Empowering Education: A Week of Leadership and Collaboration with FSBA

FSBA Leadership Team Gathers for Strategic Planning and Professional Development

This week, I had the honor of representing the Florida School Boards Association (FSBA) as the Immediate Past President in Gainesville, Florida. Serving in the capacity of an FSBA Executive Director, I participated in a series of pivotal events that included FSBA Executive Board Meetings, Board of Director Meetings, and the Board of Director Strategic Planning and Professional Development sessions. These gatherings were meticulously designed to focus on strategic planning, collaboration, and professional development, all with the aim of advancing public education in the state of Florida.

The annual FSBA gathering brought together a distinguished assembly comprising FSBA’s Board of Directors, committee chairs, and committee vice-chairs. This gathering, regarded as a cornerstone event for the association, provided a crucial opportunity for education leaders from across the state to convene, exchange insights, and chart a course for the future. As the preeminent advocate for public education in Florida, FSBA maintains an unwavering commitment to enhancing the effectiveness of its leaders. This commitment was evident in the dynamic agenda, which encompassed committee planning sessions, a collaborative workshop, and a standout session featuring the renowned and retired University of Florida Soccer Coach, Becky Burleigh, who led an enlightening workshop titled “Fierce Conversations: Managing Conflict.”

Andrea Messina, the Chief Executive Officer of FSBA, reflected on the event, stating, “Throughout the two-day gathering, we engaged in productive discussions, shared best practices, and explored innovative approaches to addressing the evolving needs of Florida’s students. FSBA looks forward to building upon the insights gained during this event and continuing to work collaboratively with local communities, policymakers, and stakeholders to improve student achievement for all students in Florida.”

On a notable Friday, FSBA convened its quarterly Board of Directors meeting at the esteemed Florida High School Athletic Association, where I also serve as a School Board Member on the Area 2 Sectional Appeals. This day was particularly special as it provided an opportunity to interact with FHSAA Executive Director Craig Demon. Our professional collaboration spans several years, and I hold Mr. Demon in the highest regard. His presence at our Board of Directors meeting allowed for a discussion of pivotal issues such as student transfer policies and cleared up misconceptions surrounding FHSAA and high school NIL (name, image, and likeness) matters.

Also, during the FSBA Board of Directors meeting, the unveiling of the FSBA 2022-2023 Annual Report was a noteworthy moment, orchestrated by FSBA CEO Ms. Messina. Within this comprehensive report, my President’s Address to FSBA took center stage, showcasing key highlights from the past year. It served as a testament to our collective dedication to advancing education and fostering positive change within our community.

I remain deeply grateful for the opportunities afforded by these gatherings. They serve as a lens through which I gain a profound insight into the needs of our Citrus County Schools, our students, their families, and the dedicated educators who shape their futures. Moreover, these engagements offer a unique opportunity to discover the innovative approaches adopted by other school boards, fostering a spirit of mutual support and shared experiences that ultimately benefit all.

At its core, the mission of FSBA is a noble one: to elevate student achievement through the development of effective school board leadership and unwavering advocacy for public education. This mission stands as a beacon, guiding our efforts as we continue to serve and uplift the future of Florida’s students, ensuring they have access to the best education possible.

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Honoring a Legend: Coach Archie W. Dabney Inducted into the FHSAA Hall of Fame

On Sunday, September 24, 2023, Gainesville, Florida, became the backdrop for a truly remarkable occasion. It was the 33rd induction class of the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) Hall of Fame, an event that celebrated over 102 years of interscholastic competition in the state of Florida. This year was particularly special as it marked the 55th anniversary of the merger between the Florida Interscholastic Athletic Association (FIAA) and the FHSAA, with a renewed focus on honoring those associated with the FIAA from 1932 to 1968.

Among the illustrious inductees of the FHSAA Hall of Fame Class of 2023, one name shone brightly: Archie W. Dabney, a beloved figure from Citrus County. FHSAA Executive Director Craig Damon emphasized the significance of this year’s class, stating, “This year’s class includes trailblazers from the Florida Interscholastic Athletic Association which merged with the FHSAA in 1968. It is with great pleasure we introduce them as the FHSAA Hall of Fame Class of 2023.”One of the standout inductees, and a source of immense pride for Citrus County, was the legendary “Coach” Archie W. Dabney. Coach Dabney, who passed away on May 21, 2023, at the age of 95, left an indelible mark on the world of Florida high school athletics. His illustrious career, which spanned approximately four decades, was characterized by unwavering dedication as both a coach and an educator.

