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Keith Leonard Named Permanent Escambia School Superintendent
January 17, 2024
Keith Leonard is the officially appointed superintendent of Escambia County Public Schools.
Tuesday night, the school board unanimously approved making his interim position permanent and begin contract negotiations between Leonard and board chair Patty Hightower.
The motion was made by District 1 board member Kevin Adams, who found Leonard “highly effective” with 88 of 88 possible points in a recent evaluation. The motion was seconded by District 5 member Bill Slayton, who also evaluated Leonard as “highly effective”.
Leonard received glowing support and praise from nine public speakers prior to the vote.
Overall, Leonard scored 74.8 out of 88 for a “highly effective” rating when the scores from the five members were combined.
“My daddy told me a long time ago, ‘Boy all you can do is work. Get your butt up and go to work and do the very best you can. And always remember your last name,’” Leonard said after the vote. “So I’ve tried to do that everyday and that is what we will continue to do.”
Leonard’s contract as interim was set to expire June 30, 2024.
The board will avoid an expensive nationwide search. Leonard was one of four finalists in their last search which ultimately led to the hiring of Dr. Tim Smith who was later terminated and Leonard was named interim.
Comments
11 Responses to “Keith Leonard Named Permanent Escambia School Superintendent”
Congratulations to the board in recognizing that the best man for the job is home-grown. He has the pedigree and has always had the determination to accomplish great things. Escambia County will benefit from his leadership not only now but well into the future. He has always expected great things from himself and he will draw people to work with him who have the same ideals and work ethic.
Hightower misses her CRT acting career . Fire her !
Congratulations Mr. Leonard, you earned it. You are doing an excellent job, and I am so glad the vote was unanimous. When you became superintendent a gentle calm came over the School District and this is because people trust you. Your plans for improving our School District are right on target.
Great pick, but let’s get our vote back. This was on the ballot three times until it went through. Put it back on the ballot now.
Next election vote Patty Hightower OUT!!!
Congratulations Mr. Leonard! Great news!
Good. I believe had we voted he would have won. I certainly would have voted for him.
Well Deserved! Congratulations Keith. Earl and I lift you in prayer as you lead Escambia Co Schools.
Congratulations, Mr. Keith Leonard…as I told our 5 board members…my only regret is that I couldn’t cast my ballot for him!
Congratulations Mr. Leornard. Long wait for someone who knew what they were doing and will do it to the best of your ability. I applaud you for taking a positive stand for our school system. Patty Hightower needs to re-think how she does business as a School Board member and for Our Community OR those of us in her district will decide for her come election time.
Congratulations Mr.Keith Leonard, for being voted for Permanent Escambia School Superintendent.