Reginald C. James, Superintendent keynote speaker at debate tourney

The Duval Urban Debate League will host its first Invitation Urban Debate Tournament on January 23rd at Florida State College of Jacksonville (FSCJ). Activities will begin early in the morning at 9:00am with special guest speaker, Reginald James, Superintendent of Gadsden County Schools and member of the National Alliance of Black School Educators (JABSE). Dr. Bernard Hamilton is the president elect for the National Alliance of Black School Educators and the director of Title I programs in Jefferson County Public Schools in Louisville, KY. He is a former principal, district level administrator, superintendent, and community based leader.

We invite you to join us at DUDL’s Opening Ceremonies to hear one of Florida’s breakout speakers, Gadsden County Superintendent Reginald James. Mr. James career in education spans nearly 30 years. His wealth of experience includes teaching, counseling, and administration ranging from the elementary school through the university level. He graduated from Carter Parramore High School in 1970 and holds an undergraduate and graduate degree in Education from Florida A & M University and extensive training in Educational Leadership.

Outstanding service as one of Florida's top Superintendents.

Reginald James serves as the Superintendent of the Gadsden County Schools. When Superintendent James took office in November 2004, five of the district’s twelve graded schools were rated “F”. At the end of his first year, the number of failing schools were reduced from five to just one with 75% of the schools improving a letter grade. The district was ranked the second most improved district in the state. Discipline incidents decreased by more than half, and teachers received their first raise in nearly five years.

At the end of his second year, there were “NO FAILING SCHOOLS” and 54% of the schools improved by a letter grade. Three of the district’s schools were listed in the top 50 most improved schools in the state.

Mr. James has received numerous honors and awards which include the Book of Deeds Award for Outstanding Community Service from the Quincy Exchange Club, selection to the State Task Force on High School Preparation for Post-Secondary Education by former Commissioner of Education Betty Castor, Outstanding Service Award-Florida Vocational Education Association, Outstanding Community Leadership Award-Gadsden County Men of Action, Distinguished Service Award-Frontiers International, Business and Community Partnership Award-Florida Department of Education, and induction into Florida A&M University’s Gallery of Distinction for outstanding work in the field of education.

The Jacksonville Chapter of the NABSE is guided by