Every Child Matters
Every single child in Pasco County deserves an education that prepares them to succeed, not only in school, but in life. Student Success is the capstone and ultimate goal of our school system—and Dr. Legg has a plan to make this a reality for every student, regardless of the educational barriers they face.
We start with a foundation of Student Safety & Wellbeing. Kids that feel safe and healthy are ready to learn. From there, we support Student Success with 5 Key Pillars: Academic Achievement, Parental Empowerment, Career-Connected Learning, Educator Development, and Community Partnerships.
The Foundation: Student Safety and Wellbeing
Students must be free from violence and threats to achieve their fullest academic potential. Dr. Legg's Student Safety Plan is endorsed by Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco and Law Enforcement. We will not tolerate behavior that is dangerous or disruptive to the learning environment of our students.
School safety and student discipline go hand in hand. Students who cannot abide by the student code of conduct will be placed into alternative learning environments where they can get the help they need and not be disruptive to others.
School Safety Plan:
- Strategically designed safety plans for each campus: CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) School Assessment (CSA)
- Installation of secure fencing, secure entries, and cameras
- Trained, armed security presence at all campuses
- Prohibited use of cell phones during the academic day for all students
- Expansion of mental health counselor services
- Provision of more accessible mental health and security resources
- Creation of reporting channels, where students and families can provide security concerns and request mental health assistance to promote prevention
The Pillars: Priorities That Matter
Academic Achievement
Ensuring every student reaches their full potential is at the heart of our campaign. We believe in fostering a culture of excellence and achievement by prioritizing academic standards, enhancing options and supports, and promoting mastery of skills and content for student success.
Reading is the gateway to learning, and without strong reading skills, our children face significant barriers to future success. In 2024, less than half of elementary and middle school students were on grade level in reading. Literacy is fundamental for lifelong learning. According to the Casey Foundation, children who are not reading proficiently by the end of third grade are four times more likely to drop out or fail to graduate from high school.
Dr. Legg's plan to improve student achievement includes four core priorities:
- Create an Opportunity School Roadmap—Giving special attention to our low performing schools will ensure every child has the resources, leadership, and innovative solutions needed to reach their full potential, regardless of the educational barriers they face.
- Focus on the Science of Reading—We need a return to phonics, phonemic awareness, vocabulary, and fluency. Our children must learn to read and comprehend content-rich text.
- Core Content Emphasis—We must enhance mastery of core skills and content so that all students excel in essential subjects like Math, Reading, Science, and Civics.
- Early Learning—The cognitive and social skills acquired in quality VPK programs place our children on a pathway to success. Dr. Legg's plan calls for the expansion of quality VPK programs, both within the district and with our private and faith-based providers.
Parental Empowerment
Education is a partnership between schools and families. When parents are actively involved, children thrive academically and socially. We believe in creating opportunities for all parents to be part of their child's educational journey. Expanding school choice is key to ensuring that every family has the power to choose the best educational path for their child.
Dr. Legg is a nationally-recognized leader in school choice and innovation and uniquely qualified to lead our school system into the future.
Dr. Legg's plan to empower parents includes three core priorities:
- Family Engagement Navigator—Introduce Family Engagement Navigators to support both parental involvement and community partnerships. They will connect families with schools, organize events, and provide resources for parents, while also building strong relationships with local organizations to benefit students.
- Expand School Choice Options—Families deserve high-quality options that meet their family’s interests. As a school district, Pasco must continue to partner with all its stakeholders to expand high-quality, accountable school choice options for all Pasco families.
- Ease of Volunteering—Eliminate the cost of Volunteer background checks for parents that want to volunteer and make the process for parents to get involved user friendly.
Career-Connected Learning
Not every student needs a four-year liberal arts degree, but every student needs post-secondary education. Whether it's a four-year college, a two-year technical school, or industry certifications, our students must be equipped for the future. Families deserve a choice of programs, whether it be in the arts, the medical field, science and technology, agriculture, foreign languages, mechanics, CTE, accelerated programs, Early College, ESE, or other disciplines.
Today's careers are evolving, and too many high school graduates lack the necessary knowledge and skills to thrive in college or the workforce. Working with leaders across the country, Dr. Legg has co-authored model policies for Florida and other states entitled "Credentials for All," which established CTE programs in Florida. Moreover, Dr. Legg co-founded the first acceleration program in Pasco, where students graduate with associate's degrees and industry certifications to assist them in life and careers.
By promoting career-connected learning, we empower students with authentic, in-demand skill sets that prepare them for mid-wage and high-wage careers. These programs offer valuable college credit and industry credentials, ensuring students are well-prepared for college and career opportunities. By fostering these educational pathways, we commit to creating a workforce ready to meet the demands of a changing economy and providing our students with the tools they need for lifelong success.
