Candidate: Bart Alford

My name is Bart Alford, and I am seeking the office of Superintendent of Schools for the Madison County School District. I am committed to representing you and working to improve our school district. I understand the challenges and accountability that come with this office. My experience as a school board member has given me the leadership skills and the institutional knowledge necessary to guide the district. I will focus on continuous improvement in the following areas: academics, attendance, finance, communications, school safety, and facilities, all vital aspects of a successful school operation. Every student in our county deserves the right to a high-quality education. Continuous growth will occur through a systematic plan focusing on transforming teaching and learning, where all students demonstrate academic growth and achievement.  

I was privileged to serve on the school board for 20 years, from 2002 to 2022. I had the honor and opportunity to serve with five superintendents, learning extensively from that experience. I served as school board chairman in 2005, 2010, 2013, 2017, 2021, and 2022. I received Master Board training twice and held the distinction of Certified School Board Member, both awarded through the Florida School Board Association.  

Before being elected to the school board, I worked as a speech-language pathologist for the Madison and Jefferson County School District, working with regular and special education students in grades pre-k through the secondary level. In Madison County, I served students at Lee Elementary School, Pinetta Elementary School, Madison Primary School, Madison County Central School, Madison Academy, and Greenville Middle School. I have also offered practicum supervision for the Department of Communication Disorders at Florida State University. Currently, I work at Taylor County Elementary School in Perry, Florida, where I was named "Teacher of the Year" in 2022. Furthermore, I have a speech-language pathology practice and work in the local nursing homes providing speech-language and dysphagia therapy.  

I graduated from Madison County High School, North Florida Junior College, and Florida State University. From Florida State University, I received both my bachelor's and master's degrees in speech-language pathology. I hold licensure as a speech-language pathologist through the State of Florida and national certification through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).  

Over the past two decades, I have been active in the school system and community, with a solid commitment to the students and teachers of Madison County. I have thoroughly enjoyed contributing my time and resources by volunteering at school events, providing speech services to the district, and offering financial support to individuals, organizations, and schools. I have enjoyed attending various academic and sporting events, carnivals, band competitions, concerts, plays, proms, banquets, awards day, and graduations. I also enjoy supporting our various extracurricular organizations by providing meals for students before and after sports events. I have encouraged and promoted the Accelerated Reading program and have awarded monetary incentives to students who excel in it. I also participate in the annual "Teacher of the Year" ceremony, where I recognize and honor teachers for their hard work, dedication, and commitment to the classroom. I continue to enjoy supporting our students and recognizing the outstanding accomplishments of our dedicated teachers as we all work together for the common goal of continuous improvement of our school district.  

 I am committed to advancing our district to the next level of academic achievement, and I appreciate your consideration, support, and vote. Having worked alongside five superintendents, I understand this will be one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences in my professional career. Our school district can only thrive through a united effort from students, teachers, parents, and the community. Every student in this county deserves equal access to a quality education and the chance to achieve their full potential. Let us work together to ensure academic excellence is a dream and a reality for all students in our school district. Our society and school system face many challenges, but we can improve. I accept the challenge of this office and look forward to the opportunity to lead our district as we continue to raise the bar of excellence.  

May God continue to bless the children, faculty, and staff of Madison County School District. Let us go forward and be the best we can for the children of Madison County. Always the best to each of you!  

Sincerely,     

Bart Alford