Ask the Superintendent

Q: How do your responsibilities as superintendent differ from the School Board's responsibilities?

A: Both the School Board and the Superintendent have the same goal - providing the best possible education for every student. But, our roles are different. The 2002 Florida Statutes outline the duties and responsibilities of both school boards and superintendents.

Statutes 1001.41 and 1001.42 say that the School Board is the governing body of the District. After considering recommendations submitted by the superintendent, the Board:
• determines and takes action to establish policies, programs, standards, rules and regulations, consistent with state law, that will improve the District or make it run more efficiently
• performs all duties and exercises all responsibilities assigned to it as determined by the Florida State Board of Education or the Commissioner of Education.
• approves and signs District contracts and agreements
• performs duties to enable the District to carry out the purposes and objectives of the State Education Code and District's Strategic Plan
• assigns students to schools (establishes school boundaries)

Statutes 1001.49 and 1001.51 give the superintendent the authority to:
• oversee the District in order to determine problems and needs, and recommend improvements
• advise, counsel, and make recommendations for action to the school board on all educational matters
• recommend policies to the school board for action
• recommend and execute rules
• recommend and execute minimum standards that contribute to the efficient operation of any aspect of education
• be responsible for directing the work of the personnel
• perform duties and exercise responsibilities assigned by law and rules of the State Board of Education

For a more detailed explanation of the duties and responsibilities of school boards and superintendents go to www.flsenate.gov and click on "Statutes and Constitution," then "Florida Statutes," and select "Title XLVIII." Click on "School District Governance" and choose Florida Statute 1001.33, then select either District School Boards or District School Superintendents.

This is your opportunity to “Ask the Superintendent”!
We have added a new feature to the 411. Now you have an opportunity to ask Superintendent Frank Till a question. Just use the “We Want to Hear From You” form on the back cover of this newsletter. You need not fill-in your name to submit an “Ask the Superintendent.” question. Names of those submitting questions will not be used in the column, and not all questions will be selected for use.

Introducing the 2003 School-Related Employee of the Year

Florine Powell-Lee

"Goes way beyond the call of duty." "Gets things done right the first time." "Always looking to better herself." These are just a few of the ways Florine Powell-Lee's coworkers and colleagues describe her. And it's one of the reasons why she was named the Broward County Public Schools 2003 School-Related Employee of the Year.

Ms. Powell-Lee is the Head Facilities Serviceperson at Eagle Ridge School in Coral Springs. It's a position she has held for the past five years. According to Marina Rashid, who became the school's principal in 2000, Ms. Powell-Lee's reputation preceded her. "When I became principal, I heard such great things about Flo and the great work that she did," says Rashid. "And as soon as I met her, I knew just why they liked her so much."

Because of her dedication, Ms. Powell-Lee is an excellent role model to everyone she meets. She's always looking to improve, and seeks out staff development opportunities whenever they arise. She embraces improving her skills and learning new ones, especially when technology is involved. Ms. Powell-Lee isn't afraid to roll up her sleeves and work alongside her custodial crew members, either. In fact, there's nothing she would ask someone to do that she wouldn't do herself.

Helping keep Eagle Ridge School running smoothly goes way beyond keeping the facility in working condition. Ms. Powell-Lee is a member of the School Advisory Forum, so she helps with the academic side of things, too. Being a member of the SAF, Ms. Powell-Lee has been able to learn more about the educational programs offered to the students as well as the needs of the students, faculty and the school community.

Florine Powell-Lee is a true professional, a dedicated worker and a wonderful person. She's a leader and a role model and is truly deserving of this award. Congratulations, Ms. Powell-Lee!

School-Related Employee of the Year Finalists

• Richard Reiss, Utility Service Person - Facilities and Construction Management
• Paula Mitchell, Accounting Specialist II - Career, Technical Adult/Community Education
• Eddy Bidon, Bus Operator - Central West Area Transportation
• Martha Gomez, Food and Nutrition Service Manager - Hallandale Elementary
• Lance Deveaux, Carpentry Apprentice - District Maintenance
• Teresa Basilone, Office Manager/Confidential Secretary - Coral Springs Middle
• Agnes Hinnant Burrows, Teacher's Assistant - Blanche Ely High
• Joanne T. Dilallo, Executive Secretary - North Area Superintendent's Office
• Helga E. Hindenberger, Cafeteria Manager - North Side Elementary
• Willie Mae Wilson, Head Facilities Serviceperson - Bennett Elementary
• Lenina A. Letts, Clerk Specialist IV - South Central Area ESE
• Beatriz H. Sbitani, Micro-computer Technical Specialist - Palm Cove Elementary
• Beverly Brown-Burgess, Clerk Typist II - Driftwood Middle
• Sterling C Klinger III, Asst. Head of Facilities - Silver Trail Middle
• Michele D'Angelo, Office Manager/Confidential Secretary - Welleby Elementary
• Jane E. Kubler, Micro-computer Technology Specialist - Village Elementary
• Christine Ann Halleran, 6th Grade Secretary- Nova Middle
• Jennifer R. Wilson, Clerk Specialist IV - Community Involvement: Parents, Partners
• Jackie Hurley, Clerk Specialist IV - Student Choice/School Boundaries