Educators Hope to Take the Lead Both Have Stood at the Front of Clay Classrooms
By BETH REESE CRAVEY
Two educators who have toiled in Clay County public school classrooms – one remains there and another moved on to school administration – now want to guide students from the school superintendent’s office.
Patrick Thurman and Ben Wortham are in the Aug. 26 Republican primary in hopes of succeeding Superintendent David Owens, who is retiring after 12 years. The primary winner faces Steven Richards, who is running with no party affiliation, in the Nov. 4 general election.
Although both are educators with classroom experience, Thurman, 49, and Wortham, 63, bring different career perspectives to the race.
After retiring from the Navy with more than 20 years of service, Thurman became a Navy Junior ROTC instructor at Middleburg High School. His five years of teaching convinced him that, despite improving student assessment test scores and school grades, Clay schools are in need of help.
“I have witnessed firsthand the slow but steady deterioration of our local educational process. … Clay school district officials see no need to improve,” he said. “Our Clay County schools need a leader as superintendent, one who will improve educational opportunities, visit every school each semester, and listen to the needs of the students, teachers and parents. There is so much congratulating of Clay schools, the reality of its stature is lost in all the platitudes. Improvement never occurs when resting on your laurels.”
Thurman proposed a seven-point improvement plan: Make courses more challenging; initiate student self-discipline; provide realistic professional development opportunities for teachers and reward them for advanced degrees; educate students at national testing levels instead of focusing on Florida’s assessment test; aggressively pursue student scholarships; personalize each student’s line of study by identifying their attributes and deficiencies before high school; and meet district challenges head-on.
“For too long we have accepted ‘good schools’ as being good enough for our children. It is past time to take it to the next level,” he said.
Wortham retired in 2007 after 39 years as an educator, capped with 14 years as Clay deputy superintendent, the district’s second in command. He was also a teacher, assistant principal, principal, instructional director and assistant superintendent for instruction.
He said the district has earned its academic laurels.
“I believe this school system is a model for public schools across Florida and the nation. Still there are challenges and opportunities ahead of us,” he said.
A superintendent with administrative and leadership experience is “critical,” he said.
“I have the institutional knowledge of Florida school laws, School Board rules and the local policies and procedures necessary for the position. I am also familiar with area and state legislators, which will help in accomplishing local goals and securing adequate funding and to eliminate unrealistic mandates,” he said. “I have a thorough understanding of the day-to-day operation of the county’s largest business.”
His priorities would be to focus on academics, create a safe environment at school, retain and recruit highly qualified teachers, maintain strong and supportive discipline, show fiscal responsibility and efficient spending, work with state legislators for increased funding and establish a positive relationship with School Board members.
“My being elected as superintendent will create a smooth transition,” he said. “Focus will be on teaching and learning to make a good school system even better.”beth.cravey@myclaysun.com, (904) 366-6381SUPERINTENDENT’S RACEClay County school superintendent Republican primary:- Patrick Thurman- Ben WorthamWinner faces Steven Richards in the November election.JACKSONVILLE.ACTIVOTE.COMGet the latest coverage of national and local elections. Also, comment on the races and show your support for candidates and issues.
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