West Word for 3/17/2010
Ed Pratt-Dannals
Superintendent, Duval County Public Schools
Ed Pratt-Dannals was named the Superintendent of Duval County Public Schools, the nation’s 20th largest school district, in October 2007.
A life-long educator, Pratt-Dannals began working in the Duval County school system in 1976 as a math teacher at John Gorrie Junior High, and rose through the ranks as a principal, regional superintendent, associate superintendent for curriculum and instruction and chief academic officer. Prior to being named superintendent in 2007, he served as Chief Academic Officer.
As superintendent, Pratt-Dannals is committed to making Duval County Public Schools the top performing urban school district in America by providing high quality educational opportunities that will inspire all students to acquire and use the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in a global economy, and culturally diverse world.
Under the leadership of Pratt-Dannals, Duval County Public Schools launched a long-range Strategic Plan that will guide the work of the school district during the next four years. This plan outlines the school board’s vision, mission, core beliefs and commitments, as well as details the district’s goals and specific strategies to successfully implement the Strategic Plan.
Pratt-Dannals is a member of the Duval County Association of Secondary School Administrators, the Florida Association of School Administrators, the Association for Supervisors and Curriculum Development, the National Association of Secondary School Administrators and the Westside Rotary Club of Jacksonville. He has also served as president of both the Duval County Secondary School Principals and the Vice Principals’ Association.
Additionally, Pratt-Dannals is the recipient of several educational honors, including Outstanding Alumnus from the University of North Florida College of Education (2005); the J.J. McCranie Service Above Self Award from the West Jacksonville Rotary (1997); the Commissioner’s Award for Outstanding Principals Among High School Principals in North Florida (1995); a nomination by the Duval County Secondary School Principals as Outstanding High School Principal for Burger King’s In Honor of Excellence Program (1994); and recognition as the Assistant Administrator of the Year by the Duval County Secondary School Administrators (1984).
Pratt-Dannals holds a master’s degree in education from the University of North Florida and a bachelor’s degree from Georgia State University. He is completing a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Florida, which he expects to finish in 2010. The focus of his doctorate program is large, urban school district reform.
Notes
President John Runion opened the meeting by asking Scott Imray to lead the Invocation and Jerry Spinks to lead the Pledge of Allegiance.
Ron Roberts gave an update on RYLA, we have 3 applications.
Andy Hariton brought us up to date on the Youth Exchange. We need families to host 4 exchange students beginning in either August or September.
Drew Story reminded everyone the River Clean Up is scheduled for March 20th and for asked more volunteers. We will meeting at Lamb’s Boat Yard.
Scott Houser discussed the Clay Shoot scheduled for April 22, 2010. We need teams and lunch will be served before the competition.
Jim Kelly reminded all that the meeting of March 24, 2010 will be held at the Timuquana Country Club with golf and tennis following. He asked all to sign up for an accurate head count.
John Runion reminded all about the March 27, 2010, District Assembly meeting in Palatka, Florida. Please go as we need to have as many present as possible.
John also reminded all that the Blood Mobile was outside and if you had not signed up to give, please go after the meeting.
Terry Vereen asked for volunteers for the Highway Clean Up Project. Date is April 3, 2010.
Marty Sack gave a good presentation on the Family of Rotary. Boy does he have wit and humor. On a serious note Marty let everyone know about Alberta’s surgery for Cancer and wished her well. She is doing fine after the surgery.
President John exchanged Bud’s Red Badge of Courage for his Permanent Club Badge. Well done Bud. It is someone else’s turn to be there every week. Hope you were able to remember everyone’s name.
David Long presented Marjorie Nolan our “Teacher of Year” award. Marjorie is the Reading Coach at First Coast High School.
Our Guest Speaker was Noel Antonio an Engineering Student at the University of North Florida.
Noel spoke about a small Filipino farming town and the St. Anthony School which he help start. The school is dedicated to education and development of local under privileged children. The class size is approximately 20 students compared to the regular school system where each class has 50 to 60 students.
The smaller class size allows for more teacher time with each student which help provide a great emphasis in their development. Noel received a donation from a friend in the amount of $5,000. This money was his beginning and he has received cash and non cash assistance since its beginning. To keep the school operating it only takes approximately $100 to $200 per year. He has received help from a local Rotary Club, churches and friends from here in the United States. The school is located in the Bulacan Province. The school asks parent to participate in the education of their children and this has been a great help. Not only do the children learn, but also the parents. This education helps parents find better employment and helps the children learn as the parents who participate are required to be pro-active in their child’s learning experience. Over the next couple years Noel, with the help of local Florida people would like to expand the school by adding more classrooms and teachers. Over a 10 years period he hopes to develop the school to educate all 12 grades.
Visiting Rotarians
John Noseworthy from Wilmington, DE
Bob Broome Riverside
Marcus Drewa South Jax
Chris Winsett Orange Park Sunrise
Rotary Guests
Guy Leary — Guest of Ken Baker
Margie Nolan, Teacher of the year — Guest of club
Jill Jackson — Guest of the speaker
Peter Braza — Guest of the speaker
Birthdays
Joe Hayworth — March 22
Next Meeting - March 24, 2010
OFFSITE MEETING AT TIMUQUANA COUNTRY CLUB
Greeters: Bill Howey and Ham Cooke
Invocation: Rob Conolly
Pledge: Falsario Arnold
Four-Way Test: Diane Ballard
Quick Links:
You can now report make-ups online. FIXED!
Submit “Family of Rotary” information online.
Please review the 2009 - 2010 Duty Roster and mark your calendar with your responsibilities for the upcoming year.
