By Mark McQueen, Superintendent, Bay District Schools
As Thanksgiving approaches, I find myself reflecting on the many things for which I’m grateful. This year, one word keeps coming to mind: community.
I’ve always believed the strength of a school district extends far beyond its classrooms. It’s found in the people who show up for one another, the relationships we build and the willingness to lend a hand when it’s needed most.
We’ve seen some wonderful examples of that spirit recently.
Following Hurricane Isaias, our Bay District Schools Facilities and Maintenance team traveled to Walton County to help a neighboring school district with storm cleanup. These employees work tirelessly to care for our own schools, yet they didn’t hesitate to help another district in need. I couldn’t be prouder.
That same generosity was evident when Breakfast Point Academy and Northside Elementary organized a supply drive for a storm-damaged school in Milton, where former Northside teacher Susan Hawley now teaches. School Board Chairman Steve Moss, who often volunteered in her classroom, helped coordinate the effort and delivered the supplies personally. What a wonderful reminder that the relationships we build through public education extend well beyond our district’s boundaries.
I’m equally thankful for the community that continues to invest in us.
The Nelson family’s extraordinary generosity is helping us expand early childhood education opportunities, including our summer Kindergarten Prep Academy, which will benefit many of our beach-area Pre-K families.
Meanwhile, the Bay Building Industries Association continues to pour time, resources and expertise into Arnold High School’s Construction Academy, helping students develop valuable skills and discover rewarding career opportunities right here in our community.
These are just a few examples of the countless ways our employees, families, businesses and community partners support one another every day. To me, that’s what community is all about. It’s not just where we live or work. It’s recognizing that we’re all connected and that when we invest in one another, everyone benefits.
This Thanksgiving, I’m especially grateful to live and serve in a community that understands that responsibility so well.
Community isn’t just something we belong to. It’s something we build together. And for that, I am truly thankful.
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