur at the same meeting at which the Board takes official action on the proposition if the opportunity occurs at a meeting that is during the decision-making process and is within reasonable proximity in time before the meeting at which the Board takes the official action. Per maggiori informazioni sulle modalit di utilizzo dei dati, consulta la nostra Informativa sulla privacy e lInformativa sui cookie. Jennifer Wilson, 70,aretired music teacherand Title I coordinator, attended all the meetings and took notes.

} color: white; The table below separates the district's revenue into the three sources identified by the agency: local, state, and federal. More: Meet the finalists for Polk County Teacher and School-Related Employee of the Year. The Polk School District Board of Education is closer to finding the successor to School Superintendent Laurie Atkins following a recent round of interviews with potential candidates. That claim mirrors DeSantis campaign against woke ideology and the Legislatures passage this year of the Parental Rights in Education law, dubbed Dont Say Gay by critics. "As parents of a student, one of the things I like about Polk is the variety provided," especially academies, he said. In addition he has been a teacher and an admissions-financial aid counselor at Canisius College. and district school superintendent, calculated pursuant to ss. [1][2], The Polk County Public Schools school board consists of seven members elected to four-year terms. Clark and Sessions each listed payments of $7,500 to Dunn in their campaign expenditures for June. The panel will present the seven finalists to the School Board on Tuesday night. City commission and judicial elections are also free of partisan labels, while candidates in races from the county commission through the Florida Legislature and Congress runas party members. LAKELAND, Fla. The race is down to five candidates. Its not being taught directly, but it's being taught indirectly, Martin said. Dear Polk County Parents and Guardians, Spring Break is a great time to get your child caught up on or AHEAD of all Iowa required and recommended vaccines. Whoever is chosen will oversee the seventh largest district in Florida with at least 105,000 students and 13,000 employees, including 7,000 teachers. State legislature | Because when I look at a student, I don't see a student being a Republican or Democrat. She said she and a group of people have been praying about this decision. This was a sentiment echoed by finalist Harold Borders. The panel then approvedaddingtwo more people to the list: Michael Ramirez currently deputy superintendent of schoolsof Denver Public Schools. Martin called nonpartisan elections in Florida a failure and suggested that school board candidates should be identified by party. Heid began his career as a teacher in Sarasota. The board enlisted the services of the Florida School Boards Association and the Polk County Sheriff's Office to assist with background checks on all PCPS superintendent candidate finalists. Polk County Middle School Jamie Graber. These online stories have been circulating on social media, and news media have asked PCPS for comment. } The Republican Party is committed to making certain that we restore our schools to the functions that they were meant to be, which is teaching our children reading, writing and arithmetic, and keeping all of the other stuff, if you will, out of our schools, out of the curriculum, Dunn said. The education of our children is not a partisan issue. School Superintendent Frederick Heid oversaw that process, and School Board members were not directly involved. The party devotes space on its website to the four candidates it describes as conservative. New Superintendent Vows to Keep the School District Moving Forward.

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