PASCO COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — In an exciting development for River Ridge High School, Dr. John Legg, the Pasco County Superintendent of Schools, is set to impart college-level civics lessons to the students. Many parents appreciate this initiative, expressing their support as long as it honors freedom of expression and allows Dr. Legg to balance his responsibilities as both an educator and a superintendent.
“I’ve been committed to this work for 20 years. It’s a true passion of mine, and I’ve had the privilege of teaching over 500 kids in this very course,” shared Legg, highlighting his dedication and extensive experience.
Driven by a deep love for teaching, Legg eagerly anticipated his return to the classroom, wanting to bring his expertise from realms of both politics and education directly to the students.
“We all stepped into the field of education because our hearts are drawn to teaching. We didn’t enter this world for the sake of bureaucracy and administration,” Legg remarked, emphasizing what truly drives educators.
Starting in August, Legg will teach two college-level courses to a group of 30 students over the school year.
Students will receive a total of six college credits for their work. The first class will be American Federal Government and the second will be Local Government.
“My hope is not only that they become more civically engaged, but that they’ll actually want to go into government and make a difference in our community,” Legg told 8 On Your Side.
The superintendent mentioned classes will be held twice a week for one hour. The class is meant to educate young minds regarding how the United States’ democracy works.
“There’s a big disconnect in our culture that, oh, that’s for the politicians, or that’s the political class. We’re a democracy. It’s about our students being engaged,” Legg said.
One school board member who is eager to see Legg teach is Megan Harding, who represents District 5.
Harding told 8 On Your Side via a statement, “There is simply no substitute for being in the classroom and seeing firsthand both the successes and the challenges our educators and students experience every day… This is especially meaningful to me because Dr. Legg was my government teacher when I was in high school… seeing him choose to step back into the classroom says a lot about the kind of leader he is.”
Parents whose children go to River Ridge High School seemed on board with the superintendent’s endeavor, as long as he can balance both his job as the leader of an A-rated school district and an educator.
“It’s awesome,” said John Solt, who has two children at River Ridge High School. “As long as that freedom is involved, you know, with independent freedom on your thoughts and beliefs, you know, I see no problem with it.”
“Learning from the front lines of the teachers; I think it’s really important to see what they go through, and as long as they’re responsible and, you know, they have the time to do it, that makes sense,” said Sharon Weiss, a River Ridge High School parent.
Legg will not be paid for his role as a teacher. He hopes other professionals such as principals are motivated to teach courses as well by his example. The superintendent said he was inspired by Ben Sasse at the University of Florida, who also taught while serving as their president.