WCSD Superintendent Race

[beachbums77]

From WZEP First News‎ > ‎
Rosemary Ragle Speaks Against ESE Changes
posted an hour ago by WZEP AM 1460 An Exceptional Student Education employee with the Walton School District took issue with Superintendent Anderson’s recommendation to add a Coordinator of Instructional Support Services. Rosemary Ragle spoke to the Board and questioned adding the position at a time she says morale is low, questioned changes in ESE staff location and questioned spending money for a position when it could be used elsewhere.
Ragle, who is with the Walton School District ESE Department, talked to WZEP First News. Ragle is also qualified as a democrat candidate for Walton Superintendent of Schools. With limited time to make comments, and with the meeting being an agenda specific special meeting, Ragle made several comments and points, but not all were fully cited or allowed due to the specific question on the agenda.
At the meeting Ragle talked about constraints on financing and teachers not getting step raises. She says she is concerned about teachers. Ragle also thinks moral is low and does not think teachers feel valued. Talking to WZEP, she noted the recent School Accreditation Report and says they cited the need to develop a plan of corrective action to improve the confidence of the stakeholders in the school district. Stakeholders can be teachers, support and parents. She says another area of weakness noted by the Accreditation team was the need to increase parent involvement.
Ragle also talked about Building One at the Tivoli Complex. She says it has always housed the exceptional education department. Currently they have six staff members with offices there. She told the Board that in the past the district spent funds to install a confidential record file room that meets requirements. Ragle tells First News her staff will be moved in July to accommodate the phy services department. Ragle says she is concerned that the departments are being split into two and that if the ESE staff is separated from the building, they will lose easy accessibility to the records needed to their everyday work. Ragle was stopped from discussing the relocation of her staff since the meeting was an agenda special meeting and the personnel recommendations were listed, but not building needs.
Ragle also questioned adding another administrative position to the payroll. She says the two departments were one, Psychological and ESE and now there will be two. At the meeting, Superintendent Anderson told the Board there will be no additional cost and there might even be a savings. It was explained the position would be funded through several TItle programs. Saying that union negotiations have been at an impasse, Ragle expressed concern with adding a position to the Tivoli Complex. She tells WZEP she feels it would have a negative public perception. Ragle says these funds can not be used to pay teachers, but could be used elsewhere. She says they could find areas of need where the funds could be used, without creating an administrative position. An example would be using these funds to provide inclusive services for V-PK and pre-Kindergarten disabilities.

[seagrovegirl]

I take exception to some of the comments by Ragle.

First, moral is low due to budget constraints and payroll freezes, this is across the counrty, not an isolated circumstance.

Second, I think teachers are notoriously underfunded and it takes a special person to educate our kids. That being said, don't contribute to the bickering, kids come first. It will get better, we have to get through the perfect storm.

Third, hiring additional staff to help the ESE students sounds like a plus to me, especially since it will be at no additional cost to WCSD. ESE programs need improvement in Walton Co.

Fourth, what would be Ragle's recommendation for improvement? The issues were addressed, in a meeting that was agenda specific, so I understand the limited conversation, so what was the point? It seems the motive is political which in my opinion was counter productive. It leaves more questions than answers.

My thoughts that remain, are this is a Union issue, and hiring more staff ( even though fully funded elsewhere)during pay freezes will detract from their paycheck. This sickens me.

Lastly, I have nothing to gain by my comments. I currently have no children in the school system and I have not chosen a candidate to support. I see this for what it is, it is so obvious to me, so I had to speak out.

I admire our teachers, they work hard and put up with a bunch of crap from kids, parents and administration, but the current circumstances are what they are. I want to see some thoughts on solutions, not negative comments in a limited meeting.

[ann watson]

My husband has attended a lot of school board meetings and he was at the meeting on Wednesday. I understand that the most interesting issues to come up were personnel recommendations that some parents and others expressed concerns about. I am a teacher of 32 years who no longer works in Walton schools so I do know a little about schools and education. I also have a son who graduated from South Walton High in 2010. I understand that the personnel recommendations are given to the board by the superintendent and the board always approves them as a whole and not individually. With the exception of relatives of a board member, no individual names are even mentioned. The board is told by the board attorney that they must approve the superintendent's recommendations unless they have good cause not to do so. This would be a more valid argument if individual names were submitted for approval and not just the whole list with no names given to the board. The fact is that a lot of instructional candidates with better qualifications are passed over for less qualified teachers. It is a fact that in Walton County the number of experienced teachers with graduate degrees is below the state average. But less experienced teachers with only BA degrees can be paid less which is what Tea Party types with no children seem to think is needed. Our children deserve the best teachers we can recruit.

