Published On: Fri, May 17th, 2019

Leader with Reputation for Improving Student Outcome, Engaging Families Promoted to Oversee all Academics in County Schools

C. Ron Allen

Boca Raton, FL – After more than a year without a fulltime academic chief, the School District of Palm Beach County has promoted a longtime expert in improving schools to the position.

Glenda Sheffield, south instructional superintendent for secondary schools, was recently named to the position, which was held by Keith Oswald, who was wearing two hats as deputy superintendent and chief academic officer. The School Board members are expected to approve her appointment at their June meeting.

In her new position as chief academic officer, Sheffield will be responsible for creating goals for schools, training and recruiting teachers and principals, and overseeing academic strategy to meet state academic requirements. She will report directly to the superintendent.

She is seasoned, experienced and well qualified having served in various capacities as teacher, assistant principal, and principal at the elementary, middle and high school levels.

As principal, Sheffield successfully closed the achievement gap with low performing students at all three levels. She also increased the high school graduation rate from 82 percent to 89.9 percent within a four‐year period.

Sheffield previously was served as principal of William T. Dwyer High School in Jupiter, H.L. Watkins Middle School in suburban Palm Beach Gardens, and Bethune Elementary in Riviera Beach.

She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Administration from Voorhees College, a private, historically black college in Denmark, South Carolina;  a Master of Education in Business Education from Bowling Green State University, a large, public research university in Ohio, and an Educational Specialist in Educational Leadership and Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University.

She also is a former participant of the Harvard University Principal Leadership Academy.

I have observed Doc’s leadership since her days at Dwyer and in speaking with people who know her well, it is evident that she thrives on new opportunities and is a transformational leader who has a deep understanding of effective classroom teaching, student-focused instruction, and school leadership that will help our students and educators succeed.

Thank a Cop This Week for Keeping Everyone Safe, Secure

If you take notice recently, you will see that your local police officer or sheriff’s deputy is wearing a black and blue band over his or her badge.

That’s because, this week, law enforcement officers are honoring their comrades who have died or who have been disabled in the line of duty.

Earlier this week, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund formerly enshrined the names of 371 law enforcement officers who were killed in the line of duty — including two from Delray Beach Police Department, Officer John Kennedy and Sergeant Adam Rosenthal — during the 31st Annual Candlelight Vigil on the National Mall.

Last year 158 officers were killed in the line of duty. To date this year, 42 made the sacrifice.

You can do your part to “Show Appreciation to a Cop” by sending the chief of police a letter detailing how one of his officers helped you.  You may also pick up the tab for an officer dining at the restaurant with you. Let the waiter know your desire, without letting the officer know.

Also, please remember their families and loved ones who have carried on after their sacrifice.

Whatever you do, make sure you reach out to the men and women who proudly wear the badge to show your sincere gratitude and appreciation sometime this week.

Our law enforcement officers will and have consistently acted on our behalf regardless of great peril and hazard to themselves. We enjoy a level of peace, safety and freedom that other nations are rightfully envious of as our police enforce our laws.

C. Ron Allen can be reached at crallen@Delraybeachtribune.com or 561-665-0151.

About the Author

Discover more from The Boca Raton Tribune

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading