The Superintendent’s Letter

One of the most fulfilling aspects of my job as Brevard Public Schools’ Superintendent is to meet the thousands of wonderful men and women throughout the district who are directly responsible for helping our students succeed as well as making our schools and administration run smoothly. We are so fortunate to have such a group of dedicated, competent individuals who get up each day filled with passion and purpose for their jobs. This includes teachers, of course, but also custodians, secretaries, principals and their staffs, counselors, coaches, maintenance and facility personnel, and far too many other professionals to name. These dedicated individuals are a key ingredient in ensuring that we continue to be an exceptional school district.

As you look through this month’s issue of Mark of Excellence, you will see many of these men and women honored. Each year the district recognizes several categories of individuals for their accomplishments. First, we recognize employees through our Employee of the Year program. Each school and every department throughout the district selects one non-instructional employee who they believe contributes most significantly to improvements at his/her school site or within the district. A selection committee reviews the written nominations and narrows the list to six finalists. At the Employee of the Year annual awards breakfast one of these six is named Employee of the Year. Our employee of the year is Marie Chmielewski of Kennedy Middle School (see page 9 for further details).

Similarly each year the district recognizes teachers through its Teacher of the Year program. Each school nominates one teacher who exemplifies excellence in all aspects of his or her vocation. You will see the list of all the school nominees on page x. A selection committee reviews the list of nominees, and narrows the list to two from each of the four areas. You can read about the eight Teacher of the Year finalists on page 8. At the Teacher of the Year dinner, which will be held on Feb. 28 this year, one of these eight finalists will be named Teacher of the Year.

While these programs are excellent methods for bringing county-wide attention to some of our best employees and teachers, and the process for determining the finalists provides a way to show the district’s appreciation for a wide range of employees, there are hundreds of other men and women who work in our district who deserve to be recognized too.

Some believe that employees, teachers, and administrators who work in education in some respects are answering a calling. Whether helping bright students achieve great goals, inspiring at-risk students to improve and succeed, challenging disengaged students to find a subject that peaks their interest, or providing all types of behind-the-scene support for those in the classroom, I think these men and women are drawn or called to be a part of such a work community. When I visit the schools and talk to our teachers and staff, I leave inspired myself, knowing that our students are receiving their education from a group of talented, compassionate and focused men and women who are giving 200% effort in helping our kids succeed. When I stop and think about all the individuals it takes to support a district this size and realize the level of excellence our support staff not only possesses but delivers, I am grateful for all these employees.

While listing the names of all our excellent teachers and employees is not practical, it is my sincere wish that they each know they are appreciated and that the work they do every day is meaningful and making a difference. Next month – March 9 – marks Employee Appreciation Day. Whether you are a parent, student, colleague or community member, I encourage you to drop a note to a school teacher or employee that you know thanking him or her for the work they do. Our community is privileged to have such a large group of dedicated individuals leading and supporting our public schools.