Thirty high school students in Pasco County will earn six free college credits in civics next school year, taught by the district's top administrator.

Superintendent Dr. John Legg announced Thursday, July 16, that he will personally teach two college-level courses at River Ridge High School in New Port Richey beginning in August. The courses, American Federal Government and Local Government, will meet twice a week for one hour each session across the full school year. Legg will not be paid for the teaching role.

"I've been doing it for 20 years. It's something I'm passionate about. I've taught over 500 kids in this course," Legg told WFLA.

Legg served in the Florida Legislature from 2004 to 2016 and holds a doctorate in education from the University of South Florida. He said he hopes the arrangement inspires other district leaders, including principals, to step into classrooms. He cited former University of Florida President Ben Sasse, who taught courses while leading that institution in 2023 and 2024, as his model.

Legg said the courses respond to civic disengagement among young people. His goal, he said, is for students to become more civically active and potentially pursue careers in government.

Board member was once his student

School board member Megan Harding, who represents District 5, endorsed the move in a statement to WFLA. Harding, a certified educator who also teaches as an adjunct professor at Saint Leo University, said Legg was her government teacher when she was in high school.

Harding said there is no substitute for being in the classroom and seeing firsthand the successes and challenges educators and students experience daily. She called Legg's decision to return to teaching a reflection of his leadership.

Parents weigh in

Two River Ridge parents interviewed by WFLA expressed support, with caveats. John Solt, who has two children at the school, said he sees no problem with the arrangement as long as students have freedom of expression in the classroom. Sharon Weiss, another parent, said she thinks it's important for administrators to experience what teachers go through, provided Legg can balance both roles.

River Ridge High School, the largest school in Pasco County, serves 1,798 students in grades 9 through 12.