Donald Nelson
Position: Retired Assistant Superintendent of Operations
School: Duval County Public Schools
School District: Duval County Public Schools
City, State: Jacksonville, FL
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Mr. Nelson..... where do we begin? I entered sixth grade at Fletcher Middle School, and it was Mr. Nelson's first year at Fletcher. Through the three years I was there, he supported many of the extra curriculars students partook in, and attended many of those events. When I helped out with technology, computers, or textbooks, Mr. Nelson would support students helping in those areas. I also remember a time in 8th grade where the school was placed on lockdown early in the morning during our math team practice, and Mr. Nelson handled it very well as it was a hoax, but with none of us knowing that at the time. When I moved into 9th grade at Fletcher High School, Mr. Nelson joined us and became Principal there. He bolstered the culture of Fletcher High, and set new standards and expectations for students and teachers in the school. Again, being Mr. Nelson, he continued to be *very* supportive of all the students and he could be seen at all the football games, baseball games, basketball games, dance and choir concerts, plays, and other sporting and extracurricular events. He wasn't at Fletcher with a personal agenda, only to do what's best for the students. Few administrators in this day and age make decisions in the best interest of the students; Mr. Nelson visibly cared for his students and wanted the students to represent Fletcher as the best high school in Duval County. This worked, as Mr. Nelson helped the school become the best public non-magnet high school in the county in regards to our graduation rates. One of the neat things he did was hand-deliver and hand-write birthday cards to every student on his or her birthday in their first or second period class. As Mr. Nelson "graduated" from being a Principal as I graduated from high school, he was promoted to Asst. Superintendent of Operations. A hard worker behind the scenes, he helped put together and organize the DCPS Master Facility Plan to update the conditions of Duval County schools. The best part of Mr. Nelson is that he frequently keeps in touch with former students, and wants to do what he can to promote their success. He knows my mom and my brother, and engages with them as a part of the Fletcher family. Mr. Nelson has been an incredible part of my public school journey, and is by all means a cheerful servant putting the needs of others above his own.
Nelson was the principal of the Marine science center and I am the on-site administrator at the Marine science center. Mr. Nelson was my direct supervisor. He had a wonderful knowledge of how the program worked. He had extensive knowledge about the high school drop-out prevention program, and the elementary school Marine Science resources program. He was extremely inspirational to me and the staff about the program and the great work we were doing at the school. Mr. Nelson always went out of his way to help the staff better themselves and make the program function better.
Mr. Nelson often came by to see the students to interact and build a positive relationship with the class. He was a wonderful resource, when there were problems at the school, or we were looking for new ideas of doing things differently he was always there with constructive ideas. He was a wonderful role model and to this day I still use many of the things I learned from him in my daily activities at the school. He has continued to be a wonderful resource and I can contact him at any time when I need help or inspiration about how to do things, and he remains dedicated to the success of our school.
Don was my principal at both Fletcher Middle School and High School. And for that, I am grateful. When you have a boss that supports you and takes care of all of the details that go into running a school so that your can focus on teaching and students, consider yourself blessed. But this is only one reason that Don is a life changer. His complete dedication to students was life changing for so many... When high school kids CHEER for the principal, it is really saying something!
I had the honor to attend Fletcher High School when Don Nelson was the principal as well as keep in touch with Don since my graduation in 2016. Without exaggeration, Don is the most encouraging, generous, and devoted leader that Fletcher High School has ever seen. Don never missed a beat at the school - He's the kind of man that shows up to a football practice in 100 degree weather to check on the team and see if they're ready for their next game. He's the kind of guy that knows each and every students' grades, family, and way of life. He's the kind of guy that wants to help you achieve the next level in life wherever that may be. He's the kind of guy that checks in multiple times a year to see how you and the family are doing. Don is MORE THAN deserving of this nomination; He truly has been a fundamental building block for me leaving high school, finishing college, and beginning my professional career. Cheers Don - Proud of you!
