Candidate: Ronda Adkins

To the citizens of Gilchrist County,

My name is Ronda Adkins, and I would like to announce my candidacy for Superintendent of Schools for Gilchrist County 2024.  I have been in education for 31 years and have been the Principal at Trenton Elementary School for the past 8 years. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Primary and Elementary Education, a Masters, Specialist, and Doctoral degree in Educational Leadership K-12.  I have held many positions in the Gilchrist County school system from Pre-K Special needs teacher, 4th & 5th Varying Exceptionalities teacher, K and 3rd grade teacher, Reading Coach at Bell Elementary School, District Elementary Reading Coach, Assistant Principal at Bell Elementary and Trenton Elementary Schools.

I have been married to my husband, Terry Adkins, for 41 years, and we proudly call Gilchrist County our home.  We have five grown children who are all products of Gilchrist County Schools, and we have 14 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild – all who have or will attend Gilchrist County Schools.  I am deeply invested in this school system, and I only want what is best for the district and our children.  I love my job and take great pride in where we have been as a school system and the things to come.  A school system needs to support not only the teachers, but also the support staff, paras, bus drivers, cafeteria workers, custodians, maintenance, coaches, and sponsors of extracurricular activities so they can do the best job needed for all students and for the success of the school system.   All of these people work hard and devote their time and energy for students, and they need to be recognized and supported.  Our goal as a community is for our children be able to succeed in college/career, get good jobs, and be successful, well-rounded adults.  Gilchrist County schools continually rate near the top in the state of Florida, and my goal as your next Superintendent is to continue this success.  I want our teachers and staff to be driven and to feel appreciated, our students to feel inspired and encouraged, and our community to be proud of the education that our children are receiving, all while keeping our schools a safe place to learn and grow.

If elected, I will work collaboratively with our school board, union, and community to make the best decisions to benefit our students and staff on an everyday basis.   You will see me, and you will hear from me.  I will be involved and be there for you and our students.  I believe in hard work and getting the job done by connecting with people to engage and empower them.  My promise is to be a working superintendent.  I pride myself in being organized, doing things in a timely manner, and building relationships with people.  I want to work for our children, our schools, and the citizens of Gilchrist County.  I humbly ask for your support in the upcoming year to become your next Superintendent of Schools.  Let’s work together to make it Greater in Gilchrist!

Sincerely,

Ronda Adkins

Republican Candidate for

Gilchrist County Superintendent of Schools 2024