Reginald "Reggie" Blount's
background reflects a deep commitment to public service, education, and community involvement. As a lifelong resident of Jacksonville and a former city council candidate, Reggie's roots in the community run deep. His academic achievements include a bachelor's degree in business management, a master's degree in public policy, and a special graduate certificate in security, stability, and development in complex operations from the Naval Postgraduate School. He is also a graduate of the United States Army Sergeants Major Academy Battle Staff College.
Reggie served 30 years in the military, including four combat tours and a TOP Secret Security Clearance/SCI. While assigned to the Army Special Operations Command, he served as civil affairs team leader; coordinating with the Department of State, several foreign dignitaries, and various non-government organizations to stabilize and improve infrastructure in Afghanistan.
After retiring from the military in 2016, He accepted a position as a Project Coordinator and Adjunct Professor in adult continuing education at Florida State College at Jacksonville. Additionally, his involvement as restructuring committee chair at the Jacksonville Black Chamber and as the Assessment Coordinator in partnership with the Florida Department of Children and Families at FSCJ highlight his commitment to community development and support.
Reggie and Amy Blount raised six children (three of whom served in the military). His membership in various organizations, including New Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church, the American Center for Law & Justice, American Legion Post 197, Disabled Veterans Association, and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., underscores his commitment to supporting and strengthening his community. Reggie has been recognized by Marquis "Who's Who" for 2024.
What are your priorities for Duval County Public Schools?
I am studying how other industrialized countries have surpassed the United States in education. In the most recent PISA assessment in 2022, the U.S. ranked 14th in reading, 19th in science, and 38th in math among the participating countries and economies. While American students have shown proficiency in certain areas, there is significant room for improvement, particularly in mathematics. It is concerning that despite spending more per capita on education than all other large nations, these rankings are not more competitive.
To address these challenges, several initiatives could be considered:
- Increase Academic Standards: Implement higher academic standards to ensure students are adequately prepared in core subjects.
- Invest in the Industrial Trades Sector: Allocate more funding and resources to support vocational and technical education, preparing students for careers in high-demand fields.
- Launch a Campaign to Improve Educational Facilities: Initiate a fundraising campaign to upgrade existing schools or build new, state-of-the-art educational facilities.
- Ensure Curriculum Integrity: Protect children from exposure to inappropriate literature and materials in the school system, maintaining the integrity of the educational environment.
These measures aim to enhance educational outcomes and ensure that American students can compete globally in the 21st-century economy.
Why did you choose these as priorities?
Because these are the most important issues parents and teachers are discussing.
Although school board members are elected by district, they make decisions for the whole of Duval County, which occasionally leads to conflict. What is your approach and philosophy for making decisions in this situation?
Certainly! Here's a refined version of your paragraph that outlines a structured approach to problem-solving:
In addressing our challenges, we must employ systematic problem-solving techniques. First, we must clearly define the problem at hand and identify its underlying issues in detail. Once the issues are identified, we should propose multiple courses of action aimed at resolving them. It's crucial to engage in thorough discussions with colleagues and stakeholders to gather diverse perspectives and insights.
After evaluating potential solutions, we should prioritize and implement the agreed-upon courses of action. It's essential to articulate why these solutions are optimal for the situation, based on evidence and feasibility. Post-implementation, we need to continuously monitor and review the effectiveness of our solutions, ensuring they are producing the desired outcomes.
If necessary, adjustments should be made promptly based on feedback and evaluation results. While some issues may be complex, it's imperative that we avoid inaction and remain proactive in addressing challenges head-on.
Over the last few years, the Florida Legislature has had a significant impact on local public education. What are your top issues at the state level, and how would you work with legislators in Tallahassee to represent the needs of our students?
To effectively prepare students for success in both academia and industrial trades while respecting parental rights, it is essential to update the curriculum with a focus on traditional educational methods and minimize controversial social issues. This approach ensures that students receive a robust academic foundation while developing practical skills for a complex society. By emphasizing parental involvement and prioritizing core subjects aligned with career readiness, educational institutions can better equip students to excel in diverse fields and contribute meaningfully to society.
Please provide a description of how you would differentiate between the governance responsibility of the school board and the management role of the superintendent.
As a school board member, my responsibilities are clear and focused. My primary duties include creating policies and guidelines that govern the educational framework and operations of our schools. It is essential to respect the role of the superintendent, allowing them the autonomy to execute their duties effectively.
To ensure smooth functioning and avoid overstepping boundaries, it is crucial to establish a clear understanding of each person's role within the school governance structure. This includes delineating the responsibilities of the school board, superintendent, administrators, teachers, and staff.
The Duval County School Board recently heard a consultant’s proposal to redraw school boundaries, align feeder patterns, and consolidate many small or under-enrolled schools and has been collecting input from the community regarding the proposal. What will be your approach to adjusting the Master Facility Plan?
- With the increasing development of apartment communities, it is crucial to proactively address potential impacts on school populations due to projected growth. This necessitates a strategic approach that considers the following steps:
- Assessment of Development Plans: Evaluate the current master facility plan and re-assess to see if all concerns are addressed.
- Impact Analysis: Conduct a thorough analysis to forecast how these developments of growth may impact school populations. Consider factors such as potential increases in student enrollment, demographic shifts based on community growth, and strain on existing educational resources.
- Collaboration with Local Authorities: Work closely with local planning authorities, city planners, and developers to understand development timelines and projections. Collaborate on strategies to mitigate potential negative impacts on school capacities and resources.
- Community Engagement: Engage with parents, educators, and community stakeholders to gather input and concerns regarding potential impacts on school populations. Foster transparency and communication throughout the planning process.
- Monitoring and Adjustment: Continuously monitor development trends and school enrollment data. Adjust plans and strategies as necessary based on real-time data and community feedback to effectively manage growth impacts on school populations.
While Duval County has made great progress in education, there are still students who are falling behind. How would you maintain a focus on addressing inequities in student performance, including by supporting schools in low-income neighborhoods?
We have to ensure all schools have the same equipment and curriculum material to function in the classroom (Supporting Teachers). Keep class sizes below 20 per classroom. Focus on the basics of education and minimize social programs that are not conducive to basic educational needs. Some subjects should be left in the hands of parents. provide teacher assistants for over-populated classrooms. Listen to teachers to find our what their needs are for success.