School board interviews superintendent finalist Dr. Greene
5/17/2018
Earlier today, the school interviewed Dr. Diana Greene for Superintendent of Duval County Public Schools (DCPS). For the most part, the questions followed the same format as those asked of Dr. Dunsmore yesterday.
As superintendent of the School District of Manatee County, Dr. Greene spoke at length about district successes in reducing the number of “D” and “F” schools, implementing support programs for English Language Learners (ELL), providing additional supports for Manatee County’s multiple schools with 100% free and reduced lunch student populations, increasing the graduation rate and increasing educational funding through voter renewal of a half-cent sales tax and new one-mill property tax increase. Dr. Greene said that when she took the superintendent position she wanted to make the district financially solvent and decrease the number of low-performing schools—efforts that required gaining the community’s trust after a period of instability. Dr. Greene also spoke about her experience and philosophy for training and supporting principals to be instructional leaders of their schools and her promise to be their “champion.” She believes that great principals provide the same support to their teachers, and sets high expectations for both groups.
When asked how she planned to transition from the School District of Manatee County, which has 64 schools compared to DCPS' 197 schools, Dr. Greene spoke about bringing the same strategies that enabled her district to regain its fund balance, restore electives to elementary schools and raise the salaries for teachers. Like DCPS, Dr. Greene pointed out, Manatee County Schools has a very diverse student population and low-performing schools. Dr. Greene believes that community engagement is essential to a school district’s success and discussed how she developed relationships with parents, business leaders, nonprofits and other groups to build partnerships that support students. She also believes a strong school board relationship is necessary to achieve the school district’s goals and strategic plan.
What's Next
Tomorrow, the board will interview Dr. Erick Pruitt, Area Superintendent of Houston Independent School District, at 9 a.m. in the Cline Auditorium of DCPS, 1701 Prudential Drive.
At 4 p.m. tomorrow, the board will hold a meeting to choose its preferred candidate for superintendent. As the leader of our public education system, Duval’s next superintendent will play a critical role in continuing DCPS’ success while working relentlessly to improve outcomes for all our students so they receive an excellent education. These meetings are open to the public and we encourage you to attend. Can’t make it? Watch the interviews and board vote live on the DCPS website.
Our Commitment to You
At JPEF, we believe deeply that the public has to be part of important school district decisions like selecting a new superintendent. As the search progresses, we will continue to provide updates by e-mail, Twitter (@JaxPEF) and Facebook (www.Facebook.com/JaxPEF).
If you have any questions about the process, or other thoughts, please share them with us by replying to this message.