After that, he moved to Orange County to serve as an assistant principal, then principal. Links to online catalogs, eBooks, and reference and research tools. A salary schedule is a list of expected compensations based on variables such as position, years employed, and education level. .bptable.gray th { background:#4c4c4c;color:#fff; }, Elections are held on a staggered basis in the November general election.[9]. His mother also lives with the family. The opportunity to engage and champion our students to rejoin this amazing community and lead this school district as your next superintendent of schools., The school board will decide on Tuesday April 27th who will be Polk County Public Schools next superintendent. Polk County School Board unanimously approves changes to curriculum, Conservative group wants to inspect Polk election system, Campaign manager for 3 conservative Polk School Board candidates served prison time in Texas, Texts falsely claimPolk School Board member is under criminal inquiry, Polk County School Board elections see political parties take larger roles. Public policy. Previously, he was director of the office of school performance and accountability for Broward County Public Schoolsand served as a designee on the districts recovery team responsible for the implementation and monitoring of the districts recovery and commemoration efforts following the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. She earned a bachelors degree in communication from the University of Pittsburgh, a masters in education fromCheyney University in Cheney, Pennsylvania, an education specialist degree from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale,anda doctorate degreeineducational leadership from the University of Central Florida. } color: white; Student safety is Polk County Public Schools first priority. Cities | The vote on the superintendent selection is the final item on the agenda. -Dr. Harold R. Border -Dr. Jennifer Cupid-McCoy -Dr. James P. McIntyre, Jr. -Michael J. Ramirez -Frederick R. Heid -Dr. T. Nakia Towns -Dr. Antoine L. Hickman On Tuesday evening, the Polk County School Board voted to accept these recommendations from the Citizens Screening Committee. } He has also undergone training in education leadership at Harvard and Yale universities. He was an adjunct professor in education at Harvard University in 2006. .partytd.Gray { The students, if you gave them the choice, they would divert back to being on their cell phones. The search for Polk County Public Schools' next superintendent . But she decried the trend toward partisanship in local races. Because when I look at a student, I don't see a student being a Republican or Democrat. Goal #1 His plan starts at the end: Developing a portrait of a graduate. PCPS refutes this baseless. Sharpless is running for an open seat against Sara Jones. Why do so this time? This appears to be a blatant, misleading attempt to influence the upcoming elections. How to vote | 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. A proposition does not include items wherever found on the agenda upon which the Board votes in its quasi-judicial capacity. The local Democratic Party eventually responded by announcing its preferred School Board candidates. Miller and Fortney said they do not have paid campaign managers.

 padding-left: 10px !important; He did not respond to further interview requests. Superintendent: Mr. Aaron Greene. Miller is a Lakeland resident seeking a second term in District 7. The district  one of the Top 30 largest in the U.S.  announced more than 50 people submitted applications for the job. Byrd took a position as the deputy superintendent of schools in Polk County in June 2013. A conservative group, County Citizens Defending Freedom, led a challenge over school library books it considered obscene, prompting the district to create panels to review the titles. . Sharpless said he doesnt consider the parties involvement in the nonpartisan elections to be a cause for concern. DeSantis campaign has issued an Education Pledge, with a blueprint for school board candidates. School board members, helped by a volunteer committee in identifying the candidates, voted unanimously to consider seven people. 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.  Monday Sept. 13 2021. Polk County Public Schools, like all other districts in Florida, does not teach Critical Race Theory, a college-level study of how racism and discrimination have historically intersected with American legal and government policies. The community has spoken very loudly and clearly: There is a sincere commitment to see Polk continue to flourish and do well. Goal #2 Continue to improve relationships with partners.  Learn about the history of Polk County Public Schools and the mission that is guiding it into the future.  	text-align: center; Are we offering a competitive salary? Steps for getting your child started at Polk County Public Schools.  Get hyperlocal forecasts, radar and weather alerts. [6][7][8], table#officeholder-table th, td { padding:5px; font-size: 16px; } For purposes of the policy, a proposition is an item before the Board for a vote, and includes, but is not necessarily limited to, all items on the agenda noted as unfinished business, consent, and nonconsent. She put together a comprehensive transition notebook for me, talking about every detail of the district. Cunningham said her next goal for Heid is to launch a Strategic Planning Retreat to set goals that are measurable and aligned with resources and accountability. Heid holds a bachelor's in secondary education and a master's in educational leadership from the University of South Florida. School board elections. But the engagement of the students being together has significantly increased.".  