[beachbums77]

Four years ago when I went to the poll to vote I felt I really knew very little about the local candidates especially the candidates for school board and superintendent. For that reason I was very glad to come across the interview conducted by the Defuniak radio station and hope they continue to report on the local candidates. The WCSD pays the superintendent over $100,000 so I think it's pretty important to all about the candidates.
Also on the station's website is a summary of the school board meeting. So, though I agree that the payroll freeze our teachers have experienced over the past 3-5 years would definitly dampen moral, there does seem to be another problem. According to the summary a person spoke on behalf of a group of teachers that were "too afraid" to speak for themselves. Afraid?
Hiring additional ESE staff I also agree would be of great benefit to our school distict. I imagine with budget constraints it is often the students with disabilities that can be most affected. But, as noted in the summary, this position is not for a person to work with students with special needs it is admisistrative position. From what I am able to find out online these positions start out at over $65,000 a year. And even though it seems the position will be paid for from "title" money couldn't that money have paid for 2 or 3 classroom aides? or much needed materials? Beginning teacher pay is only $34,700.
Current circumstances being what they are, I would hope school board staff would be thinking of providing educational services to the students first.
Hopefully there will be more to come from and about all the local candidates.

[playing4possum]

It is quite interesting to note that Walton County School Board needs to have more "parent involvement". I not longer have a child in the here in Walton County and I thank Florida Virtual School and Northwest Florida State College for my child's education. I consider myself an active parent. I know the teachers and administrators that gave my child more education in a day than some gave him in a year. Say "YES" to parental involvement. Say "NO" to pedigree jobs. Seriously folks who are new here, it is not what you know but who you are related to when it comes to jobs here/especially political ones. I have not voted for Carlene Anderson once in all the times she has won in this county and this election will be no different. Until she sees the value of the community (especially parents) becoming involved in here in education, she will not have my vote. Yes, she has the biggest sign but it is not an A+ system here.

I can see where instructors were "afraid". It is true, she has not been compassionate toward them. I remember back to when she was an elementary school principal. She needs to pack her bags and go back to college. Why are we continually paying over 100, 000 a year to someone who railroads our instructors, changes them from school to school year after year so that they are at her whim of where she wants to send them.

Walton County School System needs a great leader. It is time to put aside who is related to what school board member, erase all the bad marks off the backs of paid professional teachers and move on with 21st century education. I may be one person but I will speak my mind.

The ABC's of education= Anyone But Carlene

[ricky bobby]

From what I hear from parents and teachers I agree with the ABC formula. It appears that Mrs. Anderson has supreme authority and the board only rubber stamps her decisions, teachers live in fear and parents and other concerned citizens are ignored.

[playing4possum]

Supreme Authority and Rubber Stamps make for pretty impressive diplomas, huh? What the Walton County children need is a role model, someone who believes in children, who is educated and trained in management. In this day and age, our children need to be learning skills that will sustain them for life and not focused on some government mandate of FCAT that will long be obsolete when they need to be focused on feeding their children. Frankly, I haven't seen that capability here. Sadly many of our voters think their votes do not count and wouldn't give Carlene the time of day, if they had it. That is how Carlene has managed to railroad through political doors to her seat of education.

[Jdarg]

It is quite interesting to note that Walton County School Board needs to have more "parent involvement". I not longer have a child in the here in Walton County and I thank Florida Virtual School and Northwest Florida State College for my child's education. I consider myself an active parent. I know the teachers and administrators that gave my child more education in a day than some gave him in a year. Say "YES" to parental involvement. Say "NO" to pedigree jobs. Seriously folks who are new here, it is not what you know but who you are related to when it comes to jobs here/especially political ones. I have not voted for Carlene Anderson once in all the times she has won in this county and this election will be no different. Until she sees the value of the community (especially parents) becoming involved in here in education, she will not have my vote. Yes, she has the biggest sign but it is not an A+ system here.

I can see where instructors were "afraid". It is true, she has not been compassionate toward them. I remember back to when she was an elementary school principal. She needs to pack her bags and go back to college. Why are we continually paying over 100, 000 a year to someone who railroads our instructors, changes them from school to school year after year so that they are at her whim of where she wants to send them.

Walton County School System needs a great leader. It is time to put aside who is related to what school board member, erase all the bad marks off the backs of paid professional teachers and move on with 21st century education. I may be one person but I will speak my mind.

