FAMU-DRS New Superintendent to Present His Plan of Action

Ronald Holmes, Florida A&M University’s (FAMU) Developmental Research School new superintendent, will give his superintendent’s address to faculty and staff on March 26, at 3:20 p.m., parents on March 27, at 6:30 p.m., and the community and other stakeholders on March 28, at 6:30 p.m. During the address, Holmes will share his plan of action for the FAMU-DRS.

Since Holmes’ arrival, he has met with students, faculty, staff, parents, alumni, the PTO and the school’s advisory council, advisory board and task force to develop his plan of action.

Some of Holmes’ goals for FAMU-DRS include: increasing faculty salaries; providing incentives to employees and students for school improvement; improving students’ test scores; creating business partnerships; maintaining and gaining certified teachers; improving the curriculum in accordance with DRS’ focus (science, mathematics, technology, and foreign languages); and improving the communication gap among all stakeholders. These goals are similar to the views of the aforementioned constituents, and other goals will be revealed in Holmes’ address next month.

“Part of my plan is to be totally involved with the students,” said Holmes. “I will play an integral part in the lives of our students whether it is in the classroom or during extracurricular activities.”

Holmes further stated that he has a method he plans to use.

“It is called TEAM, which means together everyone accomplishes more. As a team, DRS, FAMU and the community at large can succeed,” said Holmes.

A FAMU alumnus, Holmes is the former assistant principal for Benjamin Banneker High School in College Park, Ga.

"Holmes is a seasoned professional,” said FAMU President James H. Ammons. “His area of specialty is on test score enhancements. He has been especially successful in this area which is a critical need for FAMU DRS students."

During his tenure at Benjamin Banneker High School, Holmes organized and served as principal for the Freshman Academy, which provided a positive academic climate for students to learn, grow and become responsible citizens; organized the School Watch Program, which reduced student’s tardiness by 70 percent; improved student and faculty morale; and established a partnership affiliation with the Coca Cola Bottling Company that led to an annual donation of $20,000.

As an educator, Holmes developed several test-taking skills programs that improved students’ performance on standardized tests: Criterion Referenced Competencies Test, Georgia High School Graduation Tests (GHSGT), College Level Academic Skills Test (CLAST), SAT and ACT. Students participating in the programs achieved a 100 percent passing rate on the CRCT; 95 percent passing rate on the science portion of the GHSGT; 90 percent passing rate on the English portion of the CLAST at the college level; 141 percent improvement on the SAT; and four percent improvement on the ACT.

As a strategist, he achieved strategic plan requirements which resulted in the Pay for Performance (PFP) recognition for faculty and staff through Fulton County, Ga. and the award of an $800,000 Small Learning Communities federal grant.

Holmes received his bachelor’s degree in business education from FAMU, his M.Ed. in business education from Bowling Green State University as well as a M.Ed. in administration and supervision from FAMU, and his Ph.D. from FAMU.