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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