In the 17 years I’ve been teaching, I have worked for 10 different principals. This is because Duval County is a large school district and moves principals around frequently, trying to best meet the needs of each school. In those 17 years, I am fortunate to have had Don Nelson as my principal at Twin Lakes Middle. Of all the principals I’ve worked for, Mr. Nelson is my favorite.
Don was the first principal I had who was truly open to feedback and/or questions from teachers. He was supportive of staff and faculty and helped us to feel like a cohesive family. He was an advocate for teachers by backing us with parents and making sure we had the supplies and equipment needed to teach. Don also was an awesome chef, who treated us to homemade cakes and treats sometimes.
Mr. Nelson was amazing with his student involvement. Students knew they were cared about. He’d stop kids in the hallway to ask how their sports teams were doing. He’d check on students who were struggling with academics and would give them accolades when they showed improvement. Students knew they were expected to behave appropriately. The morale and positive “vibe” at the school was wonderful under Mr. Nelson’s leadership.
Don Nelson is truly worthy of the Life Changer of the Year award, as he has been a positive influence in the lives of countless students and teachers throughout his career with Duval County.
What a wonderful man to work for and with. The students mattered and the faculty mattered to Don. He proved to be a mentor for many students and still keeps in touch with many of them. One of my all time favorites.
Don Nelson came to Twin Lakes in the middle of the year for his first Principal position. When we returned from Holiday Break it was such a smooth transition. He lead us through several years, the most (I'm pretty sure) Twin Lakes has had a Principal. What I loved most about Don was, we could disagree, and we did. Through those times I learned so much about leadership, admitting when I was wrong, accepting and giving apologies and having fun! Don Nelson was/is a leader. I must say though that didn't keep.him from having fun with the faculty, students and parents. A couple times a year he would bake cakes for the Faculty. When we had celebrations for.the students he was in the dunk tank, sliding down Inflatable slides and had some of the best Halloween costumes! Don brought a level of camaraderie among Faculty that was truly missed. He was there to help with personal problems and went above and beyond to help Faculty or Staff get through trying times, even myself. Don Nelson is kind, funny, very smart and deserving of the Life Changer of the Year. He has had an impact on so many lives.
Congratulations Don! Don Nelson has been an amazing colleague as well as a dedicated principal to my sons. Don always put his students first and ensured they had the best educational experience possible. Don is personable, respectful and dedicated in all that he does. Don is definitely a Life Changer and has impacted students, teachers and fellow administrators. He is one of a kind and so deserves this recognition.
Mr. Nelson is truly one of a kind. His personable persona makes anyone in his company feel valued and appreciated. As a first year principal, he shared many nuggets and lessons learned to help me navigate my first year and beyond. He made sure I had everything I needed to be successful to include his phone number when I needed him. He gave of his time even when he didn't have it to spare. Thank you for being a resource and supporter for not just me, but for everyone you've touched in your career. I can't think of anyone more fitted for this recognition and honor than Don Nelson. Congratulations!!!
I have known Mr Nelson as a house administrator, vice principal, principal, and director. In every role, he excelled in leading teachers to be their very best. Without really letting you know he was leading you there.
He has a kind spirit that Duval County will surly miss. He inspired all he worked with to achieve more.
Don Nelson has been a life changer since the day I met him. I served as the Chief Business Officer for the Duval County School District and my interaction with Don has been both professional and personal...because that's the type of man he is. I never felt more at ease and trustworthy with professional acquaintances than with Don. I would imagine making positive changes and having an influence in a person's life is part of what this award must be about. He fits the bill many times over in my book. Don's ability to make a positive difference in people's lives seems to come natural for him because he changes lives simply by being part of someone's life. He has earned my respect, my confidence , my admiration and my loyalty simply by touching my life in his journey. Don isn't the life changer of the year...he is a life changer for a life time.