The ABC's of education= Anyone But Carlene

So who do you recommend we vote for and why? Please be specific. One candidate did not wow me at all in the last election and there is a brand new candidate it this election that I would love to know more about- she sounds very sharp.

[playing4possum]

I do not endorse any of the candidates currently but I will be doing my research before I make my own choice as I hope every American Citizen chooses to do at voting time. Take some time and do the research. www.greatschools.com has a write in section where parents and have students have been writing down information. It also shows you how schools measure up nationally. Those kids at Walton Academy seem to not be doing so well. I understand why they are sent there but there should be a program in place that is teaching them more than where the next step to drop out is. Someone should go into the schools with an open mind and ask questions. A private group of citizens that gathers information about what our kids think their school is like. Sure it is mandatory that they go to compulsory school but we can use this time to change their lives for the better as obviously their lives spiral out of control from there forward. The whole reason we have children being taught is that we do not want them to grow up illiterate. Isn't that why little two room school houses were built in the little farming areas here. Now that we have bigger schools w

With more expensive advanced technology let teachers do their jobs and send our school board attorney doing for us? Can't he file a motion on behalf of the residents of Walton County to say we are going to reclaim the schools, teach our children and we refuse to continue paying our taxes toward a unjust way of measuring children's abilities. Or does the attorney feel he is powerless to take on that task?

So who do you recommend we vote for and why? Please be specific. One candidate did not wow me at all in the last election and there is a brand new candidate it this election that I would love to know more about- she sounds very sharp.

[Annie66]

From experience, I can say that Mrs. Anderson is more concerned with test scores, getting government grants, and making sure that her authority isn't challenged. My friends are teachers and I can tell you morale is low. And from what I hear and read, the board meetings are held for the sole purpose of approving the agendas to satisfy statutory requirement. Teachers don't need to live in fear of the head of the school district.

[Andy A]

[QUOTE=ann watson; experienced teachers with only BA degrees can be paid less which is what Tea Party types with no children seem to think is needed. Our children deserve the best teachers we can recruit.[/QUOTE]

I think your perception of what "Tea Party types" are, to be kind, is tremendously flawed. While the Tea Party is for limited government and less spending, it is certainly not against necessary and well supervised expenditure of tax funds.

I am of the very strong opinion, and have noted such at Tea Party meetings, that the average attendent is well informed on governmental issues at all levels of government, intelligent and well educated. The Tea Party is not a bunch of rag tag individuals, it is composed primarily of those who have been around the block once or twice and those willing to listens to facts and become educated. In simple terms, I believe your premise is horribly wrong.

"Our children deserve the best teachers we can recruit." There is no denying this but they deserve something more. They deserve the best parents possible. Parents that not only care for their education but see that they understand they are not the only human being on the planet. They need guidance and disipline. I note, with dismay, that in the course of public interaction, this is often lacking. If it is lacking there, what must home and school be like.

Now a word on the Superintendent issue. Walton County needs to work toward the Superintendent being hired instead of elected and responsible to the school board. The superintendent should serve at the pleasure of the parents, teachers and school board. Until this scenerio is brought into play, you will continue to have the situation you have now.

[SGB]

So who do you recommend we vote for and why? Please be specific. One candidate did not wow me at all in the last election and there is a brand new candidate it this election that I would love to know more about- she sounds very sharp.

I have now met both candidates and have some personal experience with Carlene over the years. I think we need a write-in candidate. I attended the meeting on Wednesday and it was an education. I finally realized how screwed up our system really is.

A list of employees that the board was voting on was given to the attendees after it was realized what was happening and an audience member requested the list. The list was not on the web site prior to the meeting. I assume the board had the list already. Once employee recommendation get before the board, they are pretty much forced to approve them unless an employee has committed one of a specific list of "sins". Basically it boils down to if they aren't a criminal (I'm simplifying here.) then the board has to approve the employees that the Superintendent puts forth. It is rubber stamping her recommendations. It has become obvious to me that the school board has very little power and, for the most part, what Carlene wants, Carlene gets. I have come to the same conclusion I did many years ago when I first moved here. The Superintendent should be a hired position, not an elected one. It always seemed odd to me that the Superintendent was elected but figured that was just because it wasn't how it was done where I lived previously.

