Optimist-Outlook: 12/18/08

Marianna Optimist Club Activities
By Don Jones December 9th, 2008
"He Only Wants Good Things To Happen!"
Speaking before members of the Marianna Optimist Club, Mr. Lee Miller, Jackson County’s newly elected Schools Superintendent, stated that he appreciated the confidence expressed by his election. He said, "I only want good things to happen in our schools, and I believe in my staff at the School Board, as well as the district superintendents and their staffs of highly motivated and capable personnel." He has every confidence that every school in the county will become class "A" schools within the state.
There exists a few challenges for the County Schools System, but has confidence in the high caliber of teachers, students, and parents who are more than able to meet those challenges. He wants to forge the educational community into a well oiled machine, able to produce the best schools, and students in the state, and the entire United States.
His initial step in that direction will be to improve communication between his office and the district offices, as well as, throughout the entire school system. He plans to have monthly district meetings, and visit each school on a regular basis. He is here to give his full support in the areas that require his attention, and work just as hard as the rest of the team to meet the challenges that face this county’s educational needs in today’s economy, as well as, in the foreseeable future.
Not only is Mr. Miller fired-up to meet the challenges at hand, he has the experience necessary to lead the team in a positive direction. He will not be satisfied with anything less than everyone’s best effort. However, he doesn’t expect anyone to work any harder than himself. If that spirit prevails, Jackson County will become the best in the state.
Mr. Miller knows what the job entails; he has been there, done that. Immediately upon graduation from Florida State in 1975, he became a high school level Math teacher. Then was appointed to Deputy District Superintendant, and on to Assistant Principal. Prior to election, he served as Principal of Golson Elementary where 950 very active Kindergarten students, thru the second grade, became acclimated to the public school system. However, running for public office has, more than anything, put things into proper focus for him. He understands the importance the roll of educator has in the lives of students and their hopes for the future. The public has placed their trust in his hands, and the educators who will fulfill that dream of a better future for our children.