Mr. Nelson was one of my biggest supporters at Duncan U. Fletcher High School. He ran the school effectively, supported our arts programs, and treated students with respect! He always treated us like adults and expected us to behave as such. I appreciated the fact that he showed his students the same respect he wanted them to give him!
I had the privilege of working with Don Nelson for many years. The first time I met Don he was the Principal at Twin Lakes Middle School. We had a project to repaint the exterior of the school. Back then I was fairly new to Duval County Public Schools, but I knew right away that the interaction I had with Don would form a long and lasting friendship and strong working relationship! I later worked on several project with him as he transitioned to the Principal at Fletcher High School. Again, the dedication and desire to make sure that the children had the very best possible learning environment was extremely evident. Don made sure that in his world the children were first, then the adults. My last interactions with Don were very much in the same realm. He was promoted to Assistant Superintendent of Operations, the division I worked in. I was SO happy to learn that he had accepted this position, it allowed me to follow through on his vision for the District. That vision was first and foremost what was best for the students and staff. Always with a smile on his face and of course a joke or two. What an honor to work for this very distinguished and honorable man! As we both retired, I have to admit, he is one person that I truly miss interacting with on a daily basis. Don's dedication to the District, staff and most importantly the students left a lasting impression on all he interacted with.
Don is so deserving of this award! He was an Awesome Boss and was a pleasure to work with and for! He is a “Life Changer”
I do not have enough great things to say about Don Nelson. I met Mr. Nelson in 2007, when he hired me as a 7th grade math teacher at Twin Lakes Academy Middle School. I had previously taught in Polk County (where I grew up) and decided to move away from home. From day 1, he always looked out for me and made sure that I was doing okay both in and outside of school.
Mr. Nelson is a strong and compassionate leader. He always wanted the best for ALL of the students is his school and made sure we as teachers had all of the resources we needed to give our students the best education possible. While I was at Twin Lakes, he pushed me into going into administration and hired me at the school he was moved to during my 3rd year at Twin Lakes. Unfortunately, as soon as I got to Fletcher Middle, they asked him to lead Fletcher High School. But it was him and my current principal at the time who were instrumental in getting me placed at FMS and I will be eternally grateful.
I am now a principal, and Mr. Nelson still regularly checks up on me. Any time I need advice, I know I can call him and he will always be there. Anyone who knows Don Nelson speaks of him very fondly with a smile on their face. He will go above and beyond for anyone who needs help. In his latest role as Assistant Superintendent of Operations, it was clear that he always gave 110%. In Florida, we get quite a few hurricanes which often times affects school operations. I don’t know how he did it, but it seemed like he never slept during these times. He would not stop until all shelters were good to go and everyone had a place to stay safe during the storm. Then after the storm, he would not stop until all schools were up and operational again so that students could come back and continue learning.
Don Nelson served as a boss, a mentor, and now a life long friend. When I decided back in 2007 to move to Jacksonville, he was the only principal that responded to my request for an interview. I am so grateful for his response as he has guided me through my career as a teacher, assistant principal, and now a principal.
Thank you Don for always being there for me. I can say without a shadow of a doubt you have changed my life for the better and I will always be thankful to you for that.
When I think of an effective leader, Don Nelson always comes to mind. He held a perfect balance between growing relationships and accomplishing tasks. Whether speaking with students, parents, teachers, administrators, or community members, he always listened and gathered resources to support the best interest of students. He spent many evenings signing birthday cards for students and school staff as well as thank you notes after a job well done. Don brought out the best in people. As his assistant principal for almost five years, he taught me the importance to support students and teachers, think through solutions before they were needed, remain calm under pressure, maintain a budget, and prepare for the day, week, or months ahead. Don Nelson changed my life and is most deserving of this recognition.
Known Don for 15 years. If not for his leadership at FMS and FHS our daughter Summer would not have experienced the educational opportunities available. Serving on SAC at both schools enabled me to really know him. His life and soul went into his job. Daughter Summer will graduate FSU with BFA in Motion Picture and Film and currently has 3.97 GPA. The guidance she received at FMS and FHS have proven invaluable. I wish every educator had what Don offered. He definitely a Life Changer in our lives.
