1. What do you see as the biggest challenge currently facing DCPS?
The biggest challenge constantly facing Duval County Public Schools, as with each of the 67 Florida school districts, is the budget. For Duval County, we are facing a $60 million shortfall. The State Legislature has continued to short change our students and our schools. The State ranks 50th per capita expenditures (dollars spent) for every citizen. The Legislature says education is their top priority, but when they spend more money on prisons rather than education, then they have their priorities upside down. Money is not the answer to our education needs, but adequate education funding, as mandated by the Florida Constitution, is part of the solution.
Reading is the greatest academic need, as we must continue to improve reading and comprehension at every grade level.
Educating and graduating our students is our mission, knowing that every student has the ability to learn.
2. How has your background prepared you for being a School Board member?
As a former State Legislator, Mayor of Jacksonville, and six-year member of the School Board, I feel that my experience at both the state and local level gives me the broad-based understanding of the educational needs of our children. I have been Chairman of the K-12 House Committee on Education. My wife has been a teacher for 41 years, and my son is entering his fifth year as an elementary teacher and coach. I have listened and learned.
3. This is your second term with the School Board, how has your tenure changed the way you view public education? I have continued to say, it was easier being Mayor than serving on the School Board. As Mayor, you can make immediate decisions. As a School Board member you learn that educational decisions are a process, with continued mandates by the Federal government, the State legislature, and the Florida Department of Education.
4. What have been some of the goals you have accomplished during your tenure on the Board and why were they important to you?
I think there have been many successes, yet we all know we still have a long way to go. Education is a never ending story, with 123,000 students, coming from all walks of life; we know there are needs at every level.
We have a good Board of education and a good working relationship with the Superintendent. I believe this is the first requirement needed to be a successful, reform minded, district.
The Board adopted a four-year Strategic Plan, setting a mission, with timely data, and a specific plan of action. It is the first time our District actually voted on and passed a strategic plan. The plan was drafted by leaders from the business community, teachers, administrators and parents. All with transparency as the District met preparing the plan.
Also, after six years in the making, the Board adopted a policy establishing our high school acceleration program. Here we are providing opportunities for IB, AICE and Early College programs, among others, to be offered throughout the District, and not just at a few schools. This effort continues to move the District to the concept of neighborhood schools, without having to travel long distances to be in the programs.
We are also increasing our graduation rates, reducing our out-of-school suspensions, and continuing to provide more opportunities for students to stay in school and get their diploma - - prepared for the workforce and/or college.
5. As someone who was very actively involved politically in both state and local government, what are some things you would like to see our government do in the future to support education?
The State government must truly make public education their number one priority. The local government, especially the Mayor and City Council, must be a real partner with the school district by working as a team with the district, business leaders, and community - - walking side by side - - leaving no child behind.
6. Do you have any closing thoughts?
I truly believe if we are to continue being a successful City, State and Nation, we must all be a part of the public education solution.
Tommy Hazouri represents District 7 and joined the School Board in November, 2004. Mr. Hazouri served for 12 years as a member of the Florida House of Representatives from 1974-1986, and as Mayor of the City of Jacksonville from 1987 until 1991. While in the Florida Legislature, Mr. Hazouri was Chairman of the Duval Legislative Delegation, chaired the House Committee on Education, K-12, and House Committee on Retirement, Personnel, and Collective Bargaining. He also was a member of the powerful House Committee on Appropriations’, the Subcommittee on Education Funding; and, Subcommittee on Personnel. Mr. Hazouri earned a Bachelor’s degree in history and government from Jacksonville University. He is president of Hazouri & Associates, a private consulting firm. He and his wife, Carol, a 41-year public school elementary teacher, live in Mandarin. Their son Tommy, Jr., is an elementary school teacher and coach.