The Monroe County School Board's newest member hit the ground talking during his first meeting Tuesday night.
Ed Davidson, a longtime School Board gadfly, took several opportunities to present short speeches on his own background as well as his hopes for the board in the future, and remained active throughout the meeting making motions and offering opinions.
The meeting was held in the Henriquez Administration Building at Trumbo Point in Key West.
Capt. Davidson, elected to the board earlier this month, was sworn in by Judge Richard Payne, as was returning veteran board member Andy Griffiths.
Davidson's debut started on a light tone, when School Board members donned baseball caps -- like the one Davidson wears -- bearing the title of captain, along with the name Monroe County School District.
The new member was given a cap as well, with the lower rank of ensign.
"You're the new guy on the block; you cannot start off as a captain," board Chairman John Dick said. "We are captains -- you must start out as an ensign."
It was Davidson, after noting Dick's long service as chairman, who nominated Griffiths for the spot.
Dick has made clear he is not interested in continuing the chairman's role.
Griffiths' election as chairman was unanimous, as was the election of Ron Martin as vice chairman.
The board moved on to other business following the election of officers and handing out of assignments to board members, as liaisons to various community organizations that hold seats on their boards for School Board members.
The board watched and listened to a presentation on the Student Success Act, a new law that will measure teacher and student progress and achievement in Florida.
Board members also heard an update from Audit and Finance Committee member Stuart Kessler on last year's activities.
"I think that was a great move," Davidson said of the caps. He also said he was looking forward to starting work on tackling School District issues he addressed as a member of the public, but now will approach as a decision-maker.
"There will be a lot of hard work," he said.
jdesantis@keysnews.com