Flournoy passionate about education, says running school system a “joint effort”

“I understand the true purpose,” said Daleville Interim Superintendent Dr. Diane Flournoy in an interview with the Sun-Courier. “I understand that it is going to take discipline, knowledge, time and commitment and with that being understood I am ready to serve in helping to make the most positive difference for our students and our community…

“I have a real passion for my calling of being an educator. I am doing what I love to do. My primary goal is to set the focus and stay true to it, by doing what is best for all of our students. I am just a cog in the wheel,” said Flournoy.  “It is a joint effort of the school board, administration, faculty, staff, students, parents/guardians and community, all of us working together.”

Flournoy, a 33-year education veteran, was named interim superintendent of Daleville City Schools on Feb. 17 after Andrew Kelley resigned his position as superintendent Feb. 2. He had led the school system since his appointment in 2004. Per Alabama state law, the position of superintendent must be posted 30 days before hiring can take place. The Board of Education has not yet officially posted the job.

“Over the past 10 years I have been afforded the opportunity to really learn the roles and responsibilities of the superintendent and the daily operations of the system at large,” said Flournoy who is actively pursuing the  leadership position. “…I am ready to serve in helping to make the most positive difference for our students and community.”

When asked about her foremost concern for the local system, Flournoy said the “making of good data-driven decisions” and the story that data tells. “One of the greatest challenges for all schools is to decide what story the data (collected) will tell. Using data has become one of the most emotional issues in all of education. It is my desire to be for certain that we are collecting and analyzing the right data, data to support that the Daleville City School System is meeting the stated purpose and vision.”

A complicated, but important action that was started under the previous superintendent is continuing and that is the development of a five-year strategic plan for the school system.  “Strategic Planning is a process that orchestrates organizational self-examination, confronting difficult choices and setting priorities.  It is our opportunity to envision the future and develop plans to achieve it,” Flournoy said.

The goals, she said, are to think strategically and develop effective strategies; clarify future direction; establish priorities; make today’s decisions in light of their future consequences; develop a coherent and defensible basis for decision making; and chart the direction for a work plan.

“I see Daleville City Schools as attending to the whole child, the acting superintendent said. “The social, emotional and physical development of our students is just as important as their academic growth. Teaching and learning is a compound human process that calls upon not just the mind, but it calls upon our hearts and souls.

“A prime example is on any given day at Windham (Elementary School) the faculty and staff parking is still full well past 3 p.m. At the high school, just today, it was forecasted for rain. It is noted that a teacher and 10 students are busy working away past 3:45 p.m. I would say that is dedication on the part of the teacher and the students. The end result for all is the feel of self worth and success…priceless.”

Flournoy holds a master of arts degree in elementary education from Troy University in Troy and a doctorate of education/education leadership from NOVA Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., plus multiple certificates and endorsements from Troy University and the University of Alabama. She earned her bachelor’s degree at Alabama State University in Montgomery. She has been assistant superintendent for DCS since March 2005. Before that she served as the high school principal, the middle school principal, the alternative school principal, the high school guidance counselor and middle school guidance counselor. From 1977 through June 1990, Flournoy was a classroom teacher in Montgomery, Enterprise and Daleville.