Welcome to the Sumter County Public School District
Dr. Anthony L. Gardner
Superintendent
F.N. Building-Central Office
P.O. Box 10 Hwy 28 Country Club Rd. .
Livingston, Alabama 35470
205-652-9605-FAX 205-652-9641
As we move into the second year of my administration I must acknowledge that we still have a great deal of work to do in order to become the high performing organization that I know we will be. Furthermore, as we continue on our journey, I have asked our Board, school district and all stake holders to consider the following as our “Core Values” and allow them along with our mission and vision to inform every decision we make. Those core values are:
· Every child is worthy of academic and intellectual respect.
· Parents and all stakeholders are our partners in academic success.
· True appreciation of differences is absolutely necessary for a quality education.
· Great teaching matters.
· We should all strive to be lifelong organic learners.
Moreover, during the 2018-2019 school year the faculty, staff, and students across the district were laser focused on improving our accountability measures in the areas of, academic achievement, academic growth, graduation rate, college and career readiness rates, and attendance rates. Consequently, I am grateful to God, and proud of our students, faculty, and support staff district- wide for achieving the goals we set for the 2018-2019 school year.
Additionally, as we worked to meet the goals that we set for ourselves, we have managed to raise the district’s overall report card grade by one letter grade to a “C”; we have raised the district graduation rate by 6%; we have raised the college and career readiness rates by 5.5 %; and removed three schools from the “failing schools” list. Meanwhile, as we celebrate our incremental success, we are keenly aware that we cannot rest on our laurels. We must keep striving and reaching toward the goal of success for all of our students.
Furthermore, as we continue in our belief that “Service Is Sovereignty”, we realize that what we do matters, and how we do it is equally as important as what we do. As a school district, we are acknowledging that we are here to serve others; and, as your superintendent, I am committed to improving district operations, paying close attention to details, initiating transparency and honesty while communicating with all stakeholders.
Furthermore, as we strive to rebuild the character, reputation, and your trust in Sumter County Public Schools, I am reminded of this quote: “Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experiences of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired and success achieved.” Hellen Keller
Always remember that in Sumter County Public Schools,
SUCCESS IS THE ONLY OPTION!
