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Escambia School Board Sets Process That Could Make Interim Superintendent Leonard Permanent In January
December 19, 2023
The Escambia County School Board Monday night established a process by which Interim Superintendent Keith Leonard can become the permanent superintendent in January.
“In October, the board expressed a general consensus to make Leonard the permanent boss by extending his contract.
“In October, we the board, made the public aware of our consideration, to make our interim superintendent, Mr. Keith Leonard, our permanent superintendent. We wanted to give the public ample opportunity to share their views,” board member Patty Hightower said.
Each board member will individually complete a mid-year evaluation of Leonard’s performance to date, and they will be compiled by the board attorney.
Those reviews and the item will be discussed at a January 16 meeting, and the public will be invited to speak at that time. The public can also call board members or send emails before that time.
The motion by Kevin Adams passed unanimously.
Leonard’s current contract as interim is otherwise set to expire June 30, 2024.
The board will avoid an expensive nationwide search. Leonard was one of four finalists in in their last search which ultimately led to the hiring of Dr. Tim Smith who was later terminated.
Pictured: Interim Superintendent Keith Leonard at Monday night’s meeting of the Escambia County School Board. Image for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Comments
10 Responses to “Escambia School Board Sets Process That Could Make Interim Superintendent Leonard Permanent In January”
Love the selection, but this is still a matter that should be voted on by the people.
Mr Reynolds, how would one go about getting this back on the ballot? It’s funny, it was on the ballot a couple of times when they wanted this control, now that they have it, I can’t get my District 5 commissioner to answer this question for me.
So we back to the good boy network. The voters did not vote for Mr. Leonard, we voted for change and improvement . We didn’t get it. If Mr. Leonard was the best person for the job why didn’t the committee pick him in the beginning. The school board is a joke , you are ready to make him our permanent superintendent after a few months. Change doesn’t happen over night and certainly doesn’t happen in a few months. This school system is broken and I don’t know if Mr. Leonard is the right guy for the job to fix it . I hope he is for our students sake but it seems like a continuation of what we had before Mr. Smith.
Mr. Keith Leonard was my choice for superintendent before our individual voting process was changed…he has the love and respect of all who know him; the experience on all school levels to handle any issue that comes up; and most importantly, the integrity and the heart to fo the job.⁵
The people of Escambia County should have never given up their right to vote for super intendant. I believe mister Leonard would have been voted in by the Voters….. Mister Leonard has been a part of this school district for many years, along with his family. I believe He truly wants what’s best for Is the schools in a scambia county. I hope the board will approve him to be a permanent superintendent.
Mr. Leonord has proven himself. Keep him. Hopefully, Q. Studer will not involve himself anymore.
He should have been Superintendent. to begin with .
This entire episode of the Escambia County School District (or whatever we’re calling it now) novel, should make clear how things work in this county.
Mr. Leonard is a fine man and probably worthy of this position. Nothing I say here should be construed as a slight against him.
The process our Board has followed (or not followed, as might be the case) shows that the Good ol’ Boy network that is Escambia County, FL governance, continues in strong fashion. Some thought getting rid of an elected Superintendent would take politics out of the position. HAHA!! Jokes on us, Voters.
We continue to allow our communities, heck our entire freaking nation, to be run by a bunch of well-connected, well-entrenched old people who care more about their own pockets and wealth, than the future for their children and grandchildren. Power is what they crave and cherish.
The more things change, the more they stay the same. At least here in Escambia County, FL.
If the other option is the possibility of the last clown show we should hire him today .
EXCELLENT Decision…..
Thank you, Mr. Leonard for the guidance, purpose and stability you bring to our schools, kids and employees.
This is who y’all as brilliant county commissioners should have chosen to begin with.