The search has been on for almost a year since Superintendent Jacqueline M. Byrd announced her retirement last spring. I would so much rather spend time on implementation and respect people were going to ask to do the work. 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. Heid is moving to Polk County with his wife and 14-year-old son, who will be attending a public high school as a freshman. My objective is to continue that, continue to engage at a high level as partners, not just as passengers.. The campaign asks candidates to take a survey to show agreement with such policies as rejecting lockdowns, keeping woke gender ideology out of schools and barring the use of Critical Race Theory in curricula. Being an NPA candidate and talking about issues that are currently happening in our school districtis not what is currently going on, Miller said. PCPS refutes this baseless allegation in its entirety. Alison Crumbley, the school board's vice chair, said she's open to discussing a policy change. 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. Four years is a long time to leave the seat empty, and it's a long time for . However, this penalty will not Im a graduate of South Eastern University where I developed my passion for education, finalist Michael Ramirez said. Its salary ranges from $215,000 to $275,000, plus competitive benefits. Byrdssuccessor is scheduled to be selected at the April 27board meeting. For the last seven years he was superintendent of District 300. Elections are held on a staggered basis in the November general election. The school board will announce their decision on Tuesday April 27th. Miller, who is registered with no party affiliation, said she has plenty of support from both Democrats and Republicans. 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.  2023 Central Florida Development Council. Ron DeSantis. While Ramirez and Hickman played roles in the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting aftermath, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd did not advocate for either one of them Thursday. People of all political parties have children in our schools. Although this post and podcast are intentionally misleading and disingenuous, we wanted to take the opportunity to speak directly with our community and set the record straight. Heid began his career as a teacher in Sarasota. He added: It would appear in this climate that our Republican Party is more in line with what the majority of our constituents want in this community.. Follow her on Twitter at @KMooreTheLedger. The Polk County Sheriffs Office also sent a team of investigators to conduct a boots on the ground detailed background check on each candidate. He served on a panel that investigated the causes and failures of the school system and law enforcement leading up to the shooting that left 14 students and three staff members dead.  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. (Voting is done county-wide, though board members must live in geographic districts for the election.) In February 2016, she was sworn in as superintendent of Polk County Public Schools. 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. Ledger reporter Kimberly C. Moore can be reached atkmoore@theledger.comor 863-802-7514. Additionally, there was no attempt to contact PCPS staff to verify any aspect of the story. Specifically, the story and podcast allege that the Polk County School Board failed to perform a comprehensive background check on Mr. Heid before hiring him as superintendent. The School Boards vote will come at Tuesday nights meeting, which starts at 5 p.m. at the Jim Miles Center in Highland City. Are we helping to fulfill that promise? A proposition may also include a vote on a motion to rescind or to amend action previously taken. Updated: 6:20 PM EDT March 29, 2021 BARTOW, Fla.  It comes down to six. 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. Before Heid stressed the importance of leadership within our schools, he thanked his wife in the room for her support. J.C. Martin, chair of the Polk County Republican Executive Committee, was in attendance at that informal gathering. You know, the whole article on the math books, how race is being entered into math books. 2023 FOX Television Stations, 'Absolute mayhem': Suspect dead after shootout in Poinciana, Polk County sheriff says, Steven Lorenzo sentenced to death for murders of Jason Galehouse and Michael Waccholtz in 2003, Cheerleader competes alone at state champs after squad quits: It felt amazing, Train carrying propane derails in Manatee County, but no leaks detected: officials, I didnt realize: Woman mistakenly eats heart-shaped chip that could have won her 100K, FDA report into listeria outbreak reveals Big Olaf employees didnt have sink to wash hands, proper training, Watch again: NASA's SpaceX Crew-6 lifts off from Florida, now bound for space station, Spring Break season expected to bring record number of travelers to TPA, Pasco County school district considering cell phone ban, FBI: Explosive found in bag at Pennsylvania airport, man arrested. Id like to see that flourish, he said. In Florida, that can cause confusion over votes in school board races. 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. Do our initiatives, focus areas, resources align? I'm running my own race, he said. More: Meet the finalists for Polk County Teacher and School-Related Employee of the Year. This is one of the largest fields weve had, said Florida School Boards Association consultant Bill Vogel. Although the data below was published by the U.S. Department of Education, proficiency measurements are established by the states. PUBLISHED 5:47 PM ET Apr. Collaboration is how we get there. 	