I worked under Don at FHS. He was a great principal to work with. He worked well with the students and the staff.
Don, was an amazing, thoughtful, dedicated and wonderful Assistant Superintendent of Operations.
His knowledge of budgets, and most importantly, how changes to the budget impact the education of our children, was critically important to the decisions board members are asked to make.
He has successfully transitioned from a high school principal, to lead one of the most critical functions of our school district, Operations.
Whether it’s transporting students to and from school, preparing meals for all students or improving and maintaining our aging facilities, Don was the “go to” person.
A great man who was always helpful and who is sorely missed.
Continued blessings.
Warren
I cannot think of anyone more deserving than Don Nelson. He was an amazing mentor to me as a first year assistant principal and remained a source of advice and support as I served as assistant principal and principal at various schools. His leadership has impacted not just my life but the lives of all stakeholders that have been able to teach and learn in the Duval County School System.
I worked with Don Nelson for 12 years. Don never turned down a task and was always willing to help anyone, even in the middle of the night. He was always positive and encouraging. Don has aided me in every rank of my career. My favorite story was an alarm issue when I was a new officer and said if I got the call again and fixed it again he would buy me lunch. The next week he delivered a gift card to my Chief with a note.
So much Respect for my former principal. He deeply cares for others and has showed support in my life and furthering education.
Having had Mr. Nelson as a principal in both middle and highschool, I was able to receive a lot of guidance from him. Personally going out of his way to make sure that students are on the right path, encouraging students beyond the average principal, and maintaining a healthy learning environment while also keeping the environment light and fun are some of the things that put Mr. Nelson well above the average principal. Since highschool he has continued to personally check in and has continued his encouragement in educational aspects. Even going as far and writing letters of recommendations for me. He is more than deserving of this title!
As a leader, Don Nelson was student centric and compassionate about the people and projects that he believed would achieve student success. Don used his sense of humor and cooking talents many times to bring opposing view points to consensus. He certainly has my support for the Life Changer of the Year Award.
I have tremendous respect for Don Nelson. Working with him was always a wonderful pleasure. He approached everything with humor and good nature and a can-do spirit with the expectation of excellence. Don deserves recognition for his dedicated years of service to Duval County Public Schools and our country as a true patriot.
Don was always supportive of the foreign language department. His military background in the navy,resulting in extensive travel around the world, provided a practical motivation to learn a world language. Loved his travel adventure stories every time I dropped in his office!
One of my favorite principals that I’ve had the pleasure to work with. Thank you for so very much. You truly made it a pleasure to come to work. I enjoyed our many conversations and the fact that you cared so much about the kids.
Mr. Nelson, thank you for always being present and supportive no how big or small the task was. Your leadership kept stakeholders informed and focused on the project at hand, while ensuring everyone understood the scope of the work required to be successful. Thank you sir!!
Don,
First a colleague and trusted leader, but always kind, gentle and willing to lend a helping hand. So thankful to have had the opportunity to work with you. YES! Life changer for many, thank you Don!
Elizabeth
When I was an Assistant Principal my principal became ill and couldn't return to work. She told me to call Don Nelson and he would take care of me. Not only did he make sure I had what I needed to run the school he continued to support and guide me when I became principal.
I knew I could call on Don anytime I needed advice and to help me solve the crisis of the day. He always found a way to make me laugh no matter the situation.
Don truly cared about all of the people he served alongside. Congratulations on your well deserved nomination.