In 1955, Dabney embarked on his coaching journey at Booker T. Washington High School, which today stands as Inverness Middle School. Here, he took on the roles of coach in football, baseball, basketball, and track. Under his inspirational leadership, the Booker T. Washington “Hornets” soared to unprecedented heights, clinching state championships in football, basketball, and both boys’ and girls’ track. What sets Coach Dabney apart is the remarkable fact that he secured a state title in each of these sports and amassed an astonishing nine district titles in basketball during his tenure.

When schools were integrated in the late 1960s, Coach Dabney transitioned to Crystal River High School, in the 1967-1968 school year. During his tenure at Crystal River High, spanning from 1968 to 1984, Dabney continued his role as a multi-sport mentor, overseeing football, basketball, track, and even tennis. Beyond his coaching duties, he imparted knowledge as a dedicated science teacher and later offered guidance and support as a trusted counselor.

In 1978, Coach Dabney made the difficult decision to retire from coaching, shifting his focus to a full-time role as a guidance counselor. His farewell ceremony was a poignant moment, where one of his students, Paul Lyons, a senior basketball player, paid a heartfelt tribute, saying of Coach Dabney, “He kept us together and taught us so much more than how to play the game of basketball.”

Archie W. Dabney’s induction into the FHSAA Hall of Fame is a fitting tribute to his enduring legacy. It honors his unwavering commitment to the development of young athletes, his exemplary coaching prowess, and his profound influence as an educator and mentor. His impact on Citrus County and the countless lives he touched serves as a testament to the power of dedication, compassion, and leadership.

As the FHSAA commemorates its 55th anniversary, it also commemorates a true Florida sports legend. Coach Archie W. Dabney’s story is one of inspiration, resilience, and enduring impact. His induction into the FHSAA Hall of Fame not only recognizes his remarkable achievements but also ensures that his legacy continues to inspire generations of student-athletes, coaches, and educators for years to come.

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Commemorating Constitution Day/Week in Citrus County Schools

Assistant Superintendent Dr. Scott Hebert, district administrators, and classroom teachers helped hand out pocket Constitutions to our middle and high school students.

Every year, on September 17th, begins something special in Citrus County Schools, as well as in educational institutions across Florida and our United States. It’s a day of reflection and celebration, a day when we come together to honor the cornerstone of our nation’s democratic republic—the U.S. Constitution.

Constitution Day marks the anniversary of the formation and signing of this remarkable document by thirty-nine courageous men in Philadelphia on September 17th, 1787. It’s a day that reminds us of the sacrifices made by our founding fathers to establish the principles and framework upon which our great nation was built.

Throughout Constitution Day and the accompanying Constitution Week, our students in Citrus County Schools engage in a diverse range of activities, blending both instruction and celebration. As someone deeply involved in our education system, I find immense pleasure in visiting our schools during this time. It’s heartwarming to witness the dedication of our teachers and the enthusiasm of our students as they delve into the history, significance, and intricacies of our Constitution.

One particularly heartening aspect of our Constitution Day celebrations is the generosity of Maureen ‘Mo’ Baird, Citrus County Supervisor of Elections. Thanks to her kindness, our middle and high school students receive their very own pocket Constitutions. It’s a tangible reminder of the rights and responsibilities that come with citizenship. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Assistant Superintendent Dr. Scott Hebert, as well as our teachers and other district administrators, for their efforts in ensuring that these pocket Constitutions reach our students.

The significance of Constitution Day is not limited to our local observance; it’s enshrined in national law. In 2004, the U.S. Congress passed legislation designating September 17th as Constitution Day throughout the nation. This law also mandates that public schools dedicate a minimum of three hours to instruction on the U.S. Constitution during the last full week of classes in September.

In accordance with this, our Citrus School instructional calendar designates this week as Founders Month and Constitution Week. This year, the celebrations span from Monday, September 18th, to Friday, September 22nd, 2023, ensuring that our students gain a deeper understanding of the document that serves as the bedrock of our democracy.

Constitution Day is not just a day to mark on the calendar; it’s an opportunity to instill in our youth a profound appreciation for the principles and values upon which our nation was founded. It’s a day that reminds us all of our duty to uphold and protect the freedoms and rights enshrined in the U.S. Constitution, ensuring that they endure for generations to come.

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