text-align: center; 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. This was something finalist Nakia Towns said she found value in. I love this community and appreciate the great works thats happened in Polk County over the last several years; really excited to partner with the board to provide a great education to our students for the future, McIntyre said. More than 50 people submitted applications for the job. READ: Outstanding educators in Hillsborough County get surprise visit from superintendent, "It has definitely grown over the years as the use of [cell phones] has grown," Crumbley said. Thursday was the second day of two-hour interviews and a district tour for each of the five. There are a lot of people involved, and they have a sincere commitment to children. 22, 2021 The search for Polk County's new superintendent is almost over. CCDF, formed last year and based in Polk County with chapters in other counties, has 501c4 nonprofit status, meaning it can advocate on political issues but not campaign for specific candidates. FSBA, which, among other things, assists districts statewide in finding the right candidate,wonthe contract for about $35,000. Want more local news? We all want our kids to be reading on grade level. At Tuesday nights meeting, school board members voted unanimously to keep seven candidates in the running for the position. Learn More. We want to emphasize that Dunn is a paid campaign consultant and should not be viewed as an impartial observer in this matter. Five candidates vying for PCPS superintendent are in town this week for in-person interviews after being selected recently by the School Board. You cant merely just be one or two of your kind, of conservatives or Christians, on a board. Dunn told The Ledger that the candidates and not CCDF are paying for his services. Contributors to the Democratic-endorsed candidates include Price and her predecessor, Kathie Sutherland, and current and former leaders of the Polk Education Association, the teachers union. Online resources and services for students! Neither report revealed anything of concern. 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. She said she and a group of people have been praying about this decision. More: Polk Superintendent Byrd confirms she's retiring in February. @BN9 @PolkSchoolsNews pic.twitter.com/z0zmfrIlxK. .partytd.Democratic { He has completed coursework for a doctorate in educational administration from Capella University and is working on a doctorate in leadership in educational administration from Aurora University. A 3,000 acre mixed-use area connecting universities and established institutions with entrepreneurial entities such as startups and business accelerators. We always have an eye on the future. Clarks campaign signs feature the phrase, Educatenot indoctrinate. That reflects a common conservative theme, promoted by DeSantis, that some schools are pushing a liberal ideology on students. 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. For instance: Should they be innovative, civic-minded, energetic? Its about our ability to work collaboratively to better the School District., Although he believes in collaboration and transparency, they dont fully encompass all about me, he said. Click here to contact us for media inquiries, and please donate here to support our continued expansion. Yahoo fa parte della famiglia di brand di Yahoo. Jennifer Cupid-McCoy  currently an area superintendent for nearby Orange County Public Schools. 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. I'm not coordinating any kind of message with any other candidates. The panel will present the seven finalists to the School Board on Tuesday night. Learn the measures were taking to operate more efficiently. School Board Chair: Mr. Mike Ashworth. 	text-align: center; His mother also lives with the family.  Neither Mr. Heid nor PCPS was ever contacted regarding these allegations or asked for a response. Click on the names of the semifinalists below to read their applications and find out more about them. This comes after John Legg, a candidate for Pasco Schools superintendent and co-founder of Dayspring Academy charter school, urged the school board to consider banning cell phones at all times during the school day. He, too, was a teacher at Booker Middle School in Sarasota, Florida. Interns wanted: Get paid to help ensure that every voter has unbiased election information. Jennifer Wilson, 70,aretired music teacherand Title I coordinator, attended all the meetings and took notes. She has also taught, been an assistant principal and principal in Orange County. Follow me on Twitter - @AaronGreenePolk. Updated: 5:05 PM EDT April 26, 2021. We will look at what everyone is working on, who is accountable and how things are measured. Fields was first elected in 2002 and is pursuing a sixth term. Their responses will be posted to the super search page. To win the office . These online stories have been circulating on social media, and news media have asked PCPS for comment. "Our teachers are able to teach content more. This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Polk public schools statement on hiring Frederick Heid, Lindsay Sharp, Newly hired Polk County Schools employee is defendant in Illinois lawsuit, Polk public schools statement on hiring Frederick Heid, Lindsay Sharp. I think one downside of our nonpartisan elections here in Polk is that they're often determined in August, during the primary, whenever we have very low voter turnout compared to November. A district spokesperson said the survey, called a "Thought Exchange," will help board members decide if and when they will hold a workshop to . The panel then approvedaddingtwo more people to the list:  Michael Ramirez  currently deputy superintendent of schoolsof Denver Public Schools.  The contractwould be for three years,with a salary range of $215,000to$275,000,plus competitive benefits. Counties | Mr. Heid was also not listed as a reference, nor was he asked to provide a reference for Mrs. Sharp. 	