The search for a new superintendent

As most of you know, Duval County Public Schools Superintendent Ed Pratt-Dannals will retire at the end of this year and the School Board has already begun to develop a search process to find a new superintendent.

On February 24, Pratt-Dannals and the Duval County School Board announced that his contract would be allowed to expire at the end of this year.You can find background about in media stories here, here and here.

At the Jacksonville Public Education Fund, we thank him for his 36 years of service to Duval County. His has been a steady hand especially during these difficult budget years.

The search for a new superintendent begins in earnest today when the School Board convenes for a meeting to discuss the process. This work could not be more important to the future of our public education system.

We believe the next superintendent must have a bold vision for our school system and an ability to communicate that vision throughout our diverse district.

And we believe it is important that the decision-making process be fully transparent and include the residents of Duval County in  significant and meaningful ways. It is encouraging to see that School Board Chairwoman Betty Burney has already vowed that the search will include every facet of the public.

As this process goes forward, it is our goal to make information available about the issues and to ensure that you know how to add your voice to the conversation. Look for more about that in the next few days.

When we work together, we can achieve a brighter future for all children in Duval County.

-- Deirdre Conner