Dr. Legg's plan to improve Career-Connected Learning includes three core priorities:
- Acceleration Programs—Expand acceleration programs for high school students to give them a head start on higher education.
- Career & Technical Education—Equip students with practical skills and real-world experience in various trades and technical fields through hands-on learning opportunities.
- Credentials for All—Offer a range of certification programs that provide students with industry-recognized credentials, enhancing their employability and career prospects.
Educator Development
The quality of the Teacher determines the quality of the school (Whitaker, 2020).
Teachers are professionals, and Dr. Legg's plan treats them as such, allowing them to run their classrooms and inspire students to reach their academic potential.
By prioritizing professional development and creating a supportive environment for our educators, we will attract and retain top-quality talent in our schools. This commitment to excellence ensures that every child has access to the high-quality education they need to succeed.
Professional development empowers our educators with the latest teaching strategies, innovative practices, and leadership skills necessary to navigate the evolving educational landscape. It fosters a culture of continuous improvement, where teachers and school leaders are equipped to inspire and engage students. By investing in our educators, we invest in the future of our children, our communities, and our nation.
Dr. Legg's plan to consistently develop and retain the best teachers and leaders in education includes two core priorities:
- Teacher Academy—Allow teachers to focus on students by increasing teacher compensation and reducing the paperwork and bureaucracy in the classroom. Establish a Pasco County Teacher Academy that attracts high quality talent, trains that talent to effectively teach in Pasco County Schools, provides ongoing training and support to ensure our teachers remain effective and innovative educators, and equips them with the tools to be contextual educators. Teachers will receive the investment and support they need to feel successful in the classroom.
- Principal Academy—Establish a Pasco County Principal Academy that identifies and develops potential principals, cultivating a pipeline of school leaders prepared to effectively lead Pasco County Schools. Pasco County principals will be instructional leaders empowered to articulate a bold vision for their school and collectively lead staff, students, and families towards that vision.
Community Partnerships
Strong schools are the foundation of thriving communities, and building robust school-community partnerships is key to ensuring the success of our children. By creating community partnerships, we can transform our educational institutions into vibrant hubs that serve not just students but entire neighborhoods. We plan to bring together educators, families, local businesses, and community organizations to provide a holistic, supportive environment for learning and growth.
After-school programs, sports, and social programs facilitated through community partnerships, provide students with safe, enriching environments where they can engage in academic support, arts, sports, and other activities that foster their overall development. By integrating community resources, we create a support network that addresses the diverse needs of our students and their families. Investing in community schools means investing in the future of our children and the prosperity of our communities.
Dr. Legg's plan to build valuable and durable community partnerships includes four core priorities:
- Employers—Work with employers to ensure that CTE programs align with current industry standards and workforce needs and that graduates are job-ready and have a competitive edge in the job market. Partnerships with local employers like the Moffitt Cancer Research Center attract families seeking quality education and offer valuable early career opportunities for Pasco County students.
- Afterschool Programs—Support the development of more social and religious after school programs that provide enriching experiences, foster community values, and offer a safe space for students to grow.
- Extracurricular and Sports Programs—Field trips, extracurricular activities, and recess engage students in real-life learning, allowing for deeper learning, and social engagement that strengthens academic performance. Sports programs promote physical health, teamwork, and school spirit, offering students additional avenues for personal growth and achievement.
- Civic Education—Community engagement is critical for the future of our country. In addition to the required civics curriculum and standards, Dr. Legg's plan boosts civic engagement with community programs and partnerships including respected civic literacy organizations like the Sandra Day O'Connor Institute.
Technology and the Arts
Technology & Digital Tools
Technology, digital tools, and digital literacy skills are essential for the 21st-century workforce. We must prepare our students with the needed skills to master these tools to succeed in college, careers, and life. Technology cannot replace learning but can enhance school and workplace effectiveness.
As a co-founder of Dayspring Academy, the first 1:1 school in Pasco, and the author of the Digital Classroom Funding for Florida, Dr. Legg believes that technology, when appropriately used, will strengthen learning.
Arts Education
The integration of the arts in our schools is essential. From visual and performing arts to music and movement, the arts enrich educational experiences and empower learning.
Arts education builds communication skills, teamwork, and collaboration, while strengthening creativity and problem-solving. Additionally, the arts contribute significantly to the holistic development of students, impacting cognitive, emotional, and social dimensions.
As co-founder of Pasco's first public arts school, Dr. Legg knows firsthand how critical the arts are for students from Pre-K through 12th grade. Dr. Legg's plan will strengthen arts educational programs by increasing the number of Florida Arts Model Schools (FAMS) in Pasco, as well as supporting and funding the arts initiatives in our school.