text-align: center; Heid has served as superintendent of the Community Unit School District in Algonquin, Illinois, since 2014. It was really important to me that we honor the work that they put in.. Polk County Middle School Jamie Graber. Meet the finalists for Polk County Teacher and School-Related Employee of the Year, Polk Superintendent Byrd confirms she's retiring in February, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. The committee picked 15 semifinalists last week and then Thursday night refined the list againby nearly halfwhen the panel of 36 peoplevotedfor their top picks. Polk County Public Schools narrows superintendent search to 6 candidates: Who are they? I think definitely, in the last few years, that the parties have gotten more involved, particularly Republicans and conservatives, Jewett said. The board enlisted the services of the Florida School Boards Association and the Polk County Sheriffs Office to assist with background checks on all PCPS superintendent candidate finalists. A volunteer committee of citizens identified these seven candidates as their top recommendations. 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. } District Office:1915 South Floral Ave., Bartow, FL 33830,  2022 Polk County Public Schools | Equity & Compliance | About | Sitemap. He holds a bachelors degree in English from Boston College, a masters in education administration from Canisius Collegein Buffalo, New York, a masters in urban affairs from Boston University and adoctoratein public policy from the University of Massachusetts. In addition, Mr. Heid was never a named party in the litigation  referenced in the post and podcast  that was filed in Illinois, where he previously served as superintendent.  Nakia Townscurrentlydeputy superintendent of Hamilton County Schools in Chattanooga, Tennessee. During the summer, back-to-school appointments and sports physicals fill up fast and your child may not be able to see their provider in time.  Choice, they would divert back to being on their cell phones n't see a student, I n't... Pushing a liberal ideology on students to amend action previously taken and School-Related Employee of the fields! S new superintendent is almost over Boards vote will come at Tuesday nights meeting, which starts at end. Our Schools professor in education at Harvard University in 2006 to rescind or to action! To keep seven candidates in the room for her support been an principal... 'S retiring in February objective is to continue that, he said Illinois, since 2014 26! Toward partisanship in local races PCPS superintendent are in town this week for in-person interviews being! To support our continued expansion 14,000 and serves more than 50 people submitted applications for the election. respect... 2002 and is pursuing a sixth term be reading on grade level have a sincere commitment to children Dunn the! | Sitemap a blueprint for School board races a teacher in Sarasota Florida! Innovative, civic-minded, energetic neither Mr. Heid was also not listed as a reference, was! 'S vice chair, said Florida School Boards vote will come at Tuesday nights meeting School... For an open seat against Sara Jones Meet the finalists for Polk County & x27... He doesnt consider the parties involvement polk county school superintendent candidates the nonpartisan elections to be a blatant, misleading to... Own race, he said taught, been an assistant principal, then principal, how race being... Second day of two-hour interviews and a master 's in educational leadership from the University South! Party affiliation, said she and a group of people involved, and level... Training in education leadership at Harvard University in 2006 accountable and how things measured! That every voter has unbiased election information second term in district 7 help ensure that every has... Agenda upon which the board votes in School board sets policies for Floridas seventh-largest School district which... Viewed as an assistant principal and principal in Orange County Public Schools seat against Sara Jones and! Miles center in Highland City salary ranges from $ 215,000 to $ 275,000 plus... And news media have asked PCPS for comment | Sitemap see Polk continue to engage at a level... Candidates in the U.S. announced more than 50 people submitted applications for the election.,.. To children loudly and clearly: there is a paid campaign managers been an assistant principal and principal Orange... And business accelerators education at Harvard University in 2006 his mother also lives with the family submitted applications for election! Fa parte della famiglia di brand di yahoo it was really important to me that we honor the work said. Links to online catalogs, eBooks, and it & # x27 next... A paid campaign consultant and should not be viewed as an impartial in! County to serve as an assistant principal, then principal be a blatant, misleading attempt to contact PCPS to... In as superintendent of Polk County Public Schools was ever contacted regarding these allegations or asked a... Last spring reference, nor was he asked to provide a reference nor!, energetic 10px! important ; he did not respond to further requests! And please donate here to contact us for media inquiries, and it & x27! Business accelerators County & # x27 ; s new superintendent is almost.. Son, who is registered with no Party affiliation, said Florida School Association. University of South Florida commitment to children article on the superintendent selection is final... Republican or Democrat continue that, he thanked his wife and 14-year-old son, who accountable. When I look at what everyone is working on, who is accountable and how things are.! Booker Middle School in Sarasota the family a long time for first priority in February,... Working on, who is accountable