by J. Brooks Terry
Staff Writer
Tuesday afternoon outside of Andrew Jackson High School, mayoral candidate Tommy Hazouri announced his “comprehensive plan” designed to enhance the quality of education in Jacksonville. Hazouri graduated from the school in 1962.
“Heartbreaking” was how he summed up his feelings regarding the declining test scores and increased drop out rates in Duval County.
“So many politicians have wrestled with how to direct more money into additional programs for our schools,” said Hazouri. “It’s time we took matters into our own hands. It’s time we put a citywide campaign to focus donations of time and money towards not only improving our schools, but also towards programs that provide supervised after school activities, additional mentoring and tutoring . . . The academic well being of Jacksonville will lead to economic wellbeing.”
Hazouri added that he did not want create a new body of City employees to oversee school growth and development. Rather, he called for a “re-deployment” of employees already existing.
Among the programs Hazouri outlined in his plan include “5:15 for Schools.”
“Since I believe in learning by example,” he said, “my pledge to the parents and students in Duval County is that I will work five hours a week in an after school program and donate 15 percent of my salary towards improving the city.”
Hazouri also suggested the creation of an SAT summer camp with a goal of improving the test-taking skills of middle and high school students before the start of regular school year. Additionally, he would like to see Mayor John Delaney’s Intensive Care Neighborhood programs expand to include 300 business partners by 2004. Currently, 165 are involved.
“Improving our schools is a citywide crusade,” said Hazouri. “I plan on putting everything I have into improving our schools.