The Walton County School District leads the way across the state of Florida and beyond. In every area of the District we find leaders within their respective fields blazing trails and setting the standard for future generations of educators and administrators.
Myca Chandler-Schofield is the current President of FASFEPA (Florida Association of State and Federal Program Administrators) and serves on the Board of Directors for NAFEPA (National Association of Federal Education Program Administrators).
What is FASFEPA and how did you come to be President of the organization?
FASFEPA is the Florida Association of State and Federal Education Program Administrators. This organization provides direct and continuous support to school district’s federal programs administrators by organizing and facilitating statewide conferences with break-out sessions with representatives from the Florida Department of Education for all federal grants. I joined this organization when I assumed responsibility for Title I, Part A and other federal programs. I was elected to Region 1 Vice President for two terms (4 years), President Elect for 1 term (2 years) and will serve as President for 1 term (2 years). I will remain in a leadership role for the next 3 ½ years as President and then Past President.
Do you feel like your time in the WCSD has prepared you to be more effective in this role?
Yes. When I began my initial role as a paraprofessional aide, I was fortunate to work alongside highly effective teachers in a Title I school. As a classroom teacher, I implemented many of the strategies I observed during that experience, and I eagerly sought out professional development opportunities that were research-based and promoted student engagement and learning. I served two years as a literacy coach before serving as a district Teacher on Special Assignment in the Curriculum and Instruction Department. After moving to a curriculum coordinator position, I have continued to participate in professional development opportunities to build my knowledge base in order to assist, support and advise others. The many professional learning and leadership opportunities provided to me by the WCSD prepared me well for this humbling leadership role in a state organization.
How does this role allow you to be more effective in WCSD?
As president of FASFEPA, I am afforded multiple opportunities to network directly with individuals working in the Office of Federal Programs in the Florida Department of Education and to participate in sessions and network with the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education within the U.S. Department Education. Through participating and leading in the organization, I have also had the opportunity to network with and learn from experts in the field of education policy and law and federal education programs. Therefore, I have direct contact with individuals who can provide immediate responses to issues that our district or any other district in Florida faces as we develop and monitor our federal grants.
What inspires you to work on behalf of students?
I am very passionate about ensuring all of our students are successful by supporting our schools, students and families in identifying and overcoming barriers that may impede that success. Therefore, I am constantly seeking and researching practices that will provide the best educational opportunities possible for Walton County students.
How does your area with C&I ensure access to a world class education?
Our federal programs coordinators hold collaborative sessions to address the academic needs across our district and to ensure we are providing thoughtful and coordinated financial support that will improve the academic and behavioral outcomes for our students. The Curriculum and Instruction Department also analyzes relevant data to make the best possible decisions on how best to support our students’ success.
What do you enjoy most about your position and what gets you fired up to work on behalf of students on a daily basis?
Since my work is my passion,I take it very seriously and have a very strong work ethic – so I am driven to succeed. I am also beyond blessed to have an amazing support team within my office who are focused on servant leadership to attain student success. Therefore, when we become aware of any need across the district, we take on the challenge to find a way to provide support and resources when funds are available.
Thank you, Myca for your tireless service to the students of Walton County, Florida, and the nation!