Comments on: Q&A With The Semifinalists For Escambia School Superintendent (With Video Responses)

By: Linda

Linda — Sat, 08 Aug 2020 17:27:33 +0000

I have worked with Keith with many issues over the span of approximately
25 years in many different arenas. Yes he was raised in Pensacola, but he is not the “Good ol boy”. I have never seen this character in him in bargaining, his dealings in HR, etc. I have never known him to be anything but fair and honest. Every decision he makes he puts a lot of thought into it and always has a good solid reason why he made that decision. He knows both Teacher and ESP contracts very well and strives to go strictly by them. None of the other candidates have that important qualification. Keith did not get where he is handed to him. He worked hard every step of the way and he deserves to be our Superintendent. None of the other candidates (out of state or county) has the experience or qualifications that Keith has and will not be as affective (in a good way) as Keith. I have the upmost respect for Keith and he is and always has been an asset to this school system.

By: Becky

Becky — Sat, 08 Aug 2020 03:17:06 +0000

I want Malcolm Thomas.

By: Robert

Robert — Fri, 07 Aug 2020 15:23:21 +0000

Congrats to ECSD for opening up and wanting an appointed superintendent ! Good job! If you choose the right candidate for the job, you will reap the rewards in a short amount of time.
A few responses from what I have seen and read about the candidates.
1. All have some great attributes that they would bring to the game.
2. There are a few that have worked in the central office setting, some have not. Working at the central office level is different than working at the building level, totally different game. Have any of the candidates been in a classroom in the past? Or career administrators? (Got out of the classroom setting as quickly as they could, but liked education)
3. Working in schools or districts that are from different parts of the country or regions will sometimes bring new fresh ideas, but then again, they also will bring an idea that might work in their last area and not in Escambia County.
4. Question – are some of the candidates looking to move up the ladder quickly to high level administrative job or are they looking for a place to finish their career( retire)?
5. Stability will bring positive change, longevity will bring positive change! Someone that is always looking for a greener pasture to advance or retire to will not bring the change that will be needed.
6. Good coaching staffs make the HC better, when the choice has been made to be the next superintendent and they do not have the right people surrounding him, you will be going through this process again real soon.

By: Tabby

Tabby — Fri, 07 Aug 2020 10:29:42 +0000

@J Wm C— If Mr. Stewart loves Pensacola so much, why did he leave ? I love it here and chose to stay my entire life. I make more than double the area average so let me cut that avenue off. His love of self is much greater than that of Pensacola, that’s the answer. It’s ok, I’ll say it for you.

By: J Wm C

J Wm C — Fri, 07 Aug 2020 02:36:43 +0000

Many readers, those making comments, and the obvious supporters of Mr Stewart would be inclined to say or think that Bob is a hater. I think he should be given the benefit of the doubt as his curiosity about Mr Stewart is warranted and deserving of further attention. …Mr Stewart is a product of Escambia County Schools, he grew up in Pensacola, his roots are there, his family rest in cemeteries located there, and he brags on his homet-town every chance he gets. IF I have to hear one more freaking story about that place, I swear I’m going to throw up. Truth of the matter is he loves Pensacola. So the answer as to why he is so interested in coming to Pensacola is as simple as the words made famous with the three clicks of Dorothy’s heels ………
THERE IS NO PLACE LIKE HOME !

By: bob c

bob c — Thu, 06 Aug 2020 23:39:02 +0000

If Mr. Stewart is so great as many, a LOT, of supporters have stated, why doesn’t he Stay where he IS NOW and help Salvage the school in which he has most recently worked?
He sure has plenty of opportunity to raise that small school UP and make Courageous Changes right there.
Is he leaving a sinking ship?
Just wondering, the data says his influence there has not had the desired results.
Wondering what is really behind so many impassioned replies from supporters…

By: CC

CC — Thu, 06 Aug 2020 20:57:49 +0000

What Does Escambia County School District (ECSD) need in its next Superintendent/CEO?

Well, what do we know about Escambia County 14.6% poverty rate, meaning 43,000 people are living below the poverty line, this % is higher than the national average?

As the next Superintendent/CEO, what is the strategy to impact the community? Yes, Mr. and Mrs. Naysayer, you are correct, that is not the sole responsibility of next Superintend/CEO.

What did the current Superintend/CEO do to impact this population as they are associated with the lowest-performing schools? Was there a significant change in that community as a result of his strategies?

How will the next Superintendent impact this population? Some would agree that households living above the poverty line are more likely than not to have access to resources to impact their family and child’s education.