I had the pleasure of working for Don Nelson as a teacher in both middle and high school. His love of his job, his teachers and especially his students made working for him such a joy. He treated us as professionals and trusted us to do what was best for our kids which made him an A+ administrator in my book. He made so many improvements at both schools including getting us science lab tables at the middle school and large touch screen TVs at the high school. Anything I asked him about he found a way to get it for us. His amazing parting gift of 5 class sets of rechargeable battery operated microscopes arrived after I voiced my concerns over having plugs and extension cords running everywhere creating a safety concern. This very thoughtful purchase has made such a huge impact on our Biology labs - the students really enjoy them - and it is just one of the many reasons he was loved and appreciated by all of his past employees. He truly deserves this honor.
Mr. Nelson cooked several meals for my family after a kitchen fire shut us down for 3 months. I never asked; he graciously offered. He was my principal at the time. This act of kindness will always be remembered by me and my family.
Don Nelson was an awesome principal at Fletcher High School. He was respected by the teachers, staff, students and parents. He was always available with his open door policy and was genuinely interested in the Fletcher High family. He went above and beyond to support the student and teachers. He was ever present at school events and showed genuine support for the students and their interests whether it be academic or extra-curricular. He was an incredible supporter of the Fletcher High Interact Service Club and all the member's knew it. He attended countless Interact service projects even on weekends. Beyond that the officers and members knew they could use that open door policy to run ideas by him. As a teacher and Interact sponsor I truly felt I had his support and backing. It was a pleasure to work with Don while at Fletcher. He is very deserving of the recognition.
I have known Don as a Principal and colleague for most of my career, but he became a friend when I became Principal at Seabreeze Elementary. Don and I served on a committee together and he offered his support to me anytime I needed it. He was a tremendous resource for answers to all the questions I didn’t know and was always just a phone call away. I have been appreciative of his calming presence and humor many times over the years. No one is more deserving of this award.
Don was such a positive force for the foreign language department at Duncan Fletcher High School! Because of his military background and extensive travels, he understood and preached the practical application of world language and culture acquisition. Don always had a story of his travels when I dropped by his office.
I had the privilege of working with Don and seeing him lead people in a variety of situations. His leadership, humor and organizational skills are what I missed most when he moved on to become a teacher.
Don is extremely worthy of this honor. I hope the selection committee recognizes this man's commitment to success in every task he has undertaken.
My carrer success in the military was a direct result of my time observing Don's leadership and his career mentoring.
Thank you Don for helping my carrer and for always helping those who have worked with you. Congratulations on this well-deserved honor.
Mr. Nelson is so deserving of this award. My son was a student at FHS when Mr. Nelson was principal. Whether Mr. Nelson was sharing his lunch with my son when he forgot to bring his or having a heart to heart with my son when he needed a push, Mr. Nelson poured his all into the students. He even made a surprise appearance at my son’s and his friend’s graduation party. No a rising college senior, my son still talks about Mr. Nelson and the impact he had on his life. We are forever grateful for having a principal who truly loved his job. Mr. Nelson is a gem.
The first thing that comes to my mind about Don Nelson happened during pre planning during my final year of teaching.i had gone to a math workshop only to find out our school would be teaching geometry by computer based lessons for a pilot program. Lucky us.Not ! I was so upset I could not eat my lunch( those who know me realize this is almost impossible) and called Mr. Nelson from Mudville Grill and told him I was going to quit because of this. He calmed me down and said to come see him when I returned to school. I still am not sure what he did but he he got me out of this mess and I finished my 43rd year as one of my best ever. I am sure he has no idea what this meant. Don Nelson always had the best interests of students and teachers in mind. Congratulations.
Don Nelson is one of a kind. I have known him as a parent (being his son's elementary principal), as a colleague (as we were both HS principals at the same time), and then also as a district administrator. In all scenarios Don has been outstanding, supportive, brilliant, and mostly.... kind. He always is there to support and help. No one could possibly deserve this award more.
For years I have heard stories about you, in every school I have worked in. They were all positive, impactful, but most of all humorous. But what I remember most about you is how you lead us through two hurricanes that hit Jacksonville. You had a plan, kept in constant and frequent communication with building leaders and shelter principals and your presence brought a calmness I truly appreciated. But what I won't forget, is your wonderful sense of humor. Even in a crisis, you find ways to make people laugh. Thank you Don and congratulations!
