Malcolm Thomas, Candidate for Escambia County School Superintendent

Mickey Rigby was the speech teacher who supported me, encouraged me, and inspired me.  For a state speaking contest, he even bought and paid for, from his own meager salary, my first brand new suit.  In my Junior year at Tate, his encouragement was instrumental in my being selected as a Youth Delegate to the Paris Peace Talks to discuss the POW-MIA ‘s. It was his inspiration, combined with his teaching skills that I was elected Student Government President in my senior year. I have never forgotten what that teacher gave to me.

After high school graduation, I served in the United States Army with the 101^st Airborne Division, and then became a homebuilder.  Building was a lucrative business, but homebuilding was not my passion.  I had a hunger for something that would be longlasting!

So, I left homebuilding and entered the much less lucrative, but much more fulfilling world of teaching. I have never regretted the choice. You see, teaching is my passion.

For eight years I taught in a special education classroom at Tate High School before I was persuaded to move to the district level. While at Tate I became the Escambia County Teacher of the Year and was selected as a finalist for Florida Teacher of the Year!

From that day, in 1987, when I left my classroom at Tate High School, I made a vow that I would continue to teach students and make a difference in their lives.  And, I have kept that vow. I still teach!

I want to make a greater difference in the lives of students, and I think that I can do that best by leading the entire Escambia County School District to a better day.  I want to empower students, teachers, and parents to do their best. That‘s why I am running for Escambia County School Superintendent.   Escambia County Deserves Better!