Candidate: GWYNETTA GWYN GITTENS

Email: GwynGittens4D5@gmail.com               FaceBook: Gwyn Gittens for District 5 

                                                       239-839-4238

WHY I CAN REPRESENT DISTRICT 5 With “VISION 2020” and Beyond

GOAL 1:  STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT

I have the experience:

·       Teacher 13 Yrs., All levels: Elementary, Middle, High and Adult Ed., Tutor

·       Golden Apple Finalist 4 Yrs., Advancement Via Individual Determination Coord.

·       Degrees: BS-Psychology/Business, Masters Degree in Education Leadership

·       Southwest Florida Foundation Future Maker/Scholarship Review

What I want to do!

·       Empower students by teaching: Communication skills, Financial skills, Self-discipline and goal setting skills that will better prepare them for Classroom to Career. There were 5206 Seniors in 2018 and 4,616 graduated, what happened to the 590! 

      Empower Teachers: Teacher dissatisfaction is not just about money it is disrespect for the professionals they are and fear of retaliation. Give teachers a greater voice and autonomy in their classrooms. We must continue to emphasize Vocational Training - Alternatives. Offer a "Wheel”  Vocational sampling.  Offer Preschool to all eligible students as a necessity, if not we are selecting which students will succeed and which will not. 

. Look into decreasing special programs and focus on the basics and programs that will "move the needle" of our academic achievement. 

GOAL 2: FAMILY ENGAGEMENT

I have the experience:

·       School Advisory Council – Parent Organization (SAC) Advisor (4 Yrs.)

·       District Advisory Council (DAC) Chairperson

What I want to do!

·       Empower parents by helping them to understand their very important role in education.  Providing monthly in-person and digital town halls, including "surrogate" parents.

·       Empower the community to understand their role in education.  Even if you don't have children in the system, you have a vested interest in students in our education system.  Involve business leaders, faith-based initiatives to help prepare our students for Classroom to Career. 

GOAL 3: HIRE/RETAIN EMPLOYEES

I have the experience:

·       Teacher and Golden Apple Finalist (4)

·       Interview committees for school positions

·       District Administrator interview committees

·       District Superintendent Search Committee

What I want to do!

·       Empower our employees. “People don’t quit jobs they quit bosses”.  We need to focus on the real reasons for our turnover rate.

·       Address discipline practices in our schools and their effect on turnover. Do reports tell the Whole story?

·       Empower employees to be a part of the policies that affect their career.

      Empower Teachers: Teacher dissatisfaction is not just about money it is disrespect for the professionals they are.  Give teachers a greater voice and autonomy in their classrooms without fear of retaliation.  Involve them in the process and let them all revel in the success.  I disagree with the subjective "Best and Brightest" reward.

GOAL 4: CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT

I have the experience:

·       Previous member of the Strategic Planning Committee

·       Interned in Growth and Capacity Department

·       Managed a statewide department of 40 employees and budget

What I want to do!

·       Increase School safety for students and staff. The current Board has decided to go to the "Single Point of Entry"  process at our schools, which would make is much easier and cheaper to install some type of metal detector or digital recognition system.  

·       Decrease Bullying; which can lead to low student achievement and potential safety issues by increasing the number of counselors and psychologists. 

·       Offer a Clear understanding of budget decisions.  I do not believe we are always told the whole story and explanation of decisions that are made.  The Board is required by law to follow "Sunshine" rules, that is no behind closed door meetings or decisions. 

·       Encourage completely anonymous Satisfaction surveys for greater disclosure.  Some employees are afraid to participate for fear of negative results from their administration. 

EACH can Win With Gwyn!  Empowerment, Accountability, Community and Heartfelt belief in our community and public education.