Broward County Public Schools' new superintendent, Robert W. Runcie, will be "hitting the road" soon as he conducts a blitz of listening sessions across Broward County. The "listening tour" is part of the kickoff of his tenure as superintendent of the nation's sixth largest school district.

Runcie wants to meet and connect with parents and community members to establish a channel of two-way communication and build support to improve student achievement and performance. The perspectives, experiences, opinions and concerns expressed by parents and community members will be used to develop the next district strategic plan. The listening sessions, to be held at several high schools throughout the district, are open to all parents and community members.

"In my meetings and conversations with parents, teachers, students, business and community members I'm finding a common theme. Our school system is Broward County's biggest asset, and everyone I speak with is tremendously proud of the Broward County Public Schools and the quality of education we provide to our students. I hope to get our stakeholders' perspective on that which we do very well and that which we can do better," said Runcie.

The public is invited to take part in the conversation during one of these sessions. All sessions will begin at 6:30 p.m.:

Monday, November 14 at Fort Lauderdale High School, 1600 NE 4th Ave., Ft. Lauderdale 33305

Tuesday, November 29 at Blanche Ely High School, 1201 NW 6th Ave., Pompano Beach 33060

Monday, December 5 at Coral Glades High School, 2700 Sportsplex Drive, Coral Springs 33065

Monday, December 12 at Hollywood Hills High School, 5400 Stirling Rd., Hollywood 33021

Wednesday, January 4 at Coconut Creek High School, 1400 NW 44th Ave., Coconut Creek 33066

Monday, January 9 at Flanagan High School, 12800 Taft St., Pembroke Pines 33028

Tuesday, January 17 at Cypress Bay High School, 18600 Vista Park Blvd., Weston 33332

Thursday, January 19 at Dillard High School, 2501 NW 11th St., Ft. Lauderdale 33311