WCSD Superintendent Race

[Jim Tucker]

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

Well if that is as well as a teacher can write then we need better teachers than her. Strike one. Sounds like someone with a serious axe to grind and without the character to refrain from making herself look bad in public. Strike two. If GOD does everything for us and we are exactly where GOD wants us to be then why all the complaining? Strike three.

I am inclined to vote the other way because of ugly people like this.

[Jim Tucker]

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

Why would we have any idea who that is?

[Jim Tucker]

I smell a troll with aliases.

[Bob Wells]

Why would we have any idea who that is?

Okaloosa School Superintendent.

[Jessie Floyd]

I thought Carlene Anderson was not allowed to campaign on company time. Hmm. What about the letter she recently sent out to current and former students? I thought the letter crossed the line into the campaign realm. She sent about 8,000 letters if I had to guess. I assume this was done on company time using company money for the employees, paper, envelops, color printing and postage. All that expense just to explain and justify why WCSD has dropped in performance. What was the emergency that required it be sent out now, rather than just sending the letters home with students on the first day of school? OH, perhaps she needed it to go out well in advance of the Primary! The letter she sent out made it sound like ALL counties experienced a drop in performance. While Walton definitely dropped in performance, we need only to look nearby to find other counties that managed to maintain their performance.

[Jim Tucker]

Okaloosa School Superintendent.

Thank you. I don't follow school politics. This thread makes me think that all the people running things never evolved beyond high school.

This thread is starting to smell like old fish. A lot of new posters seem to have a lot of the same problems with someone in particular.

[Andy A]

Thank you. I don't follow school politics. This thread makes me think that all the people running things never evolved beyond high school.

This thread is starting to smell like old fish. A lot of new posters seem to have a lot of the same problems with someone in particular.

It is election time, haven't you noticed?

[j p nettles]

According to the reports, Alexis Tibbits contributed $300 to Anderson's campaign and Mrs. Anderson contributed $300 to Tibbets's campaign. Sen. Gaetz has contributed to Anderson as well as the head honcho of Nokuse Plantation. I haven't seen where Jay Odom and his many companies have contributed anything this year. The bottom line is that if the citizens of Walton county want the same old political machine running everything, then the incumbents and some hand picked favorites will win. I've been to quite a few school board meetings and Mrs. Anderson's decisions are never challenged by the board and individual personnel recommendations are always put to the board as a whole and never individually. No names or qualifications are ever mentioned. The exception is when Mr. Davis' relatives are recommended and he abstains from voting on them. Another fact is that non-renewed annual contract teachers, even ones who had excellent evaluations are never rehired. And I have the information from the DOE that the school district refused to send me confirming that. I'll be glad to share this with anyone who is interested in seeing it. So much for "transparency". My sense is that in the district 1 board position, Mrs. Anderson has hand picked one of the candidates.

[Harriet Livingston]

Please email this candidate. My friend gave me her address, and we have been corresponding. I like her responses to. my questions.

She has worked in the district and is very concerned about a number of issues - some will scare you.

rosemaryforsuperintendent@gmail.com

[Harriet Livingston]

One of the new coordinatos hired gave $500, and I think his wife also gave the max.

Speaking of this new administrator who came from Palm Beach Co. has quite a history on the internet.

Have not checked it out yet. Will let ya'll know.

[graytonbeachguy]

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?

What a disingenuous way of "asking a question" of Trish Hutchinson. Allow me to reciprocate on her behalf: Andy A, when will you quit beating your wife? Before the animal sacrifice or afterward? Discuss.

[Andy A]

What a disingenuous way of "asking a question" of Trish Hutchinson. Allow me to reciprocate on her behalf: Andy A, when will you quit beating your wife? Before the animal sacrifice or afterward? Discuss.

Please tell me how I should have asked her how her association with the union and teachers would affect her decisions? It is a question that should be answered quite easily by her before she gets my vote. I know what the answer should be. Do you?

[j p nettles]

It's a fair question to ask of Ms. Hutchison. As a teacher and being associated with the teachers union perhaps she might be a little more sensitive to the concerns of other teachers and parents than a person who probably has little interaction with teachers. But that's a question she should answer.

[Jessie Floyd]

One of the new coordinatos hired gave $500, and I think his wife also gave the max.

Speaking of this new administrator who came from Palm Beach Co. has quite a history on the internet.

Have not checked it out yet. Will let ya'll know.

Are you talking about one of the new coordinators hired at WCSD? To what did he give $500?

