ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. — Tuesday night, parents and teachers had the chance to meet the finalists to be the next superintendent of St. Johns County schools.
Both finalists agreed that growth is an issue facing the district. The two also spoke about being transparent, honest and having an open relationship with parents and teachers.
Teacher and parent Cori James says there is one major issue on everyone’s mind: “Oh overcrowding … everybody wants to be a part of St. Johns County.”
"I understand the challenges to St. Johns County. (I) also understand the expectations we hold children to and parents,” superintendent finalist Tim Forson said.
Forson has 36 years of experience in the school district, most recently as deputy superintendent of operations. Forson has also been a principal, teacher and coach. He has a master’s degree.
Finalist Vickie Cartwright has served in education for 21 years and is currently the senior executive director for Exceptional Student Education in Orlando. Cartwright has also been a principal and adjunct professor. She has a doctorate.
“The core values of the district are in alignment with my own core values. Families are so important. Relationships are so important,” Cartwright said.
The two finalists also addressed the district's growth and issues with classroom overcrowding.
“It’s plan, plan, plan. You’ve got to plan ahead. You’ve got to plan your capital dollars. Use them wisely. Try to get schools constructed or expanded if that’s the right answer,” Forson said.
“Ensuring that we pull upon the brain trust of not only district employees, but community members, business partners, chamber of commerce, and collaboratively come up with a plan and strategy,” Cartwright said.
Finalists will have more interviews on Wednesday. The school board will select the new superintendent on Nov. 8.
Read Action News Jax reporter Michael Yoshida's Tweets from the meeting with the candidates:
St. Johns County Superintendent finalist Tim Forson now answering questions from School Board. #actionnewsjax
— Michael Yoshida (@Michael7News) November 1, 2016
Forson says experience within district is big reason why he can succeed. Says he's grown & learned within the system #actionnewsjax
— Michael Yoshida (@Michael7News) November 1, 2016
Forson now speaking on growth within the county. Says challenges are funding & ability to respond. #actionnewsjax
— Michael Yoshida (@Michael7News) November 1, 2016
Forson says success of school system & public knowledge of success has caused growth to occur faster. Says no easy solution. #actionnewsjax
— Michael Yoshida (@Michael7News) November 1, 2016
Forson says district needs to push for more state funding into capital side of schools. #actionnewsjax
— Michael Yoshida (@Michael7News) November 1, 2016
Forson now being asked about working relationship between community and superintendent. #actionnewsjax
— Michael Yoshida (@Michael7News) November 1, 2016
Forson says previous leadership has provided a good example. He says when he speaks he's honest & transparent. #actionnewsjax
— Michael Yoshida (@Michael7News) November 1, 2016
Forson says if mistakes are made he'll acknowledge them and will work to correct them. He will be transparent. #actionnewsjax
— Michael Yoshida (@Michael7News) November 1, 2016
Forson now discussing open-enrollment. Says dilemma as school district is making plan that is enforceable & manageable #actionnewsjax
— Michael Yoshida (@Michael7News) November 1, 2016
Forson says that capacity is spotty at best at some schools and options for open-enrollment will be tough as a result. @actionnewsjax
— Michael Yoshida (@Michael7News) November 1, 2016
Forson has finished answering questions from School Board. #actionnewsjax
— Michael Yoshida (@Michael7News) November 1, 2016
Finalist Vickie Cartwright now will be answering questions. She currently works in Orlando. #actionnewsjax
— Michael Yoshida (@Michael7News) November 1, 2016
Cartwright believes she'll succeed because of her core values & the district's core values. #actionnewsjax
— Michael Yoshida (@Michael7News) November 1, 2016
Cartwright says she collaborates and values importance of family and teacher in the classroom. #actionnewsjax
— Michael Yoshida (@Michael7News) November 1, 2016
Cartwright says she speaks for all children and students. Even those that can't speak for themselves. #actionnewsjax
— Michael Yoshida (@Michael7News) November 1, 2016
Cartwright now being asked about district growth and the concerns related to that. #actionnewsjax
— Michael Yoshida (@Michael7News) November 1, 2016
Cartwright says growth is a wonderful problem to have. Says it shows trust parents have in the district. #actionnewsjax
— Michael Yoshida (@Michael7News) November 1, 2016
Cartwright says half-cent sales tax for capital needs was a step in the right direction. #actionnewsjax
— Michael Yoshida (@Michael7News) November 1, 2016
Cartwright says need to figure out how to control costs of construction. #actionnewsjax
— Michael Yoshida (@Michael7News) November 1, 2016
Cartwright says she's an open individual who is receptive & seeks input. Says will keep community informed. #actionnewsjax
— Michael Yoshida (@Michael7News) November 1, 2016
Cartwright says students, parents, teachers, administrators can expect to see and hear her. #actionnewsjax
— Michael Yoshida (@Michael7News) November 1, 2016
Cartwright now speaking about challenges of open-enrollment. #actionnewsjax
— Michael Yoshida (@Michael7News) November 1, 2016
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