I had the pleasure of working with Don for a number of years. He and I were both High School Principals, navigating the unbelievable push for statistics about student growth. He excelled in an area where there were no points given for a school's grade, that of genuine care and concern for the welfare and happiness of his staff and his students. He is a great educator, and a real patriot!
Mr. Nelson was my principal at Fletcher Middle School. One day I shared with him that I wanted to start working on my Masters degree. Right away he offered to write a letter of recommendation for me, gave me tips to study and always offered his unconditional support. He was always positive and always encouraged us to do our best. He left FMS and then I lost my husband who actually also worked for Mr. Nelson. Mr. Nelson came to school to offered his condolences to me in person. He could have made a phone call or sent a card, but no he actually went to school and found me. His compassion, character and personality are unmeasurable. Mr. Nelson has a very special place in my heart. Thank you Mr. Nelson I really hope you win.
Don has been inspiring and influencing young people for many years, and because of his actions, I know there are great leaders in the world, who had Don as a mentor. Thank you Don for your inspiration.
Mr. Nelson is a LIFE CHANGER in so many ways!
There is no one more deserving then him for this award!
From middle school principal to high school principal he has changed so many lives and stood up for those that needed it the most!
He has personally impacted my kids in ways that have changed them forever!
Even after retiring he still continues to check in and see how my kids are doing!
A one of a kind guy loved by SO MANY!!
You are amazing in so many ways. I don’t know what I would have done accreditation without you! You have always been there for me. I appreciate you!
Well deserved! You have been an amazing mentor and friend for over 19 years! Your support and humor during difficult times will not be forgotten!!! Thank you!!
Thank you Mr. Nelson for being there as a great administrator and mento 19 years ago at Landmark MS. I am grateful to have had you as a mentor and friend throughout my career. Your support and humor during challenging times will not be forgotten!!! This award is well deserved!!!
Supportive, caring, hard-working are the first three adjectives that pop into mind when I think back to how awesome it was working alongside Don Nelson at Fletcher Middle School. He spent tireless evenings, and many Saturdays supporting the students, and truly showing how much he cared for them. What an amazing human being, educator, parent, and community member.
I worked for Don Nelson as his Secretary @ Duncan Fletcher High School. You could not ask for a more dedicated Principal- he was always looking out for the best interest of the Faculty & Student Body - he was the go to guy to get things done and he had an open door policy for anyone that might have a need. He loved his job and it was felt throughout the school. It was a pleasure working for him. Go Senators ??
There is no one I can think of that would be more deserving than Mr. Nelson. He really cared about his students, teachers and staff. He mentored my son in middle school and we were lucky enough to have him as principal in high school as well. To this day, he is still in contact with my son. He wrote letters of recommendations for college, job references and most recently his entry to a masters program at UCF. He is alway willing to help. He is most definitely a life changer to all those who are lucky to know him.
Mr. Don Nelson will always be a legend at Fletcher High School because of the way he cared about students and fostered a culture of pride and compassion. I remember well the cheers at student events when his presence was announced after he had moved on as a principal of the school. His christening (and instruction to show good character) of the notorious "Speedo Run" at football games, where the body-painted men of the swim team would run across the field at half-time with flags waving, was a great honor to us and a fond memory. He has continued to stay engaged with his students which is a testament to his character and honest care for others. Good luck Mr. Nelson!
He was an outstanding colleague, leader, and friend who always shared an encouraging word with me. I remember him saying to me “Always be a leader that owns your building”.
Congratulations!!
Mr. Nelson is well-deserving of this recognition. He is an administrator that believed in being PRESENT. He forged a productive relationship with students and staff members. These positive bonds fostered growth, trust, and lasting friendships. One of the Best!!
