West Jax Rotary

Ed Pratt-Dannals
Superintendent, Duval County Public Schools

Ed Pratt-Dannals was appointed as Superintendent of Duval County Public Schools (DCPS) in November 2007 and is responsible for operating the nation’s 20th largest school district, with 160+ schools, 125,000+ students and 14,000+ employees.

Ed is a 32-year veteran of DCPS, beginning his career in 1976 as a math teacher and coach at John Gorrie Jr. High School and rose through the ranks as vice principal and principal at various Duval County public schools, Regional Superintendent, and Associate Superintendent for Curriculum and Instructional Services. He was appointed as Chief Academic Officer in 2006.

Ed is completing a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Florida, which he expects to finish in 2009. He holds a master’s degree in education from the University of North Florida, and a bachelor’s degree from Georgia State University.

Notes
Monika Ignacz was introduced as an Exchange Student and Paxon Jr to talk about Hungary, the people, the Capital and various holidays and foods. Monika talked about Budapest (The Capital), present day church and Parliament. She also talked a little about Lake Bulaton as a major resort area. Monika’s presentation began with a slide show in which she described each picture and what it related too. Hungary is a beautiful country. Monika then proceeded to talk about food, i.e. Spicy Goulash Soups, Stuffed Cabbage, Hungarian Pan Cakes, Sausage of Gylea and Chicken with Cream Cheese. You can’t talk about the food unless you describe some of the wines. Monika mentioned several such as Tahaji, Velnos Brandy and Firewater.

Monika further talked about the holidays, Christmas, New Years, Independence Day and Easter. The Christmas Holiday begins December 4th with the exchange of candies and goes through December 24th with the exchange of presents. New Years is celebrated with Lentil Soup and Roast Pig.

During February the country celebrates with many Carnivals similar to State Fairs. March 15th is their Independence Day celebration which was declared in 1848. Easter is celebrated with the young boys sprinkling water on the young girls, costumes are very beautiful and the celebration ends with lots of dances. The presentation was very informative.

President Mike announced that Bob Shircliff was being inducted into the Business Hall of Fame.

Charlie Wilson reminded the club about the Memorial Park Clean Up Project this coming Saturday, October 11th. Five Rotary Clubs would be represented and we only had 5 to sign up. Charlie asked that others sign up and participate. This will count as a make up.

Will Croft spoke on the Adopt A Road project announcing we would be working Ortega Blvd first then Blanding Blvd about 2 weeks later. We will need participants

Jim Kelly reminded everyone that on November 11th there will be a Fellowship Social at the Florida Yacht Club to new and prospective members. Please come and bring a prospect.

Bob Hyde discussed and asked for volunteers to deliver Dictionaries to 3rd Graders.

Lee Wimberly reminded all of the Career Day on October 29th at Bishop Snyder High School.

Bob Kidd reminded everyone that there will not be a meeting at the Holiday Inn on October 22nd but in lieu the club will meet Friday, October 24th to attend the Air Show at NAS Jax to watch the Blue Angels Practice.

Ed Pratt-Dannals Introduced our guest speaker Dr. Steven Wallace. Dr. Wallace provided an up date on our community college system and more specifically that FCCJ was becoming a State College. FCCJ has approximately 80,000 students, has 5 campus locations, 7 Navy Campuses (largest Navy College) and 2 High School campuses to provide education for drop out students. The State Legislature implemented legislation the past spring to convert certain Community Colleges to State Colleges. FCCJ is in the process of deciding a New Name as Florida State is already take by some school in Tallahassee (Ha Ha). Enrollment is up 30% due to current economic changes
as people wish to learn new skills or continue their education. Current Bachelor degrees are offered in Fire, Nursing, Computers and Management/Supervision. There will be more added as the conversion to a state college is complete.

Visiting Rotarians:
Kevin Wilson — North Jax
Jim Lanahan — South Jax

Rotary guests:
David Taylor — Guest of Frank Surface
Ashley Dodd — Guest of Dan Dodd

Birthdays
October 9 — Rob Overly
October 11 — Tom Kustura
October 15 — Bill Gay

October 22, 2008
No meeting at Holiday Inn.
See you at the Blue Angels show on October 24.