Why I Choose Greater Gainesville: Kay Abbitt
Kay Abbitt is a board member of the Alachua County Public Schools and serves on the Education Foundation of Alachua County and the Alachua County Planning Commission Board. As a National Board-certified teacher and a Supplemental Educational Services provider, she provided federally funded free tutoring to more than 800 eligible students in 20 counties in Florida and North Carolina.
Abbitt has also taught as an adjunct instructor at Santa Fe College and tutored athletes at the University of Florida. Abbitt and her daughter founded Boulware Springs Charter School in Northeast Gainesville, where she served as director until her retirement in 2021.
I was born and raised in Savannah, Georgia, but relocated here with my husband 32 years ago. We fell in love with Greater Gainesville and decided this is where we wanted to raise our children –– all four of whom attended Alachua County Public Schools from kindergarten to grade 12. I will always be grateful that his job brought us here.
Greater Gainesville is an educational hub, which tends to happen in college towns. Both the University of Florida and Santa Fe College’s impact is seen throughout Alachua County Public Schools. Working with those institutions and with others who understand the value of quality education gave me the opportunity to develop my skills as an educator.
I appreciate the many people I have worked with here who always strive to keep a growth mindset. I learned creative problem-solving and out-of-the-box techniques as a result of my exposure to the incredible educators, at all levels, in Greater Gainesville.
As a professional educator for 25 years and a former ACPS parent, I am honored to give back to this community as a member of the school board. It is rewarding to help make the students and teachers experience one they can love and take pride in.
We like the moderate temperatures and beautiful climate year-round. The weather is almost always perfect to sit outdoors and listen to live music. I also appreciate that Greater Gainesville is small enough that you are always running into someone you know or who knows someone you know. I love those connections.
Favorite Restaurant: Bingo Deli
Favorite Weekend Activity: Live outdoor music and tennis