Florida School Boards Association Leadership Team gathers in Gainesville for Strategic Planning and Professional Development

Press release from Alachua County Public Schools

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The Florida School Boards Association (FSBA) is pleased to announce that its leadership team convened in Gainesville, Florida, on October 4 and October 5, 2023, for a two-day event focused on strategic planning, collaboration, and professional development.

This annual gathering of FSBA’s Board of Directors, committee chairs, and committee vice-chairs serves as a critical opportunity for the association’s leaders to come together, share insights, and chart a course for the future. As the leading advocate for public education in the state of Florida, FSBA continually seeks to enhance the effectiveness of its leaders. The event featured a dynamic agenda that included committee planning sessions, collaborative workshops, a night of networking and fellowship at the Cade Museum, and two powerful presentations.

Thursday morning, Kim Barton, Supervisor of Elections for Alachua County, and Paul Lux, Supervisor of Elections for Okaloosa County, discussed the impacts of the proposed constitutional amendment on partisan school board elections in Florida. Thursday afternoon featured a special workshop, Fierce Conversations: Managing Conflict with renowned and retired UF Soccer Coach, Becky Burleigh.

“Throughout the two-day gathering, we engaged in productive discussions, shared best practices, and explored innovative approaches to addressing the evolving needs of Florida’s students,” commented FSBA Chief Executive Officer, Andrea Messina. “FSBA looks forward to building upon the insights gained during this event and continuing to work collaboratively with local communities, policymakers, and stakeholders to improve student achievement for all students in Florida.”

“A highlight of serving as FSBA president is hosting the leadership development and Board of Directors meeting in your home district,” said Tina Certain, FSBA’s president and chair of the School Board of Alachua County. “In addition to training, planning, and networking, visiting school board members had the opportunity to experience a few amenities Alachua County has to offer.”

The mission of FSBA is to increase student achievement through the development of effective school board leadership and advocacy for public education. Association members will convene in November for the 78th Annual Joint Conference in Tampa, Florida.