I've been hearing the theory of the ABC's of Education = Anyone But Carlene, a lot lately, but am at a loss on the alternative. I am hoping that as I learn more about each of the candidates, one stands out, but so far no one is impressing me and it makes me sad for the future of our school system. I have been hearing consistent stories about the morale across the school district and that Carlene has a very heavy hand when dealing with employees. I've witnessed the shuffle of administrators between schools that goes on every year. If a principal or other administrator doesn't work out at one school, they are sometimes left in place (sorry Paxton) or shuffled around to a different school or to the district office.

I have seen improvements in our schools through the years, but they could be incredible schools if given the right guidance and strong leadership. Unfortunately the time to qualify for the election has passed. What are our options now?

[ann watson]

I think your perception of what "Tea Party types" are, to be kind, is tremendously flawed. While the Tea Party is for limited government and less spending, it is certainly not against necessary and well supervised expenditure of tax funds.

I am of the very strong opinion, and have noted such at Tea Party meetings, that the average attendent is well informed on governmental issues at all levels of government, intelligent and well educated. The Tea Party is not a bunch of rag tag individuals, it is composed primarily of those who have been around the block once or twice and those willing to listens to facts and become educated. In simple terms, I believe your premise is horribly wrong.

"Our children deserve the best teachers we can recruit." There is no denying this but they deserve something more. They deserve the best parents possible. Parents that not only care for their education but see that they understand they are not the only human being on the planet. They need guidance and disipline. I note, with dismay, that in the course of public interaction, this is often lacking. If it is lacking there, what must home and school be like.

Now a word on the Superintendent issue. Walton County needs to work toward the Superintendent being hired instead of elected and responsible to the school board. The superintendent should serve at the pleasure of the parents, teachers and school board. Until this scenerio is brought into play, you will continue to have the situation you have now.

I have nothing against the tea party. And just so you'll know, I'm posting under my real maiden name. Perhaps some of you have a problem with me because I lost a career of 30 years and I can't just accept it because we were told that 'the law doesn't require a reason' for non renewal. The school district actually hired more than 60 additional teachers after I was dismissed. There was also a collective bargaining agreement that was ignored. I was a good teacher and my childrens' performance reflects that. I'd gladly take a job at an entry level salary, but I also have it on good authority that Mrs. Anderson's policy is not to rehire non-renewed teachers. As for the election, she'll more than likely stay in her position. My family hasn't lived in Walton county for 6 generations so I'm a nobody who doesn't deserve any explanation about crappy decisions by our public servants. Oh and it might be nice if some of the more prolific voices on this site actually attended school board meetings and talked to some of the ex-teachers who will never work in Walton County Schools again. I would go to some meetings but at 9:00AM I'm sometimes working at my part time hourly job.

[Andy A]

I am very sorry about your situation and feel it was unfairly enacted. A couple more questions. Why was your union, to which I assume you paid dues, unable to help? Also, as you had 30 years service was there no retirement?

I, admittedly, do not attend school board meetings as I leave that to active parents. I do attend BCC meetings in the South. Oh, and I do pay taxes. I feel most of those at the federal level are wasted, however.

[ann watson]

WCEA is a token union. As far as I know they don't even have a website or a mailing address. When I was teaching our representative was Trisha Hutchison and she only said that the union didn't really represent you unless you were under a professional services contract (tenure). Now that tenure is gone thanks to Sen. Gaetz and some of our other illustrious members of the legislature, I suppose the union only represents members who had tenure prior to the end my fourth year of teaching. Mrs. Anderson canned me just in the nick of time. Had I been rehired I would have had tenure. How convenient.

[BJackson]

I have a friend here in Freeport who had a similar experience. She was not renewed by her principal with no explanation. Because she was not renewed no other principal in Walton County would allow her to interview for an open teaching position. She was devastated. Her career was essentially over unless she moved from here. After a brief time working in the hospitality field, she was lucky enough to be hired for a teaching position in the Bay County School District. She was unable to get a recommendation from her previous principal but after a Walton County School Board member reviewed her personnel file, she received a glowing recommendation.

[j p nettles]

A person's resume may look good on paper but performance says a lot more. That goes for candidates as well as business leaders. I worked for a company for more than 25 years and when I started, the CEO had a great educational background and a reputation for ruthlessness. The board of directors finally replaced him with a man who was successful in his business interests but he wasn't a college graduate. The company, under his direction and leadership experienced it's greatest period of prosperity and profitability in it's history. When he assumed the position of CEO he surrounded himself with qualified, competent people who got the job done. And he was a fair person and if he had to fire someone or replace someone he could give you a reason for doing so. I say this and I was way, way down on the totem pole.

