School Zone
On this month's episode of School Matters
Changes in the middle and high schools schedules next year, the creation of an independent, new public education advocacy group, new centers designed to keep suspended students learning and the district’s top teacher are topics of lively discussion on “School Matters.” The next edition of Duval County Public Schools’ monthly question-and-answer program premieres Sunday, May 24, at 10 a.m. on WJCT-TV, over-the-air Channel 7 and Comcast Channel 8.
Duval County School Board chair Tommy Hazouri and Supervisor of Guidance Nan Worsowicz will join Superintendent Ed Pratt-Dannals to explain the recent changes to the middle and high schools schedule in 09/10. The panelists will detail how the budget shortfall led to the creation of a task force and recommendations for change that were adopted in April. Pratt-Dannals, Hazouri and Worsowicz will also discuss the resulting $13 million savings, and how high standards and rigorous course work will remain a priority.
A group of civic, business and philanthropic leaders have formed a new, independent non-profit group that is dedicating itself to increasing the academic achievement of all students. One focus of the Jacksonville Public Education Fund will be on at-risk students. The group’s chairman, Gary Chartrand, and president, Trey Csar, will explain how the new organization will help Duval County Public Schools.
Last month, DCPS opened five Alternative To Out-Of-School Suspension Centers around the county. Aldrena Edwards, a social worker at the St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church location, and Dana Kriznar, Executive Director of Alternative Education Programs, will explain how the new centers grew out of Jacksonville Journey recommendations and how they will benefit students who have been suspended.
The final segment will feature a look back at Lucretia Miller’s term as the Duval County Teacher of the Year and introduce the 2009 winner, Marjorie Nolan. The process to award the coveted title as DCPS’ top teacher will also be explained. Miller will discuss her role as a public education advocate during tight fiscal times, and Nolan will offer her goals during her reign as the Teacher of the Year.
The program is produced monthly by WJCT-TV and the Communications Department of Duval County Public Schools. Veteran interviewer Joyce Morgan Danford is the moderator. “School Matters” airs the fourth Sunday of every month at 10 a.m. on WJCT-TV, over-the-air Channel 7 and Comcast Channel 8. After its premiere, “School Matters” is televised each Wednesday at 5 p.m. on Comcast cable Channel 29.
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