Question 1) What do you see as the challenges facing the school system and what would you propose to address those challenges?
Answer - One of the challenges facing our school system is the increased burden of mandated state testing, which has changed significantly over the past two years. Understanding these mandates often requires firsthand experience, such as having a child in school or being a current teacher of a tested subject. As a School Board member, I will work along with the board to advocate for our students and teaching staff. Another challenge I see is the poverty level of our student population. As a lifelong resident of Suwannee County, I have witnessed firsthand the living conditions and challenges our students face. The needs of our students are significant, particularly when it comes to food security. The school district and local community partners have implemented programs, which I have been able to participate in, that are aimed at providing additional food for students to take home on the weekends and holidays. If a student is hungry, no amount of quality education can truly reach them; their focus will be on where their next meal is coming from. As a board member, I am committed to facilitating the expansion of our food service programs to ensure that every student has access to the meals they need to thrive. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in their lives and educational success.
Question 2) What goals would you have for the school system in the next five years? And what would you propose to achieve those goals?
Answer - Long term planning is crucial to the success of our School District. I am a firm believer that we need to be proactive and not reactive to ensure that we are ready for any challenges that may arise. This includes not only challenges, but things the School District sees as priorities in the future. Suwannee County’s population is continuing to increase. With a higher population, there is likely possibility of more students. A higher student population doesn’t mean only adding more teachers, there are other issues such as additional classroom space, more transportation needs, increased food services, etc. As a county, we need to ensure we are preparing and providing every resource we can for our expanding population. As a business owner, I have experience with preparing for the peaks and valleys that come with seasonal work and have reserves in place for future expansions. The School District must prepare for any type of growth that might affect Suwannee County.
Question 3) What would you propose to increase parent involvement in the schools?
Answer - As a parent of two children in our schools, I prioritize parent involvement, which I believe is important for our district's success. Being the only candidate with kids currently enrolled, I understand the challenges some parents face in participating due to job and life demands. I've found that informal events like "Donuts With Dad" and "Muffins With Mom" foster stronger relationships between parents and school staff compared to traditional conferences. I aim to expand these types of events to create a more trusting environment. I have spoken to numerous teachers about this subject and one said, “If we show we care outside of the school walls, we can build those relationships.” She talked about having these events off campus to meet families in their own neighborhood. I feel that this is an achievable goal that the School Board can help facilitate. Additionally, I plan to improve communication about existing programs to ensure all parents are aware of the opportunities available to them.
Political advertisement paid for and approved by Adam Hitt, Non-partisan, for Suwannee County School Board District 1.