[liz coats]

Low morale, unfair treatment of teachers, and rule by fear and intimidation. That's what I'm hearing. I'd hate to work under those conditions. "my way or the highway" isn't my cup of tea.

[Bob Wells]

Low morale, unfair treatment of teachers, and rule by fear and intimidation. That's what I'm hearing. I'd hate to work under those conditions. "my way or the highway" isn't my cup of tea.

That's funny, you said tea.

[ann watson]

I'd like for the candidates to have some kind of town hall meetings so the public might interact with them. I taught in the same school with Trisha Hutchison but I don't know Mrs. Ragle or Mrs. Anderson. In the four years I taught the superintendent never darkened the door of our school unless I missed seeing her. In Alabama where I taught for 27 years, the superintendent made regular visits to all the schools and always visited my class. If the public could ask the candidates questions and get a feel for them and their plans it would be helpful.

[ShallowsNole]

There was a candidate forum in DeFuniak a week or so ago, which I found out about after it was over. Surely some one is holding something down here. Or at least I hope so.

[liz coats]

I don't live in south Walton but my parents do but I find it a little shocking that the qualifications for superintendent are so low. Where I went to school the superintendent was hired by the school board and he had impressive qualifications and he had a doctorate. He also came from another state and we were lucky enough to have attracted him to our area. I'm glad my first grader is in Shelby County Alabama schools.

[j p nettles]

Mrs. Anderson's comments at the forum in Freeport Tuesday night were interesting. She's an articulate speaker and she made it a point to tout her influence with some of our legislators. Obviously she has clout with Sen. Don Gaetz as he's already made a contribution to her re-election campaign. No doubt she also had the attention of former spearker Sansom before his fall from grace. I'm sure she feels confident that she'll win and I see that other big donors are joining in with support. Of course the E. O. Wilson Center organization has started with their first round of $500 contributions.

[ann watson]

When applying for jobs, one thing that stands out is that Walton County has a lot of turnover in instructional personnel. I notice that this isn't the case in our neighbor counties. I've always thought it was good practice not only to recruit and hire good personnel but to retain them if they do a good job. I also understand that when the board approves personnel recommendations at the meetings, no names are mentioned. It doesn't appear that the board is even knows who it's approving. High turnover of personnel doesn't seem to be a sign of good leadership.

[idlewind]

The big money supporters are not lining up unless they are getting something in return. Seems like the only choice is to vote for Hutchinson. We cannot continue to elect these pawns of the rich good ole boys and expect any different ( OR BETTER) results in our government.

[Bob Wells]

I am not sure about the logic.

[Jdarg]

I am hearing lots of good things about Ragle from some teachers, and she would be a choice from outside the system, which at this point might be a really good thing for the WCSD. I also noticed that her candidate bio was the only one that mentioned wanting to get the parents more involved. Wow!

[playing4possum]

I do agree with this post. High turnover, keeps the children in turmoil too as they never know from one day to the next who will be in front of them. Not good for learning at all.

When applying for jobs, one thing that stands out is that Walton County has a lot of turnover in instructional personnel. I notice that this isn't the case in our neighbor counties. I've always thought it was good practice not only to recruit and hire good personnel but to retain them if they do a good job. I also understand that when the board approves personnel recommendations at the meetings, no names are mentioned. It doesn't appear that the board is even knows who it's approving. High turnover of personnel doesn't seem to be a sign of good leadership.

[playing4possum]

You are so right on Target. While Hutchinson's campaign may not have clearly stated that it would welcome the "listening" to new ideas, I believe if you had solutions and took them to her, she would readily listen to ALL who were willing to give feedback. There is still so much learning to do at the School Board level. It will take someone who is fairly knowledgeable about how the current system has been going, someone willing to listen to advice and solutions to problem and someone who welcomes parents to work in the schools as long as they have clear backgrounds (for child safety reasons).

[playing4possum]

One more thing I thought I would call your attention to is The DeFuniak Herald Breeze (July 12, 2012 edition) on the front cover there is a report of a recent school board meeting. I found the reading humorous. Mark Davis stated something to the nature of for the past 15 years that the school board policy is not noted correctly in the student handbooks and that year after year they vote and pass it on through. 15 years? That is all of Carlene's terms plus the previous superintendent. 15 years of business as usual with no one really caring....just passing things along. I want a leader who is attentive to details, someone who's mission is to do it right the first time around. I could understand a mess up but sending these expensive handbooks to the printer time after time without making the appropriate changes is saying to the kids "We do a half-assed job." There has to be someone who can make sure that the standards that we give our parents and kids to live by are right the first time. It was just another one of those things that you wished every voter read before going to the polls. She's had plenty of time to get her act together, yet she still touts A schools when Walton is clearly a B average compared to the other schools.

