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Davis being considered for Hillsborough Superintendent

He will remain on Clay County ballot until job in Tampa is determined

By Wesley LeBlanc Staff Writer
Posted 12/18/19

GREEN COVE SPRINGS – Clay County Superintendent Addison Davis is being considered as a candidate to replace the retiring superintendent of the Hillsborough County schools.Superintendent Jeff …

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Davis being considered for Hillsborough Superintendent

He will remain on Clay County ballot until job in Tampa is determined


Posted

GREEN COVE SPRINGS – Clay County Superintendent Addison Davis is being considered as a candidate to replace the retiring superintendent of the Hillsborough County schools.
Superintendent Jeff Eakins announced that he was retiring next June, and the district’s school board hired Ray and Associates of Iowa to recruit potential candidates for the position, according to a story originally by The Tampa Bay Times. The list has been pared to 51 candidates, including Davis.
“It’s an honor to be recommended to potentially lead one of the largest school districts in the nation,” Davis said. “Ray and Associates, Incorporated, conducted a nationwide search to identify educational leaders that possess the desired qualifications and credentials to lead Hillsborough County Public Schools. Through their search, I was contacted and encouraged to apply due to my track record in improving student achievement.
“After careful reflection with my family and prayer, I have decided to consider this opportunity. This decision was not taken lightly and should not discredit my passion and commitment to continue the great work that we have started in Clay County District Schools.”
Davis told Clay Today earlier this month he intended to run for re-election. He plans to remain on the ballot until a final decision is made in Hillsborough.
Davis said one of his career objectives has been to lead a large school district in the state of Florida. Hillsborough County, which comprises of the Tampa area, is the eighth largest district in the nation with more than 220,000 students, so he couldn’t pass up the possible opportunity.
“When large school leadership positions across the nation come open, proven and motivated educators pay attention,” Davis said. “I am inspired by the potential for new growth and challenges to have a continued greater impact in our state. I am energized with the thought of creating equitable access for all learners while ensuring high-quality instructional experiences take place daily in Hillsborough County.”
Ray and Associates of Iowa will trim the list down to roughly 10 to 12 candidates by Jan. 7 so the school board can review candidate backgrounds and determine which of those candidates it would like to interview.
The board is expected to hire a new superintendent by Jan. 21, but the school board doesn’t have to finalize a selection by then. It could opt to select an interim who would hold the position until the board makes a final decision.
For now, Davis will continue his efforts in Clay County as the district’s superintendent.
“This appointment is not guaranteed, and my focus remains on improving teaching and learning in Clay County District Schools,” Davis said. “Clay County is my home and a place that my family and I love. As long as I am the superintendent of schools, I will work tirelessly to create world-class experiences for all students.”
Davis said during his time in Clay County, he’s made tremendous growth alongside teachers, support professionals, leaders, school board members, and community members. Davis’ record in Clay includes improving the county’s academic ranking from 20th to eighth and improving the countywide grade from a “B” to an “A.” improvements in reading, math, social studies and science proficiencies; improvement in graduation rates; increases in college readiness in reading and math; and, increases of students taking and passing Advanced Placement exams.