
LEADERSHIP
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Trends In Education
high-performing school district and its commitment to education.
As he plans ahead, Millay points to the district’s mission
and vision statements, and calls attention to words like all,
dynamic and excellence that are part of his goals when leading
the schools.
“In Martin County, an education — our brand — has value
for all kids, and we want to make sure that all kids and families
have that access and experience it,” he explains. “Dynamic
is knowing that change is needed, to be vibrant and
growing. With dynamic, it reflects that we’re open to changing
things if we can improve the life of a child or family. I
think when we say excellence, it’s not just an average. We’re
trying to get better, but it’s for all. Regardless of your wealth
or poverty, we want that bar for everybody.”
Additionally, the superintendent says adopting a growth
mindset, remaining fiscally strong, modeling effective leadership
and building a positive culture in the schools are vital to
improve learning.
“Schools should feel positive,” he says. “You should feel
good when you walk into a school. I guess my test of this is
when parents are dropping their kids off, our goal is they
would say given other choices, that this school works for me.
That feeling that they belong and are a part of something —
that’s important.”
REACHING OUT
To help him accomplish his vision, Millay is busy building
effective relationships getting to know many people
on the Treasure Coast. So far, he is making headway. He’s
already engaged and serving on boards for several nonprofits
including the Educational Foundation of Martin County,
the United Way of Martin County, the Children’s Service
Council of Martin County and the Stuart/Martin County
Chamber of Commerce.
Millay says he would also like to expand early childhood
programs like Headstart and other preschool initiatives, so
that children can have a good start and a solid educational
foundation.
Having a good education is not just a professional vocation
for Millay, but rather it’s personal, a mission that he holds
dear to his heart. As a father of three grown children — Allie,
who’s an English teacher, Maggie, a pharmacy student, and
JOHN MILLAY
As a former Meade County, Kentucky, superintendent, Millay earned state
awards for academic excellence and closing achievement gaps.
Jake, an undergraduate student who plans to be an anesthesiologist
— he values its importance so students can get ahead
in life.
“I’m a parent and have raised three children,” he says.
“You realize how much parents love their children and I get
that. I really get that. It’s very personal, an education, and I
want to make the best decisions for them, too.”
When Millay is not leading the school district, he enjoys
pursuing outside interests in his spare time. He says he
maintains his fitness by lifting weights and getting in a good
workout. The superintendent also enjoys spending quiet moments
reflecting and painting, focusing on acrylic landscapes
and abstracts.
And as you would expect from an educator, Millay relishes
his time with a good book. Some of his favorites are the Dan
Brown series, John Maxwell’s works, and inspiring words
from Abraham Lincoln.
“I like to think about what he did for our country, and
really for the world — how he changed rights for everyone,”
he notes.
As Millay looks ahead, he wants to make himself available,
building relationships in the community and mentoring, so
he can grow effective leadership. He says that great things
happen for kids when people realize that you are invested
in their education and you really care about them. For him,
helping all students succeed is what being a superintendent
is about.
“I know it sounds cliche, but I like making a difference,”
he says. “I like helping people and knowing that these big
initiatives and lots of dollars help individually. I like to see it
as this puzzle — it’s connecting all the resources, and the dots
— and I like that, too.”
MARTIN COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT
The newly appointed superintendent, who says a positive culture is important
for success, has lunch with students at Warfield Elementary in Indiantown.