[BJackson]

According to the Florida Department of Education a school district must be an academically high-performing district in order to start school prior to 2 weeks before Labor Day. To be considered academically high-performing, districts must meet four state standards:

- They must meet class-size requirements.
- They must have a clean financial audit.
- They must maintain an A grade for two straight years.
- They must have no district-run schools with an F grade.

Does the district receiving a B grade for 2012 change the start date for the 2012-2013 school year?

[graytonbeachguy]

"I think your perception of what "Tea Party types" are, to be kind, is tremendously flawed. While the Tea Party is for limited government and less spending, it is certainly not against necessary and well supervised expenditure of tax funds.

I am of the very strong opinion, and have noted such at Tea Party meetings, that the average attendent is well informed on governmental issues at all levels of government, intelligent and well educated. The Tea Party is not a bunch of rag tag individuals, it is composed primarily of those who have been around the block once or twice and those willing to listens to facts and become educated.

__________________________________________________ _______

Sorry, AA, gonna have to call B.S. on that. Have you read a newspaper or serious analysis of how this "grass-roots" movement was co-opted by the Republican Party? This may be line that Teabaggers tell each other, but it is far from the truth.

[Andy A]

"I think your perception of what "Tea Party types" are, to be kind, is tremendously flawed. While the Tea Party is for limited government and less spending, it is certainly not against necessary and well supervised expenditure of tax funds.

I am of the very strong opinion, and have noted such at Tea Party meetings, that the average attendent is well informed on governmental issues at all levels of government, intelligent and well educated. The Tea Party is not a bunch of rag tag individuals, it is composed primarily of those who have been around the block once or twice and those willing to listens to facts and become educated.

__________________________________________________ _______

Sorry, AA, gonna have to call B.S. on that. Have you read a newspaper or serious analysis of how this "grass-roots" movement was co-opted by the Republican Party? This may be line that Teabaggers tell each other, but it is far from the truth.

May I graciously invite you to attend a Tea Party meeting before you go off half cocked with an opinion that has no basis of fact. It is true that most Tea Party members are Republicans but to say that the Republican party has co-opted the Tea Party movement is a stretch. I'm sure you know that the TEA stands for Taxed Enough Already. The Tea Party has one agenda and that is to see people elected who adhere to their ideals and principles.

[graytonbeachguy]

No, thank you on the invite. I, too, originally thought the TEA Party was a spontaneous and genuine grass roots movement. The dissatisfaction of the Tea Partiers was quickly harnessed by the Koch brothers, et al., for their own purposes. A simple agenda of tax and spending reform quickly blossomed to include the myriad social "hot-button" issues favored by the Republican Party. I would have a lot more respect for them had they remained an actual "Party" and not a Republican Party fringe group. Unfortunately, this happens with most every movement: it is brought to heel by moneyed interests and used for their purposes.

Btw, your "graciousness" is offset by your characterization of my opinions as "half-cocked." Not sure where that leaves your attitude barometer.

[j p nettles]

My perception of the Tea Party is that it is simply an umbrella tag for some conservatives. While I like to think I'm a fiscal conservative I have strong points of disagreement with extreme points of view, even though my wife has referred to me as right wing extremist. I've been to a couple of tea party meetings. I think it's healthy for people to speak out and the tea party organizations are vehicles for speaking out. My biggest concern about politics and public officials is the lack of true ethical conduct. I'll vote for a Democrat in a heartbeat if their moral discipline stronger than the Republican. Unfortunately, my perception is that most of Walton County's citizens don't share that belief. Some people will vote for their party's candidate regardless of misconduct.

[Andy A]

May I graciously invite you to attend a Tea Party meeting before you go off half cocked with an opinion that has no basis of fact. It is true that most Tea Party members are Republicans but to say that the Republican party has co-opted the Tea Party movement is a stretch. I'm sure you know that the TEA stands for Taxed Enough Already. The Tea Party has one agenda and that is to see people elected who adhere to their ideals and principles.

