Rick's Blog

Alachua County leaders join together for better public education

GNP_6063-1024x683The Alachua County School District has been a “C” district for the past two years. Yesterday, Alachua County community leaders, educators and elected officials signed an agreement committing to work together to improve educational outcomes for every student in their county.

The Alachua County Education Compact will facilitate the achievement of all students graduating from high school by:

* having access to and being prepared for college and/or career success;

* having access to pathways to sustainable jobs and careers; and

* developing healthy lifestyle habits, an appreciation for the arts and a sense of social responsibility.

“The Alachua County Education Compact signals our community’s commitment to outcomes now and over the long term that will measurably benefit our kids,” said Gainesville Area Chamber President/CEO Tim Giuliani. “Those outcomes would reflect improved school readiness, increased high school graduation rates, and students prepared to be the aligned, talented workforce our region needs to both create and seize opportunity.”

Compact Signers include:

The Alachua County Education Compact will facilitate a systemic and holistic approach to improving education outcomes by focusing on areas including K-12, early childhood education, parent education, higher education, workforce development and career preparedness. A Stewardship Committee of signers will be formed to identify Compact strategies and accountability measures. Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce Vice President of Workforce Development Ian Fletcher estimated that the Committee, strategies and measures will be established later this year no later than October.

“A community cannot rise above the ability of its people,” said Alachua County Public Schools Superintendent Owen Roberts. “Here in Alachua County, we have the capacity, brain trust, economic opportunity and heart to create the kind of talent needed to ensure a bright future for our students, children and region.”

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Escambia County School District has been a “C” district for one year longer than Alachua. It’s overall score is less than Alachua.

It’s time for Escambia County leaders to work out an education compact. As difficult as Superintendent Thomas can be to work with, the community and its children deserve better.

Alachua County has figured out that the good public education is good business.

 

Satisfactory or Higher ALACHUA ESCAMBIA
Reading 60 53
Math 60 55
Writing 55 49
Science 61 57
Points for Gains ALACHUA ESCAMBIA
Reading 68 64
Math 66 64
Gains for low 25% ALACHUA ESCAMBIA
Reading 61 64
Math 58 61
Total Points 489 467
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