- September 7, 2024
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Dear Editor:
Twenty-nine years ago I packed my daughter’s backpack with everything I could think of that would motivate and promote academic success. I put her on the “Crab” school bus and began my 29-year education partnership with Flagler County Schools.
I envisioned a K-12 experience that would provide my daughters with a quality academic education and opportunities that would challenge and encourage them to become happy, confident contributors to society. Both of my daughters realized that vision thanks to school boards who actually shared my vision as a parent — a vision that is common to all parents and is the mission statement of our district.
Our Mission: Flagler Schools ensures educational success through high expectations and innovative thinking in a safe learning environment to empower students to reach their full potential as responsible, ethical, and productive citizens in a diverse and changing world.
From the minute Janie and Tim Ruddy’s eldest daughter stepped into my seventh grade civics class in 2015, it was apparent that education would always be a top priority in the Ruddy home. Now, Janie Ruddy is running for the District 3 seat on the Flagler County School Board. She is determined to move the conversation and vision back to the education of our students.
Janie understands that in order to be an “A” school district we must not only provide our students with a rigorous curriculum and effective instruction but with a path to opportunities that extend beyond graduation.
Fairly, School Board members are charged with making many decisions that go beyond the academic learning of our students. Decisions that involve facility management, operational needs and requirements and implementation of state mandates, all of which require prudent fiscal perspective driven by a very finite budget. However, as a parent, educator and community member, I believe all of those decisions should be prefaced with the question: How will this impact the safety, well-being, academic experience and opportunities of our students?
This question should always be on the table and I want Janie Ruddy there to remind her fellow board members to consider the question before making decisions.
A fundamental understanding of education is the linchpin of an effective School Board; Janie Ruddy will bring her education expertise and perspective to the school board discussions and decision making process.
Take note, universities, businesses, corporations and startups are on the hunt for well-educated, motivated, skilled human capital. Flagler County students can deliver!! Vote Janie Ruddy, School Board District 3.
Terri Smith
Palm Coast