There are a lot of Tea Partiers who are considered half cocked, including me, at times. I stand by my original statements. They are basically for limited goverment, less taxes and spending and the furtherment of capitalism. Any Tea Party member who disagrees is free to weigh in. There is also a reason they have gravitated to the Republican side of the eisle. They are basically conservative and the Tea Party was never meant to expand as a third political party. Everytime that has happened in this country it has weaken our national functions, IMO, not to mention splitting the votes. When a 3rd Party strong enough to become a national force comes along, I'll be glad to consider their candidate. So far, that hasn't happened. The only political nature assigned to the Tea Party is to vet and consider all candidates and make clear their support of those who most closely support their positions, regardless of party affiliation. That, admittedly, is usually the Republican candidate. (Sorry, I used the wrong quote in my answer to graytonbeach guy.)

[mputnal3]

This thread has unfortunately deteroriated from the original thread into what is wrong with our socio-political systems. Our world is changing around us requring us to desparately need reform in many if not all areas of our society however politics keeps that from happening. The problem with a two party system is that it creates too much polarization in all of us. The reality is that both parties including the Tea Party have a few answers but not all the answers and what they lack in answers is becoming deceptive smoke and mirror speeches and slogan from our political leaders or potential leaders. Most voters do not research or have the time or means to research candidates. Solutions will require compromise which is what I thought defines a good democracy. When our political leaders take positions like signing a contract to never raise taxes or vote for legislation that only the party will approve of then my fellow Americans we have a problem. If you as a voter find yourself always voting along party lines then you are part of this problem. We voters need to be better informed about the problems that exist in our communities and then use our best judgement on the people we put in charge to fix them. We have to take the polarization out of our current political system which is probably not an easy thing for human beings to do. Instead of a good debate we have slogans, labels, ridicule, negative campaigning and contracts to "never" do this or that. IMO truth and even solutions are in the middle of that debate most times. Debate now seems to take a back seat to television advertisements at least in State and National elections. Hopefully if we can get back to these debates in our local governments we will find that it does not make any difference what the politial affilliation is and with even more hope our State and National leaders will take notice. Not sure this will happen in my lifetime but I hope that we will figure this out sooner than later.

[Jdarg]

Soo...anybody have any comment about the superintendent's race?



I can't get away from a tea party debate fast enough. Time to make some coffee!

[Andy A]

Soo...anybody have any comment about the superintendent's race?



I can't get away from a tea party debate fast enough. Time to make some coffee!

You are right about the thread being hijacked. Sorry. I have a question for Trish Hutchinson. Just how much is your associaltion with the teacher's union going to affect your decisions as school superintendent vs. that of the betterment in any situation for the students and parents?

[j p nettles]

I listened to each of the 3 candidates speak at the Forum in Freeport. The thing that stuck with me is that Mrs. Anderson seems to think that she's irreplacable and she seems to place too much emphasis on her political connections. I'm one of the people who believe that school superintendents should be hired and not elected too. That process seems to work in 47 other states, why not Florida? I've been around for 6 decades and I've found that anybody can be replaced. I'm also like Alabama's former governor, I believe in term limits of two terms for most elected officials.

[Jdarg]

Yes yes, superintendent should be appointed by school board. How do we change this? i am so tired of education run by politics. Nobody running for school board should mention their political affiliation. It is irrelevant - unless of course they are going for the segment of the population that votes only for party, and anyone voting for party in school board and judicial races should have their voter cards revoked. And candidates touting their party affiliations (or religious preferences) before their qualifications for office are really annoying.

[j p nettles]

My interest in public education stems from my wife having been a teacher for more than 30 years and the fact that I have a son who finished at South Walton High and a grandchild in elementary school. I've attended lots of board meetings and the last time I saw the board not vote unanomously in favor of all the superintendent's recommendations was when Mr. Laird was on the board. In my world, a CEO, manager or superintendent of schools should serve at the pleasure of the board. In Walton County, the tail wags the dog. There seems to be an air of fear and intimidation with our current administration and I find that unhealthy. People, especially teachers are afraid to speak up and with the 9:00 AM board meetings it's difficult for the public to access the board or superintendent. And forget having a board member respond to an e-mail or letter.

[Jdarg]

I have always received a response from any email or phone call to Mark Davis.

[j p nettles]

I have always received a response from any email or phone call to Mark Davis.

True, Mr. Davis responds. The problem is, in typical lawyer fashion, he skates around an issue or concern and doesn't answer a question with a definitive answer. And why is he the only board member who will respond? I live in District 1. He isn't my representative on the board.

