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MCSD Blog: News and Information about Florida Keys Schools-NEW
Complete the 2020 Census online now
The 2020 Census is here and data will impact our community for the next 10 years. The goal is to:
Due to the widespread effect of COVID-19, the dates have been shifted slightly, and residents will have more time to respond. You now have through September 30 to respond online, via phone or by mail.
To complete the census by phone, please call:
Every 10 years, the U.S. Census Bureau conducts a nationwide count to determine the number of people living in the United States, and everyone in your household should be included. The census provides the basis for distributing billions of dollars in federal funding for hospitals, schools, roads, public works, reapportioning Congressional seats and other vital programs.
Your response to the census is confidential and protected by federal law. Learn more about the ways in which the results of the 2020 Census will directly affect communities.
Get informed and be ready. Monroe County is counting on you to get counted.
Theresa Axford becomes the New Monroe County Superintendent of Schools
NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING
MCSD & UTM Bargaining Team and EPIC Meetings
The Monroe County School District (MCSD) and the United Teachers of Monroe (UTM) convenes annually to bargain conditions pertinent to the UTM, Teachers and SRP Contracts. The Monroe County School District Educational Performance Incentive Compensation (EPIC) Committee will meet on Thursday, August 20, 2020, from 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Our next bargaining session has been scheduled for Monday, August 24, 2020, from 3:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. The meetings will be conducted virtually using Microsoft Teams. For access to observe or any inquiries, please contact Harry Russell by email at: Harry.Russell@keysschools.com no later than Noon, the day before a scheduled session. The public is welcomed and can observe at the following location:
MCSD Administrative Building, 241 Trumbo Road Key West - Inquire at front office - 305.293.1400 (Contact: Harry Russell)
Thank you in advance for your kind cooperation.
The MCSD/UTM Bargaining Team
Ms. Effie Jackson Effie is being recognized as a Monroe County School Board GEMS for coordinating the Food Service meal distribution and ensuring that healthy meals were provided to our students since the spring closures. She is an invaluable asset to the Food Service Department and our school district. Effie we thank you for your dedication to the Monroe County School District Community. Ms. Ms. Tracy Garcia and Sujaila Kirsh They are both being recognized as Monroe County School District GEMS. These two ladies have gone above and beyond their duties of both working full-time at Key Largo School in our VPK Program supporting our students and attaining their Bachelor degrees. Congratulations Tracy and Sujaila on your hard work and dedication.
The Monroe County School District (MCSD) and the United Teachers of Monroe (UTM) are pleased to announce a tentative agreement regarding a Memorandum of Understanding that addresses the extension of preplanning for teachers and improvements to the teacher induction program. Representatives for the MCSD and UTM met on Wednesday, July 29th and reached a mutually agreed upon Memorandum of Understanding (MOU.) The MOU will require an adjustment to the student report date to Wednesday, August 19, 2020. President of UTM Holly Hummell-Gorman explained, “The decision to extend the five-day pre-planning period by four additional days was made to accommodate employee/teacher preparation and training for engaging and interactive virtual instruction.” Lead Negotiator for the Monroe County School District, Harry Russell stated, “These extra days during preplanning will give our teachers additional time to further prepare and receive professional development on virtual teaching and learning.” A second agreement was reached between both parties that made significant improvements and upgrades to the district’s Beginning and Experienced Teacher Induction Program. A joint committee worked last year and during the summer to put a plan in place that will benefit these employees. The program has been stream lined but remains robust and maintains the rigor for teachers. The tentative agreement will now be presented by UTM to all bargaining unit employees with a virtual ratification vote scheduled to take place as soon as permitted by PERC. Upon ratification the agreement will come back before the Monroe County School Board for final approval.
Mr. Mark Porter was surprised at the July 28th School Board meeting during the GEMS recognition portion of the meeting with a GEMS Award in recognition of his 8 years of service to the students, staff and community as Superintendent of Monroe County Schools. Mr. Porter was the first appointed Superintendent and had the second largest tenure. Mr. Porter was also recognized for other highlights during his tenure. Some of which are: Improve high school graduation rate by 5.6% over 3 years while closing existing gaps, improved MSCD’s ranking of #54 in the State of Florida in overall financial stability to #10 over a period of three-year Successful voter initiatives, restoring Collaborative Relationship with UTM, an improved Fund Balance and Improvement in district grade to an A, with all schools achieving an A or B. Congratulations on your retirement Mr. Porter and best wishes to you.
Incoming Superintendent, Theresa Axford, has named Christine Paul as Stanley Switlik Elementary School’s (SSE) next principal. “Mrs. Paul has worked closely with all aspects of teaching and learning throughout her various roles in the district,” Mrs. Axford said. “Her experience and commitment to providing students with a strong educational foundation will be a great asset to the students and teachers at SSE.” Christine Paul, a Marathon High School graduate, is a 23-year veteran of the Monroe County School District. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from Florida International University and a Master’s degree from Florida State University. She began her teaching career as an art teacher and media specialist at Plantation Key School and Sugarloaf School where she was known for developing learning environments that supported creativity, collaboration, and inclusion for all students. She is honored to be selected as the new principal of SSE and looks forward to working closely with SSE teachers while bringing her own brand of leadership to her former school. “Switlik teachers and staff have a long history of success and achievement, while at the same time, doing all they can to provide the most caring and supportive environment,” Paul said. “I am truly honored to have been chosen for this position and I am looking forward to helping the students of the Marathon community begin their most important journey of their young lives.”
