This week Charlotte County Public Schools (CCPS) will undergo a change of leadership.
Veteran educator Robbie Mason will take over as the interim school superintendent effective July 1.
In November the school board offered Mason, who was then serving as assistant superintendent, a contract to assume the position of intern superintendent following the departure of Dr. Nancy Leonard.

“Being an interim superintendent for Charlotte County Public Schools is an honor,” Mason said. “This is a tremendous opportunity for me to serve the county in which I attended school, the place in which I have worked, and where I am currently raising my children. We have a staff here that is second to none and it is my privilege to work with these professionals to serve our children.”

Mason has been involved in public education for 22 years — teaching Math at Randolph-Henry High School (RHHS) for nine years serving as assistant principal at RHHS for three years and as principal at RHHS for four years. In addition to his time at RHHS Mason also served as principal at William Campbell High School for five years.

In talking with Mason, the one thing you will notice is that he has a passion for education and making sure the county’s children are put first. “My focus, at this moment, is securing the best teachers, administrators and support staff to serve the students of Charlotte County,” he explained.

“This is my home and I want us to put the best people in front of our children that we possibly can.” The interim superintendent said he is also focusing on identifying student weaknesses early and working with administrators and teachers to help those students in need. “Early and frequent, analysis of student data will allow us to identify student weaknesses early, which will enable us to put appropriate supports in place throughout the school year,” said Mason.

Mason is not only concerned about the learning that takes place during the school day but also what can be done for students after school hours. He says it is essential for children to have activities to engage them after the regular school day is over.

“We intend to look for ways to involve students in meaningful after school activities, which not only support them academically but are also fun for our students.” Mason continued.

Leading a school division is no easy task and the job of a school superintendent involves making tough decisions, but Mason pointed out that it is the students that will come first in his decisions. “As a superintendent, there are many considerations involved with decision-making. Some decisions will be unpopular and scrutinized on many levels,” he said. “It is my job to provide people with accurate information about how we arrive at certain decisions to keep parents and other citizens informed. At the end of the day, I make decisions based on student needs and student outcomes.”

The school board has 180 days from July 1 to hire a superintendent and according to Mason, he would be honored to hold the title. “If the work that I have been involved in with educating students, and the work that I continue to do in my new role as interim superintendent, warrant me to be in consideration for superintendent, then I would be honored,” Mason said.