[Jdarg]

True, Mr. Davis responds. The problem is, in typical lawyer fashion, he skates around an issue or concern and doesn't answer a question with a definitive answer. And why is he the only board member who will respond? I live in District 1. He isn't my representative on the board.

I don't look at it as "typical lawyer fashion". I find that he looks into a matter and gets back to me with an answer. It might not always be the answer I want to hear. I will issue a disclaimer here- he is the only board member I contact, and he is not my district either, but overall I trust his motives, intelligence, and honesty.

[BJackson]

This was posted on facebook by Amanda Ates who was an English teacher at Freeport High School for several years. Her husband, Scottie, was a teacher at Freeport Middle School. I have re-posted with her permission.

"I don’t feel that FB should be a venue for controversial “ness”, but… Please look at the following link when considering your vote for superintendent of Walton County Schools in the upcoming primary election. Do not be misled by Florida’s “letter” grade for schools. Ultimately, the national standard, or Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP), is what is used to determine if schools are successful in educating their children. The data speaks for itself. Only TWO our of 17 met AYP in 2010-2011. Some schools have not met AYP for years. In a discussion between my mother and your current superintendent in late 2005, my mother was told that as long as I (your current superintendent) am superintendent He (Scottie) will never have a place in administration in this county.” Why? Did she owe someone a political favor? You may think that we don’t have a “dog” in this fight… but oh yes we do. Our leaving Walton County, due to political wickedness, took its toll on our family – it hurt Scottie’s dad, an obvious respected leader in the community, more than words could ever express. Yes, we were bitter for a time; however, God always knows best and our move to Alabama has been a BLESSING BEYOND WORDS for our family. We love our church, community, friends, and schools. And as an administrator for FIVE years at Eufaula High School, my husband has seen EHS meet AYP until this last school year. And, changes are being made within our district to remedy this. NOT changes in the best interest of votes, but in the best interest of students.... If given a chance, Scottie would have been an excellent administrator in his hometown; however, he is RIGHT WHERE GOD WANTS HIM TO BE. Please consider Trisha Porter Hutchison when you cast your vote in August. She may lack experience, but I feel that she has the students’ best interest at heart and that is of utmost importance."



School Accountability Report .
schoolgrades.fldoe.org

[ann watson]

Thanks for posting that. It's good to know that I'm not the only former teacher who feels that the current administration has not acted in the best interest of the people and especially the children of Walton County. I've written letters to the school board that remain unanswered after two years. The fact is that when a teacher in Walton county is dismissed they never seem to be rehired. That doesn't happen in surrounding counties. The collective bargaining agreement states that when openings become available, non renewed annual contract teachers will receive FIRST consideration. I suppose that attorney Davis would argue "it all depends on what the word 'consideration' means". To me it means the first called for an interview. It's a fact that teacher quality and experience has declined. I'm not a native of Walton County and I'm not in with the wine and cheese elite so I, like a lot of other people are insignificant. But I love teaching, my childrens' performance reflects that I got the job done, but I was discarded because teachers are like used tissue paper to some people. You have to pay teachers more if they have graduate degrees and lots of experience.

[Beulah Bonner]

At the board meeting held in July, additional ESE staff was NOT the recommendation of the superintendent. In fact, four members of last years ESE staff were transferred to a newly created department. All the ESE staff were given about a week's notice to move out of their offices to make room for the new department.

These folks were moved across town to the old Walton High School. The spaces provided to them were not ready. There was no furniture, phones, or air conditioning.

The old offices that the ESE department had to leave were painted and prepared for the NEW department. All the locks were changed on the building.

I thought that the board was promised that the money for new salaries would come from general fund. Not true! I thought that NEW positions were not added! Not true.

There are two new administrators at the White House. Count them. Who was there last year and who is there now? Ask for names. It's public record. Right, Mrs. Harris.





The decisions made at this board meeting were not made with disabled children in mind. The decisions made removed some services from disabled children that were provided last year.

[ricky bobby]

In the superintendents race I believe there are many issues not just the ESE offices. Questions have been raised that she and the board haven't answered. And isn't it a little bit curious that in the last election, a wealthy developer who is also tight with former Rep. Sansom contributed several thousand dollars to Mrs. Anderson's campaign? That same developer has interests in Okaloosa county too. The office of superintendent is too political and too many political connections are in play. That needs to change. People don't give money to polticians for no reason. Ethics is missing in all of Walton county politics, and there is about as much transparency here as their is in Washington DC.

[Jessie Floyd]

Alexis Tibbetts contributed to Carlene Anderson’s campaign. Talk about birds of a feather!