What is obvious concerning the candidates? All candidates qualify on the surface, and with all things being somewhat equal, which candidate brings the lived experience that can and will translate into commitment. After eliminating the surface qualifications: (experience and education), what is the remaining criteria? What do we know for certain, only one candidate is offering the true lived experience (vested interest) and strongest possible commitment in the targeted community: Mr. Stewart

Leadership is about listening, communicating, solving problems, and executing, the person with the true lived experience in the targeted community (vested interest) is more likely to listen to the community and leaders under his command, and trust their actions will be based on the seeing and hearing: these combined efforts can breed success and change in our communities. Who is more likely to commit to change? Mr. Stewart

Yes, Mr. Stewart has a lot of support, why, he is a qualified home-grown, educational leader offering the best-lived experience in the targeted community, which can result into systemic change in the community impacting growth in the school district. The best predictor of change in a school district is change in the community.

This is not rocket science, all children in the school district live in the community, who is committed to change in the community? The choice is clear.

By: Dr. E. M. Judon, EdD

Dr. E. M. Judon, EdD — Thu, 06 Aug 2020 03:06:15 +0000

I’m excited to see that Escambia County School District has chosen Mr. Marques L. Stewart as one of the top candidates for your current superintendent position. I would be remiss if I did not take this opportunity to share just a small portion of (there’s so much more) what I know about Mr. Stewart. Having worked closely with him in two different states (Missouri and Michigan), I’ve seen firsthand his tremendous passion, vision and solution-based thinking as an educational leader. As principal at Brenda Scott Academy in Detroit, Michigan, he put together a team of instructional leaders who were instrumental in removing our school off the persistently low performing list. If you are looking for someone who has an incredible drive and genuinely passionate about students in your district receiving the very best educational experience possible, then Mr. Stewart is that person. His ability to formulate and carry out a plan of action centered on developing instructional leaders that produce measurable student growth has been the best I’ve seen. Mr. Stewart has a natural ability to build lasting and effective relationships with the community partners, parents, teachers, and students. More than ever, as seen in our current uncertain times, school districts need to have a visionary leader who can bring about a change in the educational experience of students that will prepare and equip them with the skills and knowledge they need to be successful for life. Marques Stewart is that visionary leader. If you ask anyone who has met or work with him in any capacity, whether adult or student, they will tell you the same thing. He is an extraordinary educational leader, well able to move any school district to the next level of exceptional growth. Thank you.

By: Carrie Tenkel

Carrie Tenkel — Wed, 05 Aug 2020 16:51:32 +0000

I had the distinct honor of working with Marques in the capacity of a district instructional coach for the EAA. I would travel throughout the district working with teachers as well as administrators in order to better service the students. Taking into consideration the amount of administrators I had worked with not only within the EAA but also as being an educator for 24 years, Mr. Stewart stood out for a variety of reasons. Mr. Stewart had an amazing rapport with not only his staff and students but also with the community. This involved the neighbors living around the school as well as business owners in the community. He fostered a working relationship and considered everyone stakeholders in the interests of the students. Taking it further, Mr. Stewart managed to take a school that was on the failing list in Michigan and performed a turn around unlike one I had ever seen. He created an environment where the staff and students felt positive and empowered. They believed in themselves and their abilities. This was clearly reflected in their performance. He also reinforces the concept of “it takes a village to raise a child” in that he made parents and community members part of the process at ever step. Everyone felt invested in the evolution of Brenda Scott and most importantly, the students started to invest in themselves. This type of leadership is unique to me in that he not only served his building and community but also reached out and mentored other leaders both within and outside of the district. Mr. Stewart creates leaders within his staff and students and I consider myself blessed to have had the opportunity to work with him and witness the amazing things he did for Brenda Scott. He is without doubt one of the most dynamic and influential administrators I have ever worked with. I cannot speak enough accolades to even begin to describe his work ethic and ability to transform a school so quickly as well as have such an impact on an entire district. Without hesitation I would recommend Mr. Stewart for the position of Superintendent.

By: Former Educator

Former Educator — Wed, 05 Aug 2020 16:48:41 +0000

I’d rather we had not given up our voting rights for superintendent but made sure to include at least 50% or more qualified applicants from out of state. At least we’d have the opportunity to have educators from the north, where they’ve been excelling in education for years. I was educated up north and came down to Florida and found that my classmates were at least a year behind and state testing (fcat) was a breeze/joke.
Hopefully, they don’t choose someone that’s from this area or part of their good ole boy system. Obviously, with the leadership this school district has had it hasn’t been working for the students, teachers, education system. We need something new and yes the e system will get messy and be shaken up. Stagnant people will resist, fight and feel like their comfortable zone is challenged but we all need to get with the NEW program and make it work. Teachers can’t help students alone. Unbiased honest school admins, parents and community members need to step forward as well. I’ve seen so many new teachers quit and leave the district to teach elsewhere due to the cesspool of school administration and school politics this district plays. They are more concerned about the money in their pockets and keeping their friends in positions than helping our kids learn and progress.