[Blue_Mountain_Mike]

"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."

Would you mind citing your source?

[j p nettles]

"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."

Would you mind citing your source?

I'm married to one of the teachers who were passed over. She taught in another state for over 20 years, She has a masters degree and at the end of four years in Walton schools she was terminated with no explanation. She taught first grade so her kids weren't subject to F-Cat but her classes had excellent FAIR scores. She also had excellent evaluations. That was in 2010. That school year the district hired 66 teachers. I also have spoken to other experienced teachers who applied and I have documenation from the DOE that will confirm this information. The school district was also forced to send me some information that is 'public information' after stonewalling until the state interevened. I'd be happy to meet with anyone and show what I have. It's hard to argue with facts. BTW, my wife was replaced by a relatively inexperienced teacher from Washington County. Is it good public policy to hire out of county employees? We own two homes in Walton County and have paid taxes here for 30 years.

[ann watson]

"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."

Would you mind citing your source?

As of August 24, 2011, statewide, the percentage of teachers with masters degrees in K-12 was 32.18%. In Walton County it was 26.67%. In grades K-3 the state average was 26.32%, in Walton County 20.69%. This information came from the Florida Department of Education.

[Blue_Mountain_Mike]

Right...but this doesn't show that more qualified teachers were passed over...these numbers say nothing of who actually applied for the positions. Just saying...

[Blue_Mountain_Mike]

For your consideration.

Walton County School District (WCSD)has experienced the worst five funding years in its history; however, we have maintained excellent schools during these times. During these very difficult funding years, the school district has maintained an “A” district rating for six consecutive years and has been designated by the State Board of Education as a High Performing School District for five consecutive years. This distinction is only held by 5 out of 67 school districts in the state. Additionally, the graduation rate has increased 18% while Superintendent Anderson has been in office.

http://www.fldoe.org/board/meetings/2012_07_17/high.pdf

The High Performing School District status requires school districts to demonstrate improved student achievement, have no material weaknesses in their financial audit and meet Class-Size Reduction. Receiving this designation confirms Carlene Anderson can manage a budget while maintaining academic excellence, as well as, manage personnel required to meet class-size. Since 2007, we have seen our tax revenues fall approximately 15 million dollars. The state student base allocation has been reduced from the highest at $6,000 to the current allocation of $3,400 dropping our revenue by over $18 million. However during her term, Superintendent Anderson has not recommended closing schools, had massive layoffs, cut essential programs for students, cut art and music from the elementary programs, and has not removed school resource officers. In fact, Walton County student enrollment has grown every year during her terms in office. WCSD has built new schools or added on to existing schools every year she has been in office; using the pay-as-you go model to reduce the tax burden on future generations. All of this has been accomplished with a declining budget.

Not to mention that Walton County accomplishes all of this while overcoming greater poverty levels than found in other counties. http://www.waltonsun.com/news/walton...r-poverty.html
With 37 years in the Walton County School District, almost eight as superintendent, Mrs. Anderson has proven she is on the right track. However, it isn’t finished, yet. Walton County School District needs her to get through the next few years of continued difficult budgeting and the new legislative requirements to increase student achievement. In other words, she knows how to “do more with less and do it better than before”. A newly elected superintendent would have a significant learning curve that would set the district back and seriously jeopardize student achievement at a time when the bar is being raised, yet again, and new standards and assessments are being mandated. Walton County Schools cannot afford inexperience.

The wheel is working just fine. I support Carlene Anderson.

[j p nettles]

Of course public schools have faced challenges. Obviously revenues dropped severely after the meltdown. However, there is a people factor to consider. Some of us believe that firing good people to hire cheaper ones is unethical. And it's also bad public policy to dismiss good performing teachers when indeed no personnel cuts are called for. I'm sure Mrs. Anderson will be re-elected. She certainly has the big developer money and political backers like Senator Gaetz behind her. And the candidate with the most funding usually wins.

[ann watson]

Walton County has very good schools and some schools perform better than others. I realize that budgets are critical but I also went through life believing that if a person worked hard and achieved the desired results you'd be OK. I lost a career that I dearly loved that spanned more than 32 years. My passion has been teaching. My parents and grandparents were educators and my grandfather was superintendent of schools in Alabama for more than 20 years. I taught first grade in Walton County for four years. I taught in Alabama for 28 years. I'm proud of the achievements and accomplishments of my students over the years. When my children left my first grade class they cound read. Grades 1 through 3 don't take the F-Cat so elementary teachers are the most expendable I suppose. I had no warnings that I'd be dismissed in 2010. On the very last day of school the principal came in, coldly told me that my contract had expired and to clean my room out. Nothing else. I'm also told that the board and principals knew in early May who would be non-renewed. If I had been told that there was a need to cut the more experienced, higher paid teachers prior to my dismissal I would have felt a lot better. Now, I'll go through life wondering what I did wrong. I'm sorry if I can't embrace Mrs. Anderson's continued service. The Golden Rule is something else I've tried to live by.