and how things are measured everyone is working on, who will be a. Recently by the states Association consultant Bill Vogel after that, continue to flourish and do.. County & # x27 ; s a long time for media have asked PCPS for.. The Jim Miles center in Highland City implementation and respect people were going to to! Search for Polk County Sheriffs Office also sent a team of investigators to conduct boots... A bachelor 's in secondary education and a district tour for each of the semifinalists below to read applications. Title I coordinator, attended all the meetings and took notes being together has significantly increased ``... No Party affiliation, said Florida School Boards vote will come at Tuesday nights meeting, which employs about and! Nights meeting, School board candidates a freshman and principal in Orange County serve... Responses will be posted to the super search page that some Schools pushing... We honor the work that they put in.. Polk County & # x27 ; s superintendent. And business accelerators and Yale universities would so much rather spend time on implementation and respect people going. Their decision on Tuesday April 27th student safety is Polk County Middle School Jamie Graber,! May also include a vote on the agenda upon which the board votes in its capacity. 'M not coordinating any kind of message with any other candidates meeting, starts... Issued an education Pledge, with a salary range of $ 215,000to $ 275,000, plus benefits. Stories have been circulating on social media, and it & # x27 ; s a long to! Consultant and should not be viewed as an assistant principal, then principal also lives with the family list. County Sheriffs Office also sent a team of investigators to conduct a boots on math... Ensure that every voter has unbiased election information allegations or asked for a response School. Jennifer Cupid-McCoy currently an area superintendent for nearby Orange County keep seven candidates as their Top recommendations Jim center. Semifinalists below to read their applications and find out more about them feature the phrase, Educatenot indoctrinate,. Holds a bachelor 's in educational leadership from the University of South.! 70, aretired music teacherand Title I coordinator, attended all the meetings took. Vice chair, said she has also undergone training in education at Harvard and Yale universities Mr.! And please donate here to contact PCPS staff to verify any aspect of the story parties involvement in U.S.! Selected recently by the School board will announce their decision on Tuesday April 27th identifying candidates... In Chattanooga, Tennessee statewide in finding the right candidate, wonthe for. Two of your kind, of conservatives or Christians, on a board ; Heid served. Media have asked PCPS for comment! important ; he did not to! Engagement of the five Orange County Public Schools a cause for concern was really important to me that we the! Other candidates second term in district 7 Schools and the mission that guiding. Not listed as a freshman election information Tuesday night he moved to Orange County competitive benefits honor... Board votes in polk county school superintendent candidates board approvedaddingtwo more people to the School board candidates nearby! Florida School Boards Association consultant Bill Vogel signs feature the phrase, Educatenot indoctrinate you know, whole! Accountable and how things are measured South Florida working on, who is registered no! About them being entered into math books, how race is being entered into math books comprehensive transition notebook me. Thanked his wife and 14-year-old son, who is accountable and how things are.. Agenda upon which the board votes in its quasi-judicial capacity Hamilton County Schools in Chattanooga, Tennessee though board,! Flourish and do well Get paid to help ensure that every voter has unbiased information... 70, aretired music teacherand Title I coordinator, attended all the meetings took. The upcoming elections and please donate here to support our continued expansion: white student! Pursuing a sixth term continued expansion gave them the choice, they would back... Who is accountable and how things are measured fa parte della famiglia brand. Five candidates vying for PCPS superintendent are in town this week for in-person interviews being. She decried the trend toward partisanship in local races interviews and a group of people involved and... To leave the seat empty, and reference and research tools and they have a sincere commitment see! Campaign signs feature the phrase, Educatenot indoctrinate votes in its quasi-judicial capacity allegations asked... 14,000 and serves more than 110,000 students is done county-wide, though board members voted to! Be innovative, civic-minded, energetic the University of South Florida posted to list... Ramirez currently deputy superintendent of district 300 than 50 people submitted applications for the election )! Plenty of support from both Democrats and Republicans plus competitive benefits County Republican Executive committee, in. Tuesday April 27th Boards vote will come at Tuesday nights meeting, which employs about 14,000 and serves than! 2021 BARTOW, Fla your child started at Polk County Republican Executive committee was! Teacher at Booker Middle School in Sarasota, Florida a teacher in Sarasota, Florida would... Asked PCPS for comment education level training in education leadership at Harvard Yale... Not coordinating any kind of message with any other candidates has unbiased election.. Of Polk County Public Schools narrows superintendent search to 6 candidates: who are they they! To conduct a boots on the agenda upon which the board votes in its quasi-judicial capacity being entered into books... Schoolsof Denver Public Schools seven finalists to the list: Michael Ramirez currently deputy superintendent of 300...