Job may go to former official

By BARBARA BEHRENDT

© St. Petersburg Times, published June 9, 2000

INVERNESS -- David Watson, the former School Board member who lost a re-election bid four years ago, likely will be heading back to the school system. Only this time, he will be on the administrative team.

Superintendent Pete Kelly has recommended that Watson replace Roberta Long, the executive director of management services. Long had asked to be appointed to a principalship and will become the Homosassa Elementary School principal July 1.

The School Board will consider the appointment Tuesday. Kelly said that Watson reportedly fared well when meeting with the school district interview team. He also has familiarized himself with the district's strategic plan.

"His management style is very good," Kelly said. "He will provide some new, good blood to come back into the system."

"I'm excited about the new job and the challenge and I think I have something to offer the school district," said Watson, who has worked for the Florida Power Corp. since he came to Citrus County in 1983.

A year later, he was elected to the School Board, a position he kept until Patience Nave defeated him in the Republican primary in 1996.

The new position oversees a variety of departments including personnel, finance and food service. The director also will serve a key role in the superintendent's leadership team. Watson said he believes his experiences in both public schools and in private industry will help him.

Watson, 54, earned his bachelor's degree from West Virginia Wesleyan College and his master's degree in education from Florida Atlantic University. An Army veteran, Watson worked as a teacher in West Virginia and in Martin County. In 1980, he got a job in the nuclear industry.

While at Florida Power, Watson has held a variety of positions, including jobs in the training area and, most recently, a position involving human resources and personnel screening.

"I started out in education at the beginning of my career and got out into industry. I think that all the things that I learned in industry are going to help. Plus, I have 12 years invested in the School Board and I care about the school system," he said.

Watson said he knows all the directors who would be working for him if the appointment is approved, and he knows first-hand that they can do their jobs. "You might get the impression that there has been a lot of turmoil and a lot of change in the district, but really, there has been a lot of stability," Watson said.

In addition to his experience in education and in industry, Watson said his time as a policy maker on the School Board would prove valuable in the new position.

"I can see both sides of it. I have an idea of what the School Board wants and see what the superintendent wants and needs," he said.

Watson beat out two other applicants, including Steve Richardson, Lecanto High School principal, and Bob Brust, the Homosassa Elementary principal who will move into the job of planning director July 1. An applicant from out of state withdrew from consideration.

© St. Petersburg Times. All rights reserved.