Candidate: Sandra 'Sam' Himmel

Sandra “Sam” Himmel has served as Superintendent of Citrus County Schools for the last 15 years and is currently Florida’s 2020 Superintendent of the Year.  She started her professional career teaching at Crystal River Middle School in 1977 and expanded her studies, earning a Master’s in Organizational Management.  She managed a local business prior to her decision to become a School Board Member for Citrus County Schools in 1996.  After 8 years serving as a board member, Sam was elected Superintendent of Schools.

Over 15,000 students attend Citrus County’s elementary, middle and high schools. Sam believes in the importance of providing specialized and unique opportunities beyond core instruction to meet individual needs. She ensures Citrus County schools offer multiple options for college and career readiness for all students such as the Academy of Health Careers, International Baccalaureate Program, Advanced Placement Program, School of Art Academy, Computer Science Academy, Academy of Environmental Science, AVID, Industry Certification Programs, Citrus Resources for Exceptional Students in Transition (CREST School), PACE School for Girls, the Marine Science Station, and a dual enrollment program with the Withlacoochee Technical College and College of Central Florida.

In addition to being recognized as Florida’s 2020 Superintendent of the Year, Sam also received the Lavan Dukes District Data Leader Award 2014-2015. This award recognizes superintendents who led the way using education data to drive student improvement. She has established expectations, processes, and positive relationships with students, staff, parents, and our community that have contributed to many extraordinary accomplishments. During Sam’s tenure as Superintendent, the accomplishments and recognitions include the following:

·         The graduation rate of all Citrus County’s high schools consistently out-perform the state average! The graduation rate has increased 28.8% -- a greater improvement than the state gain.

·         The number of students earning college credit through dual enrollment has increased 46%.

·         Citrus County graduates’ SAT and ACT composite scores average higher than the State average.

·         The Citrus County School District is the first school district in the nation to be named an official Purple Heart School District.

·         Citrus County’s International Baccalaureate Program is ranked in the State’s top 5 IB programs.

·         The Withlacoochee Technical College is ranked in the State’s top 5 technical colleges.

While carrying out the mission of educating all students in an environment “where learning is the expectation and caring is the commitment,” Sam continues to place the health, safety and welfare of students and staff as her top priorities. She has a proven record of leadership focused on forward thinking and a proactive approach to all circumstances.