Hats off to Superintendent Kevin Hendrick

Superintendent Kevin Hendrick (right) facilitated a very effective exercise on the Bridging the Gap Plan with his educational leaders, where he clearly articulated the mission and expectations. 

GOLIATH J. DAVIS, III, Ph.D. | Contributor

As many of you know, I poke, prod and challenge the Pinellas School District to close the achievement gap. In a recent article, “Games districts play,” I suggested Pinellas County Schools Superintendent Kevin Hendrick should make the Bridging the Gap Plan the centerpiece of his presentations to principals and administrators responsible for educating our scholars.

I also suggest that we — the district and the community — are on the precipice of success given the current climate and personnel newly assigned to fix the problem. If they are given an articulated mission and held accountable for ensuring its implementation, we should begin to see some progress. However, we must acknowledge the challenges posed by past and recent state and national elections.

I am writing today to commend Superintendent Hendrick based on recent reports. At the November COQEBS community meeting, I stressed the need to ensure all involved with teaching our kids are directed to read and understand the Bridging the Gap Plan. I emphasized the extent to which there has been tremendous personnel turnover since the plan’s development and implementation, and a significant number of educational leaders may not be aware of its existence or purpose.

To my surprise, a parent sitting adjacent to me said, “Dr. Davis, I hope this doesn’t detract from your argument, but my child attends Bay Vista Fundamental, and at our mandatory parental meeting a few nights ago, we were trained on the Bridging the Gap Plan. Our principal wanted to ensure we are familiar with it.”

Area Superintendent Dr. Dywayne B. Hinds, Sr.

I asked what her area superintendent’s name was, and she said Dr. Dywayne B. Hinds, Sr. I immediately called Mr. Hinds after the meeting and commended him and Bay Vista’s principal.

Additionally, I was informed that Superintendent Hendrick facilitated a very effective exercise on the Bridging the Gap Plan with his educational leaders. He clearly articulated the mission and expectations to the participants. Some in attendance said it was understood that if you haven’t read the plan, you would be wise to do so, given the district is responsible for educating all its scholars and the educational leaders are responsible for ensuring the mission is accomplished.

I fully anticipate plans will be developed and opportunities to review and report on the progress will also be instituted. Based on the reports, I believe it will not be the last time Hendrick addresses the plan with his leaders.

Others involved in the community-district relationship must also do their part. For example, kindergarten and pre-kindergarten are no longer daycare centers where young scholars play and have fun. The foundations for reading and learning are taught, and it is imperative that parents get their children to school every day and on time. Learning is retarded when kindergarteners miss class.

The gap is still very real, and much more needs to be done. Superintendent Hendrick and his team must remain alert to new strategies and innovations and stay committed to adopting and implementing them with fidelity. I look forward to educational leaders north and south of Central Avenue in Fundamental, IB, “A,” “B,” “C” and failing schools renewing their commitment to children and ensuring they develop plans to educate low- performing Black scholars. While there is still more to be done, the district has made a small but significant step in the right direction.

Dr. Goliath Davis is a former St. Petersburg police chief and deputy mayor who advocates for education in Pinellas County, focusing on Black student achievement.