Career Accolades and Accomplishments
Each new school in the District serves as a gateway to the future with a solid foundation fortified by the rich history of the community.
The naming of a school, therefore, is a delicate balance between honoring the past and preparing for the future.
There is a familiar name, a compassionate and humble public servant, whose contributions to education and whose steadfast commitment to empowering children is synonymous with the District's Mission to Educate, Affirm, and Inspire each student in an equity-embedded school system: that name is Bill Malone. A man who played a critical role during his three years as Chief Operating Officer, in reshaping and rebuilding dozens of schools so they would instill pride among students, facilitate learning, and serve as educational passages into tomorrow.
With this highly praised architectural and leadership accomplishment behind him, Mr. Malone headed to the private sector briefly but couldn't resist a return to public service when beckoned.
The School Board brought Mr. Malone back in 2011 as interim superintendent to "calm the waters" after strife arose during the previous District administration:
An appreciation plaque (seen here) the board members gave him when he left points to his accomplishments as superintendent:
"Superintendent Bill Malone, A gentle leader and very wise man who brought calm and healing to a district divided. We will always remember that you knew what to do and how to do it when we needed you the most."
Additionally, a large bronze plaque in the board meeting room directs attention to a line in Mr. Malone's farewell letter to the District. The plaque reads, "Focus on the Prize"-- the students. The School Board placed it there as a reminder of his service and sage advice. His farewell letter can be read here.
The Palm Beach Post characterized Mr. Malone as a peacemaker who achieved widespread praise in a front-page article (seen here), "Beloved administrator Bill Malone dies at 77," published in May 2020 shortly after Mr. Malone's death. It reads:
"Wherever Malone worked, it seemed, he attracted widespread praise, winning frequent acclaim for his management style, negotiating skills and calming influence."
How did a former army officer become the head of a school district?
Mr. Malone came out of retirement to serve as the District's interim superintendent for nine months in 2011. (His contract was cut short due to his heart-related health). His record of career excellence began* (see end) in the U.S. Army in the 1960s in Vietnam with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. He graduated Vanderbilt University with honors, cum laude, in civil engineering and continued his service with the Army Corps, where he became a decorated officer. He was awarded the following medals and recognition during his 21-year army career:
Two Bronze Stars, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Humanitarian Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Legion of Merit.
Mr. Malone joined the South Florida Water Management District in 1986 after he retired from the army and quickly rose to top management as a deputy director in charge of Everglades watershed research and planning (restoration), real estate, engineering, construction, water supply, and regulation. He is best remembered for his management style of "management by walking around," for which employees lauded him. His largest singular accomplishment was overseeing the water management district's purchase of 62,000 acres in Palm Beach and Hendry counties from Talisman Sugar Corp., for Everglades restoration. Completed in 1999, the $152 million transaction was the largest single land deal in longstanding state and federal efforts to rejuvenate the Everglades. Vice president Al Gore championed it, and Gov. Jeb Bush cited it as one of his (Bush's) administration's major achievements.
He later resigned from the water district and, in a significant career change, joined the School District for three years as its chief of facilities and subsequent chief operating officer in charge of all business operations. He is most credited in this capacity for overseeing the on-schedule building and remodeling of dozens of schools.
See attached— Palm Beach Post 2003 editorial; 2003 article "Respected No. 2 man calls it quits" page 1 and page 2; the 2020 article; and an article about Mr. Malone in the Summer 2020 Vanderbilt magazine.
What People Say
From the School District- Tom Lynch, former School District board chairman (as quoted in the Post 2003 article): "When I look at our cost per square feet, change order reductions, our focus—he's done a tremendous job…"
- David Porter, architect, in an email after Mr. Malone completed his three-year tenure as the School District's chief operating officer in 2003: "You have taken the district's construction program from shambles to that of a finely tuned major (I mean MAJOR) development company. I praise your deeds and staff... Your setup and the hand picked staff you have put in place is unmatched by any nationally-ranked developer that I have ever worked with."
- Bill Graham, former School District Board Member: "Between 2000 and 2003, Bill Malone restored the School District's construction program by keeping his eye on the big picture. He was a visionary. He had the ability to follow multiple projects but also to step back and steer the ship. He knew what we needed to succeed. He knew the School District lacked expertise in engineering so he brought in specialties we needed. He brought over Water District attorneys and engineers who could review school construction plans for site improvements and drainage. I don't know of any of these individuals who failed to produce. His efforts as chief of facilities and chief operating officer laid the framework for a half-cent tax that provided for six years of school improvements, and was the salvation of our school overcrowding problem at the time. The engineering program at Vanderbilt University would be proud of him. He was a credit to their school and put into practice what he learned. He was the best who ever sat in the COO chair."
- George Elmore, chair, Independent Sales Surtax Oversight Committee (for school construction): We are so grateful that we had a person of Bill's ability to help lead us through the $1 billion in funding and the construction of the new schools that were needed. Because of Bill we were able to keep our promises to the voting public of Palm Beach County."
