Letter

Thanks for a critical vote of confidence

Posted

I want to sincerely thank all of those who worked so hard in the recent half-cent sales tax campaign. The passage of this critical vote is gratifying not just for the resources that will be made available to our children, but in the obvious trust our community has placed in us.

We all owe a great deal of thanks to Mark and Alecia Bailey, and the entire Better Schools, Better Economy, Better Future committee, who worked tirelessly to advocate for our students. It was uplifting to see the community rally around our schools toward a positive future for our children.

I want to also recognize Tim Forson, deputy superintendent for Operations; Beth Sweeny, coordinator of governmental relations; Nicole Cubbedge, executive director for Planning and Government Relations; Christina Langston, chief of Community Relations and Michael Degutis, chief financial officer, who worked incredibly hard to educate our community of the need for additional capital funding. It was clear that we had presented an urgent need to the public and I salute the hard work of all of our staff. I also want to thank the leadership of the SJEA and the SJESPA for their dedication and support.

To our parents who spread the word and supported our work throughout our community, I say a heartfelt and sincere thank you. I firmly believe that the efforts of our parents and staff, along with the grassroots momentum of the advocacy group, made the difference in this election.

I have never seen a community so committed to its public schools and so determined to ensure its success than ours. Your unselfish dedication to our children is heartwarming and I am honored to serve as your superintendent.

Joe Joyner

St. Johns County Superintendent

Read the full Superintendent’s Report online at http://www.stjohns.k12.fl.us/supt/report/