Leon County Schools Superintendent Rocky Hanna and challengers Joe Burgess and Star Swain on Tuesday discussed issues affecting the school district during a candidate forum hosted by the Network of Entrepreneurs and Business Advocates.
The forum was attended by local taxpayers, candidate supporters and NEBA members, all seeking answers to some of the most pressing questions about the future of public schools, which prepare students for the workforce in the business community.
NEBA originally started in 1991 as the North East Business Association and has grown over the past 30 years to a membership of 200 subscribers and a goal of keeping business owners informed about what is happening in their communities so they can best advance their livelihoods.
“The school superintendent election is important to our members because we want our communities to have strong public school systems that can truly thrive. Hearing the candidates’ positions on key issues and visions for the next four years helps each member make a more informed decision on August 20,” said Dave Fiore, NEBA’s communications director.
“Good relationships between schools and local businesses provide a way for business owners to help students through financial support, volunteerism, and mentorship. Education and business success are clearly inextricably linked in creating a community that is good for everyone.”
What would a $100,000 marketing campaign look like?
The school district launched a $100,000 marketing campaign with research groups, community surveys and a flashy new logo to help compete with private and charter schools for student enrollment and state funding.
Hanna is proud of the project that took three years to launch, despite some public outcry over its six-figure cost.
“It’s our responsibility to market our schools in a way that will convince parents why they should choose Leon County Schools,” Hanna said. “It’s a great story to tell about all the successes we have at Leon County Schools and how we prepare kids for whatever their next step in life is.”
Swain said the focus should be on improving the quality of education to attract parents, and Burgess said the campaign should be free.
“I appreciate the marketing campaign,” Burgess said. “But we need to market our own schools. The stories have to come from other parents and that’s free marketing. Our product has to be better.”
‘How can the community support the school district?’
During Tuesday’s forum, one NEBA member wanted to know how the business community can best support local public schools. All three candidates said they can “partner and mentor.”
Swain, who currently serves as the elementary school principal at Florida A&M University’s School of Developmental Research, said the need for mentors for young people is great, and especially from a group of respected business owners, like himself.
Swain is the CEO of Swain MAED Leadership Solutions, a company that manages professional development for teams and leaders.
“I have a small business, and I know sometimes funds are tight, but it’s a huge help even if it’s just $25 because it goes to students and teachers,” Swain said of one way business owners can help.
“One great way to partner is to mentor students at the school as well as partner with principals at nearby schools that are close to your school.”
Hanna expressed similar sentiments citing the importance of mentorship for young children.
“You can partner with us and volunteer,” Hanna said. “We have a lot of kids who need positive adult role models in their lives. They need help and we’ve done what we can in our school community, but we can use every single one of you.”
Burgess said, as the principal of Chiles High School, he saw a huge need for volunteers in school clubs and activities.
“At my school, we have 28 sports, and we have clubs, and they need support all the time and they really need your wisdom,” Burgess said. “The conversations you have in the community also help, just saying positive things really helps us.”
Name, image, and likeness: Should high school students get offers?
Name, image and likeness (NIL) endorsements were approved for Florida high school sports last month, allowing high school athletes to monetize their name and image rights. Players can secure endorsement deals with local businesses and earn a profit.
Burgess and Hanna both have experience with high school sports as former football coaches and provide insightful commentary on the topic.
Burgess said at Chiles, coaches are now sitting down with parents and students to work out NIL deals to inform them of the challenges that may arise with some contracts.
“We have to give them advice because this is a strange territory and a strange world where people can take advantage of you,” Burgess said. “We’re going to play the best kids and do what’s best for our team, not what’s best for the contract.”
Hanna said the new rules from the Florida High School Athletic Association are concerning for the district and they are still waiting for further guidance from the agency.
“In a time of school choice and kids moving around and competing with coaches, parents now having to figure out high school tuition for 14 and 15-year-olds, it’s really concerning,” Hanna said.
Mock poll results
NEBA also offered its members a mock poll to choose candidates. Here are the results:
- Hannah: 58%
- Burgess: 40%
- Swain: 2%
As Democrats, Hanna and Swain will face off in the August primary, while Burgess, who is running as an unaffiliated candidate, will face the winner in November.
Alaijah Brown covers children & families for the Tallahassee Democrat. She can be reached atAddress: ABrown1@gannett.comFollow him on Twitter/X: @AlaijahBrown3