- Chuck Shaw, former School District board member: "The School District was in a crisis over the firing of the previous superintendent. The benefit that Bill Malone brought was his calm demeanor and ability to work with people and to listen to them. He truly calmed the waters through his management style and brought stability to the District. We absolutely needed that then. That's was why he was so effective."
- Jody Gleason, former School District board member: "His leadership style was a unique blend of knowledge, honor and integrity all framed in service to his community. Leading by example, he mentored so many emerging leaders…"
- Jon Levinson, former Delray Beach City Commissioner: "What a fantastic man. I was lucky enough to get to know him while he was at the Palm Beach County School District. He was a significant asset to them and to our entire Community…"
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Elaine James, outside District Counsel, recounts a story that illustrates Mr. Malone's commitment to building
quality schools on-time and with respect for the communities in which they are built:
"I vividly recall meeting Bill in 2000, as I began the eminent domain case for the Pleasant City Elementary School—the first public school ever built in "Pleasant City," a socio-economically deprived black neighborhood in northeast West Palm Beach.
After JulieAnn Rico retained me as outside counsel, my first task was to meet Bill and learn what outcomes he desired and what processes he preferred. I was waiting outside Bill's office as he concluded a meeting with a general contractor, who was behind schedule building a school. The contractor was a hulk of a man, but as he left Bill's office, he was unsuccessfully fighting back tears.
Bill was at least a foot taller than I. He looked wayyyy down at me, introduced himself and invited me into the office. I sat down and explained that I understood the sensitivity of this particular taking and wanted to be sure to take the properties in a manner consistent with his principles and spirit. Bill crystal clearly stated that he was determined for the school to be built timely and for all of the owners and tenants affected by the taking to be treated with the utmost dignity and fairness. Of course, timely construction was dependent on timely property acquisition, which was my job.
I was quiet. Bill focused his piercing blue eyes on me and said, "What's on your mind, Counselor?" I responded, "I'm memorializing everything you just said because I don't ever want you to look at me the way you looked at that contractor." Bill laughed but said, "on time, fairly and with dignity."
Bill, JulieAnn and I had a fabulous collaboration from that point forward. Dr. Debra Robinson, a School Board member and woman of color, was our avid advocate, who knew the pulse of the Pleasant City community (no pun intended). The litigation was hellacious—the hardest eminent domain case of my 40-year legal career. However, every owner and every tenant were treated fairly, with dignity and, thanks to Bill and Dr. Robinson, with generosity.
The school opened on time on August 14, 2002. JulieAnn and I sat on opposite sides of Bill with our heads on his shoulders. Dr. Robinson was there too. When those gorgeous little children came into the auditorium, we all cried.
As Chief Facilities Officer, Chief Operating Officer and Superintendent, Bill always put people first. He demanded that his staff and outside service providers be honest and treat everyone ¬children, parents, teachers, administrators – fairly and with dignity.
Bill Malone was one heck of a military man – tough as nails but warmer than the sun. Working for Bill as outside counsel is one of the highlights of my legal career. The children and families in Palm Beach County benefited greatly from his service. It was an honor to know and work for Bill. I am a better lawyer and a better person for having been held to Bill's very high standards for performance..."
- Dale Hedrick, chief executive officer, Hedrick Brothers Construction: "Bill Malone left a legacy of achievement working in the Palm Beach School District. He was a remarkable advocate for making decisions that prepared students for their future. We were fortunate to have him as a leader and Palm Beach County School District benefited from it."
- Young Song, architect, Song + Associates, Inc.: "I think of Bill as the man with integrity and courage to stand up to what is right, yet he had the warmest heart for friends and family."
- Sheryl Wood, former School Board General Counsel: "I knew Bill Malone for many years, including those when I was a lawyer for the water management district where Bill also held leadership positions. He was a leader first and foremost. He understood the importance of an engaged and interested board and public in getting things done for the students of today, and of working together to achieve goals in a calm and unassuming manner. Bill Malone was a professional through and through and I enjoyed working with him over the years. I hope a school can be named for him to preserve that legacy of integrity and a little bit of a devilish sense of humor."
- Jeff Koons, former West Palm Beach City and Palm Beach County Commissioner: "I remember Bill Malone as someone who was very easy to work with and was very successful at solving complex problems... I personally worked extensively with him on school siting for new schools and transportation networks to the schools. Also, we started looking at school concurrency which was initiated as growth management strategies to make sure that all students had spaces when their houses were built."
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Gary Pirtle, whose former construction company, "Pirtle Construction," was chosen to build High School 03-000:
"Pirtle Construction was very fortunate to have been contracted to build over 30 schools for the Palm Beach
School District. Mr. Malone was always involved in the planning and evolution of many of the schools we built.
He was always involved with the Facilities Division with planning and organization decisions that evolved in
an organization that always worked with the Architects and Contractors to ensure schools were built to a high
standard. Palm Beach Schools were always designed with the students, teachers, and administrators to ensure
the school met the very highest standards for operation, safety and efficiency.
