Seniors discuss school highlights with CCPS superintendent

NAPLES, Fla.- The superintendent for Collier County Public Schools met with more than a dozen high school seniors Friday morning to learn what they enjoyed best about their experience and what the district can improve on.

For the first time in five years, the school district let the media in on the discussion.

“You get great feedback from the kids,” said superintendent Dr. Kamela Patton. “Everything from what went well, what did they really like to how can we make it better for their brothers and sisters and other kids that are coming through the system.”

For almost two hours, Patton met with about 15 seniors from Barron Collier, Golden Gate and Naples high schools.

“I felt that it was very informative,” said Corinne Zepeda, a senior at Golden Gate High School. “Something that Dr. Patton not necessarily needed, but it’s very good to hear from students.”

Every year, three different discussions are set up where Patton meets with five students from each high school.

“They talk to you very honestly, open and honestly,” Patton said.

“I think being honest is really the only way to keep on doing what they’re doing right as well as work on the things that could be improved upon,” said Francis Lord, Barron Collier High School student. “I’ve gone here since kindergarten in the Collier County School System and I have only positive things to say.”

“I felt this whole discussion was really nice and that I could see the perspective of other kids in the county have,” said Enxhi Busheli, student at Barron Collier High School. “Schools like Naples High School and Golden Gate which are completely different than Barron Collier. To see what their experience was like compared to mine and to see what they would like to improve in the school system.”

Patton says next year she’ll also spend time with students at the county’s alternative schools.