The Interview: School Board Candidate and FWB Councilman David Schmidt

Boggy Update | Mid Bay News

1. Introduction and Background (00:00-01:27):
   • David Schmidt, a parent and educator, discusses his background in education, emphasizing his work in dropout prevention and career readiness.
   • Highlights his experience as a city councilman in Fort Walton Beach for the past six years.
2. Campaign Focus and Career Readiness (01:27-02:56):
   • Schmidt emphasizes the focus of his campaign on workforce readiness, blending economic development through education.
   • Talks about the importance of career readiness, catering to diverse student interests beyond traditional subjects.
   • Discusses the need for a positive campaign that focuses on solutions and policies rather than opposition.
3. Policies and Education Vision (02:56-08:05):
   • Schmidt outlines the campaign's vision of improving career readiness in education.
   • Discusses the need for policies supporting diverse paths beyond traditional four-year colleges.
   • Emphasizes the importance of starting career readiness conversations early in a student's education.
4. Decision-Making Process for Career Paths (08:05-09:01):
   • Schmidt suggests involving parents from the beginning, focusing on parent involvement in a child's education.
   • Advocates for starting discussions about career paths as early as kindergarten and adapting plans through middle and high school.
5. Shift in Education Mentality (09:01-09:40):
   • Reflects on the shift in educational focus from college readiness to career readiness.
   • Discusses the societal appetite for discussions around how education can positively impact students' lives.
6. School Facilities and Funding (09:40-15:02):
   • Discusses the importance of funding and trust in utilizing the half-cent sales tax for school facilities.
   • Advocates for a 20-year plan for facility development, emphasizing collaboration with the school board and staff.
7. New School Facilities and Population Growth (15:02-22:39):
   • Addresses the need for new school facilities in response to population growth, particularly discussing potential new schools in Niceville.
   • Mentions conceptual conversations about building a school on the military base to alleviate population pressure.
8. Passion for At-Risk Students and Policies (22:39-26:44):
   • Schmidt shares his passion for working with at-risk students, highlighting the importance of policy-driven solutions.
   • Discusses policy initiatives, such as limiting phone use in schools to simulate career readiness and soft skills.
9. Alternative School Background and Future Policies (26:44-29:07):
   • Talks about his background in alternative schools and bridging gaps between different types of educational institutions.
   • Proposes a policy for high school students to have a fifth instructional day focused on their jobs, addressing mental health concerns.
10. Closing Thoughts and Future Direction (29:07-end):
    • Schmidt emphasizes the need for competition and innovation in the education system.
    • Discusses the importance of staying attractive to families as an institution and competing in the current educational marketplace.

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