Last week’s program was provided by Rotarian Randy Bailey
and was introduced by Program Chairman, John Haney.  Our
guest speaker was Jeff Eakins, Superintendent of Hillsborough
County Schools.  Jeff Eakins has a special relationship with
the Plant City area as he was once the Assistant Principal at
Springhead Elementary.  Now he is the Superintendent of the
8^th largest school district in the country with over 25,000
employees and serving more than 215,000 students.  The
Hillsborough County School district is the largest employer
on the west coast of Florida.  Our focus in Hillsborough
County Public Schools remains constant. We believe all
children can learn. We care about each and every student,
and we aim to show it by providing our best efforts as teachers,
administrators, mentors, and advocates to our entire student
population. Our schools must continue to be safe places
where students are engaged, challenged to meet the standards
necessary for college or a career, and where fun is definitely
encouraged. We want students to build productive and sustaining
relationships, and know that our sole purpose is to support them
as they become the productive citizens we know they can be.
  In the last two years the district has seen a 6% increase in
graduation rates.  Recently the district has had a $2million
increase in salaries, believing that if life is tough for employees,
it will be tough for the community and for the kids.  There are
difficult decisions to be made in the district, but every decision
is made with the students best interest.  Increased AP and college
courses are now available to help kids be prepared and to save
over $10 million in tuition fees.  Another goal is to set up students
to enter the workforce after graduation with programs designed
to prepare them for the future.  The district is very intentional
about planning for those that don’t plan on going to college. 
Through personality testing they can get kids on the right track
for future employment.  It’s not just about the ABC’s anymore,
we need to build moral character.  Traditional school models
are changing and offering more “interest based” classes.  The
goal is to prepare students for careers that are actually out
there.    -submitted by Mike Arndt