Mr. Malone was always available to meet with me to discuss school construction and quality evolution of the process. He was an excellent proponent for quality schools and quality operations for the Palm Beach School District."
- JulieAnn Rico, former School Board General Counsel, in a note after Mr. Malone left as superintendent: "You have been a touch stone to what is fair, what is right, and what is meaningful in this oftentimes skewed environment."
- Blair LittleJohn, School Board Deputy General Counsel, and who also worked with Mr. Malone at the water district: "Bill modeled the habits he expected in his employees. Character, integrity, calmness under fire." And: "Bill always took the time to talk strategy with me even when he didn't have to. And I always knew he had my back and he would support me when we were trying to make a [land] deal happen."
- Ian Saltzman, former area superintendent: "Bill Malone was so kind and treated me as an Area Superintendent with great respect and leadership. He cared about students and adults greatly."
- Brad Johnson, former educational leadership graduate student: "…I had an assignment to interview an educational leader. While he was very busy leading the school district, Mr. Malone graciously agreed and even came to my school for the interview. His wisdom and kindness were evident throughout the experience. He took a personal interest in me and I am grateful for the time that we spent together.…"
- Lauriann Basel, case manager, adult and community education: "Bill was one of the most amazing individuals I have met during my time at the District. He showed me such compassion, leadership and mentoring…"
- Leslie Millar, former teacher, Wynnebrook Elementary School: "Bill Malone was one of the greatest superintendents the Palm Beach County School District had. He was so respected by everyone he came into contact with. He was always reachable, with an open door policy. He always had a calming presence and that was just what the District needed after the previous superintendent was fired. Although Bill was only in this position for nine months, it was so evident how much he cared about the students' well-being and for all employees of the Palm Beach County School District."
- The late Nathaniel P. Reed, national and state environmental icon, called him "the most trusted man in the (water) district."
- Frank Finch, former executive director, in a letter of recommendation to the School District: "One of Bill's particular talents is his ability to sort through the complexities of a problem to arrive at the 'heart of the issue'…I especially appreciated his knack for getting to a bottom-line solution rapidly."
- Sam Poole, former executive director, wrote in a letter to School District Superintendent Dr. Ben Marlin when Mr. Malone applied for the Chief of Facilities position in 2000: "Bill's exceptional intellect, integrity and character make him the penultimate team player and public servant. He is deeply committed to fairness and diversity and to making and supporting decisions that accomplish the agency mission…" and "I quickly learned to rely upon Bill's judgment in managing the exceedingly complex natural resource and human resource management issues faced by the district. As a leader, Bill understood and had the courage to tell me what I needed to hear, not what he thought I wanted to hear…. Bill is the calming influence in the eye of the storm and the ultimate hard-nosed negotiator on behalf of the public interest." On another occasion, Mr. Poole wrote: "One of the most competent and honorable public servants I have known."
- Terrie Bates, former deputy executive director: "Bill was an incredible leader and special role model for me. Throughout my career I aspired to be the kind of leader that Bill was. One special thing I remember is that Bill was always the biggest supporter of the employees. …Bill certainly leaves behind a huge legacy in south Florida—all our most special environmental lands are ones he acquired."
- Sandra Turnquest, former human resources director: "Bill was an incredible man with integrity and compassion."
- Abe Cooper, former attorney, who worked for 10 years with Mr. Malone: "Bill was the kind of leader who maintained the highest standards of integrity, honesty, and professionalism. There was never any question but to do the right thing…Bill led by example. He never asked you to do something that he wouldn't do himself…He always made you feel important and gave credit to you when he was shouldering the lion's share of the work, responsibility, and stress…For Bill, public service was a noble and weighty responsibility. The public deserved nothing less than our very best effort and to be always treated with respect…With all of Bill's many stellar achievements and accomplishments, he was very humble and sincere…And we all have sought to carry on his legacy in our work and lives."
- Lourdes Elias, Mr. Malone's former administrative assistant: "He was a great man and a great leader who everyone looked up to."
- Marjorie Moore, former mitigation expert: "Bill was an extraordinary man whose integrity and leadership inspired me."
- Paula Moree, Mr. Malone's former administrative assistant wrote this about him when her daughter had an emergency and was in the ICU: "He was the first to arrive and the last to leave," that night.
- Nick Kretis, construction/operations: "He was a true gentleman and leader whom we respected and missed when he left the district. Everyone who knew him held him in such high regard."
Bill Malone's architectural contributions and healing leadership as interim superintendent cemented his legacy as a cornerstone of society. It seems fitting that his name should be set in stone as an example of structural integrity and foundational values for generations of students.
* Mr. Malone began his military career early in life. He joined the Army ROTC in high school. Coincidentally, the new 03-000 school has an Army ROTC track among its Choice and Career Programs. Perhaps the "Bill Malone Leadership High School" could reflect his highly regarded management skills.
Last updated September 19, 2022