Your Turn

AI-assisted summary Leon County Schools Superintendent Rocky Hanna emphasizes the importance of community support in education.

Envision Credit Union, a long-time supporter of Leon County Schools, is merging with Addition Financial Credit Union.

The merger will expand resources and programs for students, including a student-run branch and a branded debit card.

Hanna encourages continued community investment in education from businesses, nonprofits, and civic organizations.

Before I became superintendent of Leon County Schools, I experienced our school system from just about every angle. I was a student here. I taught in our classrooms, coached on our fields, served as a principal, and even worked as a hall monitor.

Over the years, I have come to believe that the most important factor in a child’s education, beyond what happens during the school day, is the support they receive from their community.

No school district, no matter how strong, can do it alone. When local partners step forward to invest in students, whether through time, resources, or direct engagement, the benefits are immediate and lasting. We have seen that repeatedly in Leon County.

Over the past two decades, one of the most consistent and committed community partners in that effort has been Envision Credit Union, a homegrown financial institution founded by educators. Envision has long been a difference-maker, especially in underserved communities.

Their support has taken many forms, from classroom grants and student leadership programs to recognizing outstanding teachers and volunteers. They have celebrated student excellence and achievement through their title sponsorship of the Best & Brightest Awards. They even surprised 70 educators with cruises to recognize their dedication.

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Envision’s approach has never been about checking a box. It has been about showing up, listening, and following through. Through Envision’s Volunteer Paid Time Off program, employees are encouraged to spend time volunteering in local schools. That is why many of our educators know their name and appreciate their presence.

Now, as Envision prepares to merge into Addition Financial Credit Union, I am reassured that this legacy of educational support will not only continue but grow. For many residents in Leon County, this is welcome news. Like Envision, Addition Financial was founded by public school teachers and has spent nearly 90 years promoting financial literacy and educational advancement. They operate student-run branches in several high schools elsewhere and provide real, tangible support for both students and educators.

Plans are already in motion to bring one of those student-run branches to a Leon County high school. A branded debit card for students is also in development. These are not gimmicks. They are practical tools that help students learn financial responsibility in a safe, supportive environment before they graduate.

What makes this merger encouraging is not just the expansion of services. It is the continuation of a shared philosophy that education is worth investing in, and that financial institutions can play a meaningful role in supporting it.

This is especially important in communities that have often been underserved or overlooked. Local institutions that understand the realities of our neighborhoods are in the best position to meet them with empathy and action. They know our schools not just by zip code, but by name.

But the responsibility to invest in students does not fall to schools and credit unions alone. When local businesses, nonprofits, and civic organizations invest in our children’s future, whether through mentorship programs, internships, or simply showing up, the effects ripple outward throughout our community.

Rocky Hanna has served as superintendent of Leon County Schools since 2016.

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