Ed Tierney, superintendent of the Monroe County School District, joined Good Morning Keys on KeysTalk 96.9/102.5FM this morning to talk about what’s going on in the district.
The school year will officially begin next week.
Tierney said, “We had a great turnover with Mrs. Axford, and I’m so grateful for her time, and we’ll maintain a friendship moving forward. When the A rating came in for the district, that just pops a bunch of energy and rejuvenation into a district. So the district staff has worked very hard this summer to prepare for people’s return, and teachers are reporting back today, and we’re looking forward to welcoming students back one week from today.”
What does the A grade rating mean?
Tierney said, “It’s very significant. It represents the hard work of the teachers and the students and school based administrators and really the whole system, because it is a team win. So it’s a reflection of the high quality work, and then it just gives such confidence in the staff and the schools for this year coming in that we can continue this trajectory and continue to improve outcomes for all students. It’s a high performing district with a lot of talent, so ‘continue’ has been and will continue to be the theme. I’m still listening and learning, as I committed to doing, but I’m just more and more impressed with the level of talent and dedication I see in the district office and then in the school buildings as I get out and about. So I’m headed up to the Upper Keys now to meet with three principals up there, Key Largo, Plantation Key and Coral Shores and I just continue to be impressed with the level of talent dedication by the staff members in this district.”
How does the district look as far as vacancies for staff positions?
Tierney said, “Our HR division and principals have done a magnificent job. We are down to single digit vacancies, and by the first day for students, we’re anticipating two or three teaching vacancies throughout the whole Keys. So that’s really a year long effort on the part of HR, and then the principal’s working hard in the spring and summer to hire, and they’ve just done a great job this year.”
Coming from Palm Beach County School District, what are the differences?
Tierney said, “I’ve never seen the level of support and the relationship and just investment in emotion and time and finances of a community into a school district. So this is a special place in Monroe County based on just the affection of the entire community has for the school system, the teachers and the students.”
The school district also has a strong relationship with the military – based on real respect.
Tierney said, “That relationship is palpable. That’s another that I don’t think I’ve ever experienced, is that level of respect and mutual respect and admiration and support for the military and the education system, it is quite unique and a pleasure to be a part of.”
What about funding cutbacks?
Tierney said, “I’m concerned. We’re watching closely, and we had to cut some things back ourselves, but we committed to not to holding schools harmless and certainly making sure that the teachers and students wouldn’t feel that impact. So across the district offices, we all pitched in and kind of cut our budget to the greatest extent we could. So we have a balanced budget right now that we’re in the process of bringing to the school board, a school board that prides itself on being financially responsible and supportive of teachers. So we feel like we’re in as good position as possible, recognizing that times are lean right now, and I don’t anticipate that ending or resolving itself the next couple of years. I’m just very honored to be here and working hard to earn a spot in this community, and looking forward to spending some time with the teachers in the next hour or so, and then very much looking forward to welcoming students back in one week.”
For more information about the district, click here: https://www.keysschools.com/