I feel like one of the honored ones to have had Don Nelson at my school to start his road leadership as Principal of our school. He definitely set the bar for future Principals. He cared about everyone and he showed it. Teachers, students, parents, the facility. He cared about all of us and made sure we provided the best for our kids. To be a witness and watch him rise to his level of leadership was an awesome honor. He is definitely loved beyond words. He changed so many lives, paving a path for everyone to succeed. This is a very deserving honor. He’s a hero.
I had the pleasure of working with Mr. Nelson when I served two terms on the Duval County School Board. He was an outstanding principal who was ready for any challenges that came his way. Mr. Nelson has served the children of Duval County not only as a principal but also as the Assistant Superintendent of Operations. He was instrumental in securing our schools after the horrific shooting that took place at Majory Stoneman Douglas. He was able to continue to ensure our schools were safe and secure even I times when our budget was shrinking. Mr. Nelson along with the Superintendent and School Board helped lead an effort to educate the public on the needs of the school district by creating a referendum plan for school upgrades, Building and repairs. The local government officials were not very nice during this time but he stood fast in his belief that all kids deserve safe and secure schools and answered every question they threw his way. His legacy will be making sure the children of Duval County know that no matter what zip code they live in, they matter and their safety matters.
Don Nelson is the real deal. He has always vbeen about the students' and their well being and in turn took good care of teachers.
Mr. Nelson is someone that saw more in myself than I did. He pushed me to pursue higher education while striving towards becoming a military officer. This past May I commissioned into the Air Force as a Second Lieutenant, and would not have done so without his guidance. I have Mr. Nelson to thank for my amazing career path. He is someone that has such a positive impact on so many students.
#LCOY
I have been fortunate to work for Don Nelson as he was Principal at Fletcher High School. He was a great boss, very approachable and had an open doior for staff & students. He was a strong Leader & I've wittnessed him to be a mentor for students. I have a ton of respect for him, as he always went above & beyond. He is well deserving of this award!
I had the pleasure of working for Mr. Nelson at Twin Lakes Academy Middle. I served on numerous committees when I was there and I never hesitated to volunteer when he asked. He was a Teacher's principal. Always supported our staff. He was very kind to my son also when he attended school there. Mr. Nelson is very deserving of this honor.
I was very fortunate to work for Don Nelson at Fletcher High School. He was truly a strong & great leader that I have a ton of respect for. He was very involved with the students & took a personal interest in mentoring them. As a Principal he did what needed to be done even if it wasn't the most popular way to go. That's what a good leader does though. I believe he was highly respected & fair, definitely deserving of his nomination. I believe he always went above & beyond and I wish him all the best!
Mr. Nelson,
Congratulations!! You so deserve this honor. I had the pleasure of working @ TLAM during your tenure as Principal. Your commitment to DCPS System was and is outstanding.
Dr. Green recognized your dedication and commitment to every student in DCPS. You are so deserving off this award.
Barbara Delifus
Loved working for you. You fought for Fletcher over things that were not relevant to us when dictates came down from the County. Left me alone to do my job. Supported my crazy Homecoming events.
Believed us and acted quickly when the Dennis situation came to your attention. Knew the difference between problems and inconveniences. Made real connections with the kids. Proud to have served with you, shipmate.
Well deserved for mr.nelson guy guy helps so many and helped me. Thanks mr Nelson
I would not be where I am today without this man. Mr. Nelson offered us a hand up with we were down and offered us applause when we were up. He created an environment that allowed positivity, success, and creation. Although he will not take the credit he deserves, I will continually give it to him.
One of the best bosses ever!!!!!
Fantastic Principle, a pleasure to have as an asset to the education system in duval county. As a former student, he was the most transparent and open leadership in my high school career and i always knew if i needed anything i could come to him.
I was one of Don Nelson’s students for 8 consecutive years at Fletcher Middle and Fletcher High School. He is one of the most compassionate, dedicated people I have known and I am still in contact with him as I navigated college and graduate school. He ABSOLUTELY should be the recipient of this award.