Welcome to Student Support Services!

Where every child receives heartfelt care

We are here to offer assistance to students and families. The Division of Student Support Services extends sincere care through several departments - Exceptional Student Education, Student Services, Educational Opportunities and Outreach, and the Office of Student Assignment. We value school experiences and are committed to the success of every student.

Phone: 352-955-7621 x1076

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

Dr. Anntwanique Edwards

Dr. Anntwanique Edwards began serving in a district leadership role shortly after the pandemic, and in Fall 2024, she was appointed Assistant Superintendent of Student Support Services. Throughout her career, her unwavering dedication to student success has remained at the heart of her work.

A proud member of the Alachua County Public Schools team for over two decades, Dr. Edwards has served in a wide range of roles—including teacher’s aide, substitute teacher, school counselor at both the middle and high school levels, and school-based administrator. This diverse experience has given her a comprehensive understanding of student needs and the inner workings of public education.

Originally from Connecticut, Dr. Edwards relocated to Gainesville after high school and is a proud multi-degree graduate of the University of Florida. Her academic accomplishments include an Associate of Arts, a Bachelor's in Sociology, a Master’s and Specialist in Counselor Education and Mental Health Counseling, and a second Master’s and Ph.D. in Educational Leadership. She also holds a certificate in Equitable Community Change from Cornell University.

Beyond her work in education, Dr. Edwards is an active member of several civic and community organizations. Her passion for helping young learners keeps her anchored in the field of education. Her person-centered leadership and commitment shine through every role she undertakes. She firmly believes that education opens the door to opportunity and is committed to ensuring that every student has access to the highest-quality learning experiences.

Departments

ESSENTIAL FOCUS

Our Vision

Our vision for our students is that they will graduate with the knowledge, skills, and personal characteristics to be lifelong learners and independent thinkers. We want our graduates to excel in their chosen careers and be productive and contributing members of the global community.

Our Mission

We are committed to the success of every student.

2024-2025 District Priorities

Attendance:

Average Daily Attendance Goal: ≥ 95% for all schools, regardless of school improvement status or student demographics

Reduce chronic absenteeism rate for all schools.

•Traditional, combination, and center schools

•School Improvement/fragile schools Subgroups (African-American, Students with Disabilities, and English Language Learners)

Behavior:

100% Schools aligning with MTSS Model (80-15-5)

80% Students with 0-1 Offenses

10-15% students with 2-5 Offenses

≤ 5% with 6+ Offenses

100% Schools implementing PBIS Model

50% schools with effective core (evidence of implementation with fidelity, increasing 22%)

Increase rate of proportionate discipline among students

Reduce Out-of-School Suspensions (OSS) by 10% for Black Students

Reduce OSS by 10% for Students with an IEP

Reduce the percentage of schools that have OSS at or above the state median by 20%

Community Engagement:

Increase the number of community engagement activities offered to families

Provide participant surveys for community engagement events

Increase the number of students participating in the Amplified group

Mental Health:

100% of Secondary Students participating in Habitudes

100% of schools deliver 5-Hour MH Lessons

≥ 80% of staff completed Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) Training

Offer alternate opportunities for mental health support for students; increase the number of students served by Hazel Health.