Local Educator Receives State Award

Frank Gibbs, executor director of the Heartland Educational Consortium (HEC), has received the Lamp of Knowledge Award, given each year to one person in the state who has made an outstanding contribution to public education.

The award was presented at the Florida Association of School Administrators' (FASA) annual conference held in Naples.

Jim Warford, executive director of FASA, said under Gibbs' leadership, students in the consortium region, which comprises of DeSoto, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands and Okeechobee counties, have enjoyed academic gains "influenced by many of the consortium's innovative programs and initiatives."

Gibbs, of Lake Placid and Wauchula, thanked his family, his friends, his colleagues and the secretaries of the consortium staff who assisted him.

Gibbs began his career as a mathematics teacher at Hardee Senior High School in 1970 and then became a guidance counselor.

He also was the principal of the south campus of Hardee Junior High School, the interim principal of Hardee Senior High School, the director of personnel and staff development, the assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction, followed by assistant superintendent for business management.

In 1996, Gibbs became the executive director of the consortium when it was first formed.

During his 12-year tenure at the consortium, over $33 million worth of grants have been secured for the six school districts in the consortium region. Some of the bigger grants have provided funding for teacher and administrator trainings in reading, math, science, technology, career technology, and leadership; classroom and technology equipment and resources; tutorial services for after school care; and transitioning alternatively certified teachers into teaching.

Gibbs has also coordinated and facilitated the annual HEC Leadership Conference.

Gibbs will be retiring in February.