ORANGE COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT NAMED FLORIDA'S DISTRICT DATA LEADER OF THE YEAR Tallahassee, Fla., November 6, 2013 --Today Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart named Orange County Public Schools Superintendent Barbara Jenkins the 2013 District Data Leader of the Year. Jenkins was honored for making data-driven decisions to motivate students, narrow achievement gaps and boost parental and community involvement. The commissioner presented the award at a ceremony and luncheon in Tallahassee sponsored by Microsoft and the Florida Education Foundation. "I am pleased to recognize Dr. Jenkins as the recipient of this prestigious award for her exceptional leadership in using data to help increase student performance," said Commissioner Stewart. "Orange County's success demonstrates that resourceful, appropriate use of data can result in higher achievement levels for all students." Among Superintendent Jenkins' key accomplishments are the creation of the Minority Achievement Office and School Transformation Office that focus district attention and support on closing achievement gaps and supporting schools that need targeted assistance. She led the development of Orange County's Parent Academy, which helps parents build stronger support systems for their children. Jenkins also championed the deployment of the county's Scholar Scout teams to visit students who had previously dropped out of school, resulting in 224 at-risk students re-entering the classroom. The District Data Leader of the Year Award recognizes school leaders who consistently strive to implement new methods that improve the use of data in their communities and schools. By using innovative data strategies, they increase educator effectiveness and reach higher levels of student achievement. Other finalists this year include Broward County Schools Superintendent Robert Runcie, Pinellas County Schools Superintendent Michael Grego and Santa Rosa County Schools Superintendent Tim Wyrosdick.

• published: 06 Nov 2013
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