New school superintendent sees both promise and challenges ahead
It was quite literally the passing of the torch.
Former Superintendent of Lee County Schools Ken Savage, dressed like he had come straight off the set of a Gladiator movie, ran down the corridor at the Broadway Palm Theater and passed the torch to new school superintendent Christopher Bernier.
It was a symbolic moment for Bernier, who took over as Lee County School Superintendent less than two weeks ago from Savage, who had served as the interim school chief for nearly a year.
It also fit in well with the theme of the Foundation for Lee County Public Schools’ 31st Annual Partners in Education/State of Our Schools Breakfast on Friday, “Champions for Education.”
“It’s about the school district and the foundation honoring our partners for their engagement at school and the new superintendent letting everyone know about the accomplishments of the past and his vision for the future,” said Marshall T. Bower, president and CEO of the foundation.
Programs and initiatives of the Foundation for Lee County Public Schools were highlighted and presented by foundation board members.
Also, the foundation recognized Business Partner, Community Partner and Volunteer of the Year.
This year’s honorees are:
Business Partner of the Year – Nor-Tech Hi-Performance Boats
Community Partner of the Year – Cypress Lake United Methodist Church
Volunteer of the Year – Charles Cantieny
Bernier, who was working as school superintendent in Clark County in Nevada (Las Vegas), thanked Savage for his help in getting him up to speed on the issues and for his service during one of the most trying times in history.
Bernier also addressed the school shooting that occurred in Uvalde, Texas that left 19 students and two teachers dead in their classrooms.
“I was angry and heartbroken and I thought about what that superintendent was doing, calling and meeting with parents and loved ones and telling them their child was not coming home,” Bernier said. “I had no words, just the pain. I promise we will do everything in our power to bring resources, prevention strategies, response to violence. School shootings are something this community cannot and will not tolerate.”
Bernier also reviewed some of the highlights and accomplishments of the school system in academics and athletics and showed vignettes of amazing students, teachers and programs.
Bernier also said that the school system is going to increase pay and offer bonuses to hire and retain good teachers and bus drivers and to be competitive with other school systems statewide.
Bernier said the system needs to work on improving student achievement and proximity, the way students are assigned to schools and prepared for the workforce.
“I have committed to making decisions that are in the best interests of the students. I promise to provide everything I have personally, professionally and physically, to support our students,” Bernier said.
Most of all, Bernier said he is excited that students will all be returning to the classrooms when the new year starts, hopefully for good this time.
“As much as the commencement exercises have been a pleasure to attend, I’m really looking forward to the fall and returning to a sense of true normal,” Bernier said. “That was the expectation last year, but we had some (COVID) variants that got in the way. I expect this fall to get going and keep the momentum going.”
Bernier added the pandemic took a toll on everyone, but that doesn’t mean the kids are went through it are doomed to be behind forever.
“I think if we can put the correct supports behind each teacher and support them and the students with the right safety nets, academically and regarding mental health, our teachers can reach amazing heights and student achievement will grow as well.
The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools was formed in 1986 by a group of business, community and education leaders who understood that the cornerstone of an economically strong community was a quality public education system.
To reach CHUCK BALLARO, please email news@breezenewspapers.com