[Jessie Floyd]

Blue Mountain Mike, I don’t believe it is Anderson’s experience that is being questioned.

[Daydream Believer]

I enjoyed watching the videos of the candidates, but I loved reading the questionnaires below their pictures. http://www.waltonareachamber.com/pages/Candidates2012/

[j p nettles]

I enjoyed watching the videos of the candidates, but I loved reading the questionnaires below their pictures. http://www.waltonareachamber.com/pages/Candidates2012/

Looks a lot like what the candidates said at the forum in Freeport. I'd like to see some more questions asked, not just the softball questions. There are some questions that I would ask that would embarrass some of the candidates if they told the truth.

[Daydream Believer]

Well, ask those questions on here, and let’s see if anybody steps up to the plate! I was rather enlightened by some comments from Ragle.

[Jdarg]

Well, ask those questions on here, and let’s see if anybody steps up to the plate! I was rather enlightened by some comments from Ragle.

I agree, and appreciate her thorough answers.

[beachbums77]

While investigating who the people are that gave momey to Anderson I discovered contributors to her campaign include the instruction and curriculum supervisor in the district office (Kay Dailey), the coordinator of the newly created contorversial district department (Randy Stafford), and a district level employee (Megan Dailey.) She is also Kay Dailey's daughter. Nepotism? I understand Megan Dailey's supervisor is Randy Stafford and Stafford's supervisor is Kay Dailey. How can any evaluation of Megan Dailey's job performance be taken seriously? If you were her supervisor and her mother your supervisor would you ever give her a less than stellar evaluation? Also, when trying to find out who these people are and their background it seems that Stafford comes to Walton County from Palm Beach County where he was co-founder of Survivor's Charter Schools and principal of one their schools. It appears, based on articles from the Sun Sentinel and Palm Beach County court records, his position and his wife's (also a Walton County school board emplyee at the district level) ended badly when the Palm Beach County School District seized the campuses due to audit findings of improper use of public funds ($10,000 in Miami dolphins season tickets and $1,691 per month for lease of a BMW, unaccounted for funds from a school store, missing school district owned equipment, etc.) According to public records they settled out of court. Wonder if Anderson knows this? Wow, it's amazing what you hear when you start asking questions and doing a search on the internet :)

[j p nettles]

One interesting item that caught my eye in the 2008 campaign funding is the $3200 that Mrs. Anderson paid to herself and listed as 'travel expense'. I thought such expenses had to be documented and itemized.

[Andy A]

When my wife and I worked for the state, we certainly had to document and itemize our travel claims. If the local governmental agencies do not, they should be made to do so.

[Bob Wells]

Read it again Andy, campaign.​ They may have to be itemized but you may have to go ask for the hard copy. Suggest you call Supervisor of Elections.

[meggiemom]

I can't help but wonder why Ms. Hutchison is running. She has a few signs around and not much else. I plan to vote for her in the primary because I have friends who are teachers and they're scared to death to say anything and some of Mrs. Andersons funding is questionable so in my mind she has a problem with ethics. I suspect the serious candidate is Mrs. Ragel.

[Peaceandlove1]

One of the Next Generation Standards that we expect 5th graders to be able to learn is discerning the reliability & validity of an author's claims. Sadly, it appears that many of the posts on this forum would not meet a minimal standard of reliability & validity. Writers of these posts seem to make hyperbolic & slanderous claims with minimal support. Many of the things I've read on this forum are either blatantly false, only partially true, lack substantive support, or are taken completely out of context. Please check your facts fully before you contribute. When reading someone's derisive claims, recognize that these posts do not meet a 5th graders definition of credible. Are you smarter than a 5th grader? If so, raise your level of discourse please.

