Clearwater Bar Meets New Superintendent

Clearwater Bar Meets New Superintendent

Perhaps the only thing that stirs the passion of a lawyer more than advocacy work is their children's education. That may account for why a full house of Clearwater lawyers listened so intently to the speech given by recently appointed Pinellas County schools Superintendent Clayton Wilcox at the Clearwater Bar Association's September luncheon.

The former superintendent of Louisiana's East Baton Rouge Parish school system urged the audience to look at the Pinellas school system as he does - someone from outside the system. Compared to what he has seen elsewhere, Wilcox says Pinellas parents and students have much to appreciate.

Does Wilcox see problems? Yes. He says the school choice plan needs improvement. What about teacher pay? He leans toward performance-based incentives.

Wilcox, 48, and his wife chose Pinellas schools because of the opportunities for his children. They're not all that unfamiliar with the region, though. Their family frequently vacationed on Treasure Island.

Clearwater attorneys Susan Demers and Dennis "Rep" DeLoach III of Deloach & Hofstra, P.A.

Ken Burke, candidate for Pinellas clerk of the court, left, with Hass & Castillo PA attorney Marcus A. Castillo.

Clearwater attorneys Lou Kwall, left, and Denis M. deVlaming.

Clearwater attorney James M. Hammond, left, and Pinellas School Board attorney John W. Bowen.

Jeffrey A. Albinson, left, of Marshall Dennehey Warner Coleman & Goggin PA, with Pinellas County Schools Superintendent Clayton Wilcox.

Clearwater attorney Charles F. Robinson with his wife, Louise, center, and his staff, Karen Martin, left, and Glenda Wood, right.