David Williams: Candidate, Escambia County School Board, District 3
EDITOR'S NOTE: The following is an interview conducted via the Pensacola News Journal questionnaire with Escambia and Santa Rosa County election candidates for their respective races. All the answers were submitted to the Pensacola News Journal by the candidate and are available to our readers to show the candidates' position and priorities on the issues. Candidates were limited to 750 words.
Candidate: David Williams
Office you're seeking: Escambia County School Board – District 3
Occupation: Retired Educator, 35 years with the Escambia County School District
Education: David Williams attended A.A. Dixon Elementary, Brownsville Middle School, and Pensacola High School. David attended Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management. David obtained advanced degrees from the University of West Florida, receiving a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership, a Specialist Degree in Curriculum Instruction, and presently completing his Doctoral Degree in Curriculum and Assessment.
More about the race: Former principal challenges incumbent for Escambia County School Board District 3 seat
Why are you running for this office?
David Williams is running for the school board in District 3 to continue to make a positive difference in the lives of students, families, and schools in the Escambia County School System. David Williams has an affinity relationship with district 3; David Williams was educated in District 3; grew up and lived/live in district 3; worshipped all his life in District 3; David Williams worked in District 3, and either taught, coached, or was the principal of all students and families in District 3 for 35 years.
What makes you stand out from your opponent(s)?
David Williams has been a Substitute Teacher, Certified Bus Driver, Math Teacher, Accreditation Chairperson, Assistant Principal, and Principal. David Williams's school led the county for 13 consecutive years in academic scholarship. Graduating students received, on average, 13 million dollars of awarded funds. As an instructional leader, David Williams' school produced the most National Merit scholars, Semi-National Merit scholars, and Achievement scholars in Northwest Florida. David Williams was voted Teacher of the Year, Coach of the Year (4x), and Principal of the Year. David Williams's leadership improved the graduation rate from 62% to 91% among all students and 53% to 88% for African American students.
Previous elective office/ elective office experience:
None
What are your three most important priorities if you are elected or re-elected?
How would you implement Priority 1?
School Safety- David Williams has worked closely with local law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety of all students before, during, and after school hours. He oversaw the implementation of mental health training for students, faculty, and staff.
How would you implement Priority 2?
College and Career Readiness - David collaborated with local colleges and universities to ensure graduating students were prepared academically and financially for college entrances.
How would you implement Priority 3?
Closing the Achievement Gap - David Williams's leadership improved the graduation rate from 62% to 91% among all students and 53% to 88% for African American students.
David has worked closely with School Advisory Councils (SAC), Parent-Teacher-Student Associations (PTSA), and implemented Schoolwide Improvement Plans (SIP).
How will you use your position as a board member to address the learning and socialization gap caused by COVID-19?
I will address the learning and socialization gap by remaining focused on the importance of keeping our students safe and ensuring that all students have access to highly effective instruction with a rigorous and challenging curriculum. This focus can be obtained and maintained by bringing together my four foundational pillars: Education-a data-driven School Improvement plan; Community-relationships with community leaders, mentoring programs, law enforcement, health care, and military families; Commerce-build a cradle-to-college/career infrastructure; and Culture-embrace diversity to promote inclusion with a sense of worth and belonging.
How will you change classroom curriculum, student clubs, or school interaction with parents and students in response to new laws governing public schools under Ron DeSantis?
The real crisis is the loss of community schools and how to engage students in post-COVID; we need vital community support initiatives with strong school leadership. I know first-hand how important community support is to a school. We have a crisis with a shortage of teachers, bus drivers, cafeteria workers, custodians, substitute teachers, and staff. I agree with the need for increase teacher pay, transparency in our education system and continue to garner and embrace parental involvement.
This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: David Williams: Candidate, Escambia County School Board, District 3
