Citrus Superintendent Named District Data Leader

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

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Citrus Superintendent Named District Data Leader
~ Use of data key to improving student learning ~

Tallahassee, Fla., January 14, 2015 – At today’s State Board of Education meeting, Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart named Citrus County Schools Superintendent Sandra “Sam” Himmel as the 2014 Lavan Dukes District Data Leader of the Year. Himmel was recognized for her commitment to using data and innovative thinking to motivate students, narrow achievement gaps and boost parental and community involvement.

“I am pleased to recognize Sam Himmel as the recipient of this prestigious award,” said Commissioner Stewart. “Her exceptional leadership has resulted in higher student performance throughout the school district. Citrus County’s success demonstrates that the inventive, appropriate use of data can result in higher achievement for all students.”

Superintendent Himmel’s focus on the importance of quality data, quality practices and quality staff has enhanced student academic improvement. Her inspired thinking, original approaches and creative ways of using data have led to increased learning gains in both reading and mathematics. During Himmel’s tenure, the district participated in the pilot testing, review and refinement of the Item Bank and Test Platform and is one of three Florida school districts participating in a grant to track postsecondary outcomes for high school students. In addition, Citrus County Schools has been named a high performing school district for eight years in a row, and earned an “A” grade for seven of these years. 

The award was renamed the Lavan Dukes District Data Leader of the Year Award in 2014 to honor longtime Department of Education employee Garnet Lavan Dukes in recognition of his numerous contributions to public education at both the state and national levels. Known as Florida’s “Father of Data,” Lavan began his career as a middle school English teacher, and over the years rose to the position of Bureau Chief of Education and Accountability Services within the Department of Education. He also served at the national level with several data and education organizations, dedicating his career to using education data as a tool to help children be successful.

The Lavan Dukes 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.

For more information about the award, visit District Data Leader.

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