District ranking, appointed vs. elected

Based on the total points earned under the Florida Department of Education’s measurement system, the first full year under the appointed superintendent was the best for Escambia County Public Schools since the 2014-15 school year. The district ranked 48 out of 67 districts in the 2021-22 school year.

Ten years ago (2012-13), Escambia ranked #47 but then dropped to 49 the next year. The numbers show that Escambia County struggled to keep up with other Florida school districts under the elected superintendent, Malcolm Thomas. The last four years under Thomas – which were pre-pandemic – saw the district ranked #50 or lower each year.

The school district was no on a positive trend in the elected system.

Tim Smith
2021-22 – #48
2020-21  No grade

As standards were raised, the district did worse compared to other Florida school districts.

Malcolm Thomas
Third Term
2019-20 #53
2018-19 #51
2017-18 #53
2016-17 #50

Second Term
2015-16 #53
2014-15 #48
2013-14 #49
2012-13 #47

First Term
2011-12 #51
2010-11 #44
2009-10 #52
2008-09 #46

Share:

Author: Rick Outzen

Rick Outzen is the publisher/owner of Pensacola Inweekly. He has been profiled in The New York Times and featured in several True Crime documentaries. Rick also is the author of the award-winning Walker Holmes thrillers. His latest nonfiction book is “Right Idea, Right Time: The Fight for Pensacola’s Maritime Park.”