Last August,  School Superintendent Tim Smith and the Escambia School Board introduced a five-year strategic plan  built on the vision “United For Every Student to Succeed.”He sees unity as a key element that provides a means of dealing with the struggles and challenges of the appointed superintendent framework. “After two years, we really don't want to quit. What we want to do is we want to persevere. We want to show some grit and determination and make our system the framework that it needs to be. So anytime you do this, you're subject to growing pains, and I think that's exactly what's taking place here. So we need to have some fortitude, and it would be premature to switch a governance structure after a couple years.”He later added, "What I hope that happens through all these topics of discussion as of lately is let's work together, let's collaborate, let's be unified and not shy away from the tough conversation.”