Ed Pratt-Dannals was named the Superintendent of Duval County Public Schools in November 2007. He is responsible for operating the nation's 21st largest school district, with 177 schools, approximately 125,000 students and 14,000 employees.
A life-long educator, Pratt-Dannals began working in the Duval County school system in 1976 as a math teacher at John Gorrie Junior High, and rose through the ranks as a principal, regional superintendent, associate superintendent for curriculum and instruction and chief academic officer. Prior to being named Superintendent in 2007, he served as Chief Academic Officer.
As Superintendent, Pratt-Dannals is committed to making Duval County Public Schools the top performing urban school district in America by providing high quality educational opportunities that will inspire all students to acquire and use the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in a global economy, and culturally diverse world.
Under the leadership of Pratt-Dannals, Duval County Public Schools launched a long-range Strategic Plan that will guide the work of the school district during the next four years. This plan outlines the School Board's vision, mission, core beliefs and commitments, as well as details the district's goals and specific strategies to successfully implement the Strategic Plan.
Pratt-Dannals is a member of the Duval County Association of Secondary School Administrators, the Florida Association of School Administrators, the Association for Supervisors and Curriculum Development, the National Association of Secondary School Administrators and the Westside Rotary Club of Jacksonville. He has also served as president of both the Duval County Secondary School Principals and the Vice Principals' Association.
Additionally, Pratt-Dannals is the recipient of several educational honors, including Outstanding Alumnus from the University of North Florida College of Education (2005); the J.J. McCranie Service Above Self Award from the West Jacksonville Rotary (1997); the Commissioner's Award for Outstanding Principals Among High School Principals in North Florida (1995); a nomination by the Duval County Secondary School Principals as Outstanding High School Principal for Burger King's In Honor of Excellence Program (1994); and recognition as the Assistant Administrator of the Year by the Duval County Secondary School Administrators (1984).
Pratt-Dannals holds a master's degree in education from the University of North Florida and a bachelor's degree from Georgia State University. He is completing a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Florida, which he expects to finish in 2012. The focus of his doctorate program is large, urban school district reform.
