- December 20, 2024
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Dr. Colleen Conklin laughed and cried at her final Flagler County School Board meeting.
Conklin’s fourth term as a School Board member ended at the board’s agenda workshop on Tuesday, Nov. 12. It was also Cheryl Massaro’s final meeting on the board.
Three new board members — Lauren Ramirez, Janie Ruddy and Derek Barrs — will be installed at the board’s business meeting on Nov. 19.
During public comment, longtime residents and officials praised Conklin and Massaro for always putting Flagler students first. At times Conklin was teary-eyed. Other times, she laughed out loud.
At the end of the meeting, Flagler Schools Superintendent LaShakia Moore introduced a video with former colleagues and friends honoring Conklin’s 24 years of service on the board.
The video included words from former Flagler Schools Superintendent Jim Tager; former district communications coordinator Jason Wheeler; LaVerne Guines with her husband, former board member Jim Guines; longtime board member Trevor Tucker; the Flagler County Education Foundation staff; the principals and assistant principals at Matanzas and Flagler Palm Coast high schools; and two of Conklin’s former high school students when she was a teacher in New York City; among several others.
Public education is the cornerstone of our democracy. It's what brings us all together, the thread of who we are. It has to be advocated for. It has to be fought for.
— COLLEEN CONKLIN
After the meeting, Flagler Schools staff and administrators and many old friends and colleagues celebrated Conklin and Massaro with cake and refreshments.
“The video, I will cherish,” Conklin said in her closing comments at the workshop. “I was so excited to see my students from New York City. The past 24 years sometimes feels like it was yesterday and sometimes feels like it was 100 years ago. I have never been prouder than to serve this community, our students, our administrators and our staff.”
Conklin said when she first ran for her seat in 2000, she was a teacher at Bunnell Elementary School walking a picket line and wearing a T-shirt, that read, “We love teaching, but love doesn’t pay the bills.”
At the time Flagler County beginner teacher pay was ranked 65th in the state, she said. Before Florida went to a uniform beginner salary for teachers, Flagler had moved into the top seven. Conklin said she is proud of the initiative “Graduate 100,” focusing on having 100% of Flagler high school students graduating with a traditional diploma, an industry certification or at least a GED.
“The journey has mostly been filled with extreme highs and an exceptional feeling of pride,” she said.
“Public education is the cornerstone of our democracy,” Conklin said. “It's what brings us all together, the thread of who we are. It has to be advocated for. It has to be fought for.”
She said the next board, which also includes current board members Will Furry and Christy Chong “is in great position to move Flagler forward. LaShakia, you are one of the best. One of the things I’m going to miss is working with you.
“Thanks for letting me serve,” she said. “It’s been an honor.”
Flagler County Commission Chair Andy Dance, who served on the School Board with Conklin for 12 years, said Conklin was always very passionate about issues.
“She was protective of teachers and curriculum and most importantly microscopes,” he said. “One of the quirks I’ll always remember is Colleen fighting for more microscopes in the in the chemistry labs. I think she eventually got them.”
Andrea Messina, the chief executive officer of the Florida School Boards Association, said in an email that “Dr. Conklin has been an unwavering champion for public education in Flagler County for over two decades. Since first being elected to the School Board, she has dedicated herself tirelessly to ensuring every child receives a high-quality education. Her passion for supporting students, teachers and schools has never wavered. She has been a tireless advocate, using her voice and influence to advocate for critical funding, resources and policies which have improved the lives of thousands of children.”
Messina said Conklin also made an indelible mark at the state level, serving multiple terms on the FSBA board of directors.
“Her committee work and mentorship have shaped the careers of countless education leaders,” Messina said. “The depth and breadth of her impact is immeasurable.”
Massaro served one term on the board, but she has been involved in public education for 49 years and has worked for Flagler Schools for 19 years.
She said she has witnessed career and technical education become a part of public school education and no longer a separate entity.
“My only concern,” Massaro said, “is don’t dumb down students, but continue to raise the bar for education. With that I end my term.”
