Flagler Superintendent Tager to retire at end of contract

Palm Coast Observer
Schools

Press release by Jason Wheeler, communication information specialist with Flagler County Schools

Superintendent James Tager high-fives Buddy Taylor Middle School student Alisha Jageswar on the first day of school in August 2018. File photo by Paige Wilson

Superintendent James Tager has informed the members of the Flagler County School Board of his intention to retire at the end of his contract, June 30, 2020.

Tager delivered a letter to the members of the School Board and his executive leadership team on Friday, July 12, to announce the retirement plans.

“I am beginning my 38th year in education and my goal is to make sure this 38th year is the best of my career,” Tager said in the press release. “I cannot tell you how much I enjoy serving in this school district. This community has embraced me and my wife, Jodi. We just hope we have been able to repay the kindness and support shown to us.”

Superintendent Tager also says he wanted to give the members of the School Board ample time to begin the search process, saying, “There may have been options, such as sitting out for some time and then possibly returning. However, I’ve seen how some other governments have handled that option and I did not feel it appropriate I put our School Board in that position.”

Under Tager’s leadership, four distinct goals were laid out: focusing on literacy and high expectations, using early warning systems to identify students who need more supports earlier, increasing the district’s graduation rate and getting more students into accelerated programs. As a result, Flagler Schools has seen steady growth in test scores and graduation rates among students, especially among minority and ESE students. It culminated this week with the news that, for the first time in eight years, Flagler Schools was an A-rated district by the Florida Department of Education. The District’s innovative Flagship program, which is tied directly to the industries within Flagler County and the surrounding area, has also expanded. Mr. Tager continually challenges adults to take a more active role in the education of the county’s youth. As a result, more teachers, administrators, staff, and community members have signed up to mentor students over the past two years.