Escambia County School Board District 1 has two candidates running for the seat currently filled by incumbent Kevin Adams. The information below was completed solely by the candidate at the request of the Pensacola News Journal and appears unedited.
IF A CANDIDATE DID NOT RETURN A QUESTIONNAIRE BY DEADLINE, THEIR Q&A WAS NOT PUBLISHED.
Name: Kevin Adams
Office you’re seeking: Escambia County School Board, District 1
Occupation: Retired U.S. Department of Defense
Education: Candidate did not answer
Why are you running for this office?
I am running to ensure all children receive a high-quality education and equal opportunities, and to provide a direct voice for parents, grandparents, and guardians within our school district. It has been a pleasure to serve our community, and I want to continue supporting our future growth.
Are you an incumbent? If yes, how long have you served on the school board?
Yes. I have served for approximately 10 years, having first been elected in August 2016.
What experience do you have that makes you qualified for this office?
I have gained extensive knowledge and skills serving approximately 10 years as the District 1 Escambia County School Board Member. I retired after a 38-year career with the Department of Defense, serving as a financial management analyst, facility and safety manager, and contract performance assessment representative. My prior community service includes 8 years on the School Attendance Zone Advisory Committee and 7 years on the One-Half Cent Sales Tax Watchdog Committee.
Do you or have you been a parent of a child(ren) enrolled in Escambia County Public Schools?
Yes. My three children attended K-12 schools here and are proud graduates of our school district.
In your view, what is the role of public schools?
The role of public schools is to teach core literacy, mathematics, science, and history to prepare students for higher education and future careers.
In your view, what do you see as the biggest issue facing public schools in Escambia County Public Schools?
The biggest issues are declining enrollment due to vouchers and maintaining our “A” district grade in the face of growing funding shortages.
What do you think the district should be doing to mitigate dropping enrollment due to private school enrollment?
We must provide more K-8 schools, magnet programs, and choice opportunities, while maintaining strict order and discipline in our classrooms.
What do you believe should be changed about the school district, and what specific steps would you take to implement those changes?
The most critical change is rightsizing the district as enrollment drops to ensure we remain financially sound. We have activated the School Attendance Zone Advisory Committee (SAZAC) to provide recommendations for school closures, school repurposing, and adjusting attendance boundaries.
What do you believe the school district is doing right, and how would you improve it?
The district excels at identifying students with academic gaps in “corridors of concern” and providing the proper wrap-around services to close those gaps. I will continue our partnership with the Children’s Trust and other nonprofit organizations to secure adequate funding for these children.
This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Kevin Adams for Escambia County School Board District 1 Q&A
Reporting by Kevin Adams, Pensacola News Journal / Pensacola News Journal
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By Kevin Adams, Pensacola News Journal | USA TODAY Network
