Curtis Gaus

Citizens of Nassau County,

 

My name is Curtis Gaus, and  I am asking for your support for my candidacy for Superintendent of the Nassau County School District. As a Navy veteran, educator of 26 years, and the current District 3 Nassau County School Board Member, I understand the importance of having a fiscally responsible leader within the K-12 system to safeguard the interest of all of the district's stakeholders. Nassau County deserves a superintendent that will challenge and serve our students while developing and supporting our teachers, staff, and leaders. Taxpayers value a quality education system, but want a leader who will be fiscally responsible, transparent, and willing to work with all stakeholders.  Teachers and staff, who are also taxpayers, deserve a district leader who values their family time, professionalism, and dedication while allocating resources wisely to protect their long-term financial health.

 

As your next Superintendent, I pledge to prioritize:

• Budget/Financial Transparency and Accountability to the Taxpayers

  • Hold regular budget transparency meetings for community understanding.

  • Provide diligent resource allocation; by maximizing opportunities within budgetary constraints.

  • Develop a long-term budget plan to make the current salary scales permanent.

• Increased Student Success and Safety 

  • Focus on holistic student success beyond state test scores.

  • Ensure students are well-prepared for various career paths.

  • Implement a district-wide bullying prevention program for a safe school environment.

  • Proactively monitor, assess, and investigate with fidelity all reported potential safety threats.

• Improved Communication, Collaboration and Partnerships

  • Foster open communication and collaboration with community organizations.

  • Inclusion of instructional staff in decision-making processes.

  • Leverage local partnerships for advanced career and technical programs.

• Professional Development and Training:

  • Provide ongoing professional development for teachers to include emerging technologies to help reduce time spent on paperwork.

  • Implement a leadership development program for directors and administrators on improving staff morale and employer/employee relations.

 

My platform reflects the diversity of my career experience that includes all of the following:  Middle and High School Science Teacher, Assistant Principal (Fernandina Beach High School), Principal of West Nassau High School and Bronson Middle/High School, and Nassau County  Coordinator in charge of Adult Education, Career and Technical Programs, and Dropout Prevention.  Preparing students for college and careers was a cornerstone of my school-based and district leadership.  Currently, I am serving a four-year term as a Nassau County School Board Member for District 3.  

 

I believe my experience, vision, and leadership skills make me the best candidate to address the current challenges facing the school district and provide a vision to prepare our students to compete in an ever-changing world.  I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of education in shaping the lives of our students, and I have been deeply committed to fostering an environment where every student can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally

 

In the last two years, I returned to the classroom in Charlton County, GA, a position that allowed me to serve on our school board.  This experience has given me valuable insights into the challenges teachers face daily. I am deeply invested in the success and well-being of every student in our district, and I am dedicated to leading with integrity, compassion, and vision.  Together, we can continue to build upon the strengths of our educational system and create an environment where every student can thrive.