Flagler County Schools Superintendent LaShakia Moore brings passion and dedication to her role, fueled by her commitment to creating a school district the entire community can be proud of. In a recent conversation, Moore shared insights into her vision, challenges, and plans to elevate the district through a holistic approach known as "Flagler Forward," which centers on academic success, premier learning, and community impact. Her goal? To build a thriving, connected community where every student, family, and resident feels supported.
A Commitment to Community
When asked what keeps her up at night, Moore expressed that it’s her drive to do well for the community. “It’s not fear that keeps me up; it’s strategies, ideas, and plans that energize me,” she shared, underscoring her desire to build a district that is inclusive and impactful.
Moore’s approach extends beyond parents and students to include all residents, even those without children in the school system. Her outreach includes attending community events and speaking with local organizations. “It’s important that the person who doesn’t have a child in the school system knows just as much as the person who does,” Moore said, highlighting her vision of transparency and inclusivity.
Flagler Forward: Setting Priorities for Success
The district’s theme, “Flagler Forward,” reflects three primary goals. First is student achievement, with strategies to improve core academic performance. Moore emphasized that this goal is about preparing students for long-term success, not just improving scores.
The second focus is establishing Flagler Schools as a premier learning organization. For Moore, this means creating an environment where professionalism and high standards are consistently modeled. “Our students should know what excellent service looks like because they experience it here,” Moore explained. She envisions a district where accountability and respect prepare students for future roles in their communities.
The third area of focus is community impact. Moore’s goal is to ensure that Flagler Schools contribute positively to the local area, making the district an integral part of Flagler County’s identity. This includes connecting with businesses to understand their workforce needs, ensuring students acquire practical skills that serve both the local economy and the students’ career aspirations.
Creating Pathways with Diploma Plus and Classroom to Careers
To equip students for the future, Moore has expanded Classroom to Careers with a new Diploma Plus initiative. While Classroom to Careers provides students with career-focused experiences to prepare them for employment, college, or military service, Diploma Plus takes this a step further. It ensures students graduate with additional certifications, AP or ACE distinctions, dual enrollment credits, or military designations.
“We’ve already said that graduation is essential, but it’s about more than a diploma,” Moore explained. “Students should graduate with skills that maximize their potential, whether they choose to work, continue education, or serve.” By combining these initiatives, Moore aims to make sure that each student is career- and college-ready upon graduation.
Innovating Efficiency and Accessibility for Families
Moore has focused on making the district’s administrative processes more user-friendly and efficient for families. A new online platform for registration and forms allows parents to update information and schedule appointments conveniently. “Families can expect to see new ways of doing things that respect their time and allow us to operate more efficiently,” she said.
She is also committed to reaching families who may feel disconnected or face barriers to engagement. “Some families might be labeled as disengaged, but often there are reasons—work schedules, language barriers, or vulnerability,” she explained. Moore is working to connect with these families by delivering information in ways they can access and in places where they are active, such as community events and local organizations. She hopes to ensure every parent feels connected and informed.
Focusing on Early Literacy and Readiness
Moore emphasized the importance of early literacy and its connection to kindergarten readiness, explaining that third-grade reading success begins before students even enter kindergarten. “If I’m going to impact third-grade success, it starts with kindergarten readiness,” she stated. Moore advocates for as much focus on early education as on later benchmarks, noting that readiness upon entering kindergarten often predicts later performance.
In addition to literacy, Moore pointed out that attendance and family engagement are critical to student success. By helping families understand the importance of consistent attendance and early learning, she aims to create a foundation that supports students at every grade level.
Overcoming Adversity and Inspiring Resilience
For Moore, resilience is a core value she both models and instills in students. Having lost both parents at a young age and taking on responsibilities for her siblings, Moore faced challenges that shaped her commitment to education and community service. Her journey is a testament to the strength that comes from facing adversity and using those experiences to fuel a dedication to helping others.
“Our students overcome things we don’t see every day,” Moore said. By fostering a supportive environment and teaching resilience, she is committed to helping students gain the skills they need to succeed in school and beyond.
Building a Legacy of Impact
As the first Black superintendent of Flagler County, Moore is conscious of the responsibility her role represents. However, she views her position less as a title and more as an opportunity to create lasting impact. “I’m not looking to be famous; I’m looking to be impactful,” she shared. For Moore, success is about making a difference for the students and families of Flagler County, leaving a legacy of excellence, resilience, and opportunity.
With a vision grounded in community, innovation, and resilience, Superintendent Moore is leading Flagler County Schools forward, building a district that embodies excellence and serves as a source of pride for all who call Flagler County home.
