Guest Column: Superintendent’s Weekly Review

Guest Column: Superintendent’s Weekly Review

Dr. Joseph G. Joyner
St Johns County School District

As we prepare for the opening of the 2013-2014 school year, I would like to take this opportunity to welcome back returning faculty and staff and extend a warm welcome to those just joining the district. I hope everyone had a relaxing summer spent with loved ones and friends.

School and district administrators have been working diligently all summer getting ready for the upcoming school year. This year promises to be as busy and challenging as any yet, but I am confident that we are prepared to face any challenges head-on as a team. The current climate of high-stakes testing has placed several demands on our students, teachers and administrators, but despite these challenges, students throughout the district have excelled.

A large part of the success of St. Johns County Schools comes from the continued focus on the classroom. Every effort is made to provide teachers and schools with the resources they need for effective instruction and for creating an environment that ensures students are on the path to success. Through evaluation, training and support, we continue to develop high-quality personnel who focus on student growth and achievement.

Community and parent support are also huge factors in the district’s success, and I am extremely appreciative of the high level of parental involvement and of the generosity we receive from our business partners each year. Thank you for your continued service to our schools.

Our district has the unique challenge of being one of only a few districts in Florida that continues to grow. Two new K-8 schools began construction earlier this year, K-8 School HH located in the Durbin Crossing subdivision and K-8 School II in the Nocatee Subdivision. Both schools will be open for the 2014-2015 school year.

Best wishes for a successful and rewarding 2013-2014 school year.