Sandra “Sam” Himmel – 2014 Lavan Dukes District Data Leader of the Year

Please join us in CONGRATULATING Sandra “Sam” Himmel for being named the 2014 Lavan Dukes District Data Leader of the Year Award from the Florida Department of Education this morning at the State Board Meeting in Sebring, Florida. (see press release below)
Our district continues to excel under the leadership of Superintendent Himmel, her team, and the dedication and work of our administrators, teachers, staff and students of Citrus County.

Well-deserved Ms. Himmel!

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
PRESS OFFICE
850-245-0413

CITRUS SUPERINTENDENT NAMED DISTRICT DATA LEADER
~ Use of data key to improving student learning ~

TALLAHASSEE, Fla., January 14, 2015 – At today’s State Board of Education meeting, Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart named Citrus County Schools Superintendent Sandra “Sam” Himmel as the 2014 Lavan Dukes District Data Leader of the Year. Himmel was recognized for her commitment to using data and innovative thinking to motivate students, narrow achievement gaps and boost parental and community involvement.

“I am pleased to recognize Sam Himmel as the recipient of this prestigious award,” said Commissioner Stewart. “Her exceptional leadership has resulted in higher student performance throughout the school district. Citrus County’s success demonstrates that the inventive, appropriate use of data can result in higher achievement for all students.”

Superintendent Himmel’s focus on the importance of quality data, quality practices and quality staff has enhanced student academic improvement. Her inspired thinking, original approaches and creative ways of using data have led to increased learning gains in both reading and mathematics. During Himmel’s tenure, the district participated in the pilot testing, review and refinement of the Item Bank and Test Platform and is one of three Florida school districts participating in a grant to track postsecondary outcomes for high school students. In addition, Citrus County Schools has been named a high performing school district for eight years in a row, and earned an “A” grade for seven of these years.

The award was renamed the Lavan Dukes District Data Leader of the Year Award in 2014 to honor longtime Department of Education employee Garnet Lavan Dukes in recognition of his numerous contributions to public education at both the state and national levels. Known as Florida’s “Father of Data,” Lavan began his career as a middle school English teacher, and over the years rose to the position of Bureau Chief of Education and Accountability Services within the Department of Education. He also served at the national level with several data and education organizations, dedicating his career to using education data as a tool to help children be successful.

The Lavan Dukes District Data Leader of the Year Award recognizes school leaders who consistently strive to implement new methods that improve the use of data in their communities and schools. By using innovative data strategies, they increase educator effectiveness and reach higher levels of student achievement.

For more information about the award, visit District Data Leader<http://www.fldoe.org/accountability/accountability-reporting/ddlya.stml>.

Pictured L-R: State Board members Andy Tuck, Marva Johnson, Commissioner Pam Stewart, Superintendent Himmel, State Board members Gary Chartrand, John Colón, Rebecca Fishman Lipsey, John Padget.

Comments Off on Sandra “Sam” Himmel – 2014 Lavan Dukes District Data Leader of the Year
Filed under: News & Updates