[Jdarg]

I agree Peaceandlove1. I am very undecided in this race, but it seems most comments come from personal anecdotal information. I understand that there have been employees that have lost their jobs in the current administration, and most of the support for Hutchison seems to come out of those who are at odds with Anderson, on a personal and professional level. I can't vote for either one (there is a Dem candidate too), but will be studying the primary winner and Ragle very closely in November.
My dream candidate for this position is A) appointed, not elected, and B) comes from at least 500 miles from the panhandle, from a larger and more progressive school system. Sigh. On a bright note, I am seeing more autonomy for SoWal schools. A smart superintendent will continue to let the SoWal schools operate independently, and give more free rein to each SoWal principal and parents, to meet the expectations of our population here.

[sunny850]

As a lifelong Walton County resident and a property owner in both North and South Walton county whose children attend NoWal schools, I take exception to your comment, Jdarg. ("A smart superintendent will continue to let the South Walton schools operate independently, and give more rein to SoWal princials and parents, "to meet the expectations of our population here." ) Are you under the impression that parents and principals lower their expectations when they travel north of the bay? I assure you, as a parent and a teacher in North Walton County, I want and expect the same things for my children that you do. I pray that whoever the superintendent is, they do not share your opinion that some schools/students desire a higher level of education than others.

[Jdarg]

As a lifelong Walton County resident and a property owner in both North and South Walton county whose children attend NoWal schools, I take exception to your comment, Jdarg. ("A smart superintendent will continue to let the South Walton schools operate independently, and give more rein to SoWal princials and parents, "to meet the expectations of our population here." ) Are you under the impression that parents and principals lower their expectations when they travel north of the bay? I assure you, as a parent and a teacher in North Walton County, I want and expect the same things for my children that you do. I pray that whoever the superintendent is, they do not share your opinion that some schools/students desire a higher level of education than others.

I knew I would stir up a hornet's nest, but we always seem to be in a battle down here. The population in SoWal has literally exploded with new residents who came from larger cities and school districts with many options. Some of us landed here because of jobs, others moved here because they wanted to move to their happy beach, but so many of us were completely shocked at the state of the school system here compared to our former places. So shocked that many leave the Walton County School system to go to Niceville, Arnold, Collegiate High School, and create new private schools. I don't know about anything in North Walton, but I do know what our community expectations are here, and I am only concerned with those, because my kids attend school here, and I know what we had in our former community. I would like to see schools operate at an independent enough level that the principal, teachers, and parents at each school could make most decisions for their schools, without a whole lot of interference from DeFuniak.

We all do want the same things- a great education for our kids. Y'all up north need to be screaming just as loud.

[Peaceandlove1]

I agree JDarg,the superintendent position should be appointed. Although appointment comes with it's own set of drawbacks, it contributes to a sense of stability. While I respect your candidate choices, I will say, as a career educator, Ms. Anderson is the best superintendent have ever worked for. By best I mean most prepared and most student-oriented. While Ms.Hutchinson has experience as a classroom teacher, was the professional development chair for her school, managed a small after-school tutorial team, sold real estate and was the local classroom-teacher's union president, I don't know that these experiences have prepared her to handle the state and local mandates and that are part of the superintendent's job. I would prefer someone with an Educational Leadership degree and someone with a proven track record of managing a large organization that meets diverse student needs. Ms. Ragle has limited experience managing a small department, but her answers at the forums I have attended have been very vague. Some people like vague answers because it allows them to fill in their own answers, but I would prefer someone who can articulately speak to the issues that will be encountered on the job. From your post and the responses you've received, it sounds like you are a parent who values a quality education. WCSD offers a quality education because of our hard working teachers and support personnel.
Listening to people from other districts, I know that budget constraints have forced
teachers and non-instructional staff to be laid-off with negative effects on the local
economy. This hasn't happened in Walton County due to the adept management skills of
our superintendent. While it may be easy for some to discount our high-performing status,
as a teacher I know what hard work it takes to continue to earn this recognition. I'd much

rather stick with someone who has a proven quality track record than gamble on
someone who may or may not be up for the job as the stakes are far too high.

[j p nettles]

One of the Next Generation Standards that we expect 5th graders to be able to learn is discerning the reliability & validity of an author's claims. Sadly, it appears that many of the posts on this forum would not meet a minimal standard of reliability & validity. Writers of these posts seem to make hyperbolic & slanderous claims with minimal support. Many of the things I've read on this forum are either blatantly false, only partially true, lack substantive support, or are taken completely out of context. Please check your facts fully before you contribute. When reading someone's derisive claims, recognize that these posts do not meet a 5th graders definition of credible. Are you smarter than a 5th grader? If so, raise your level of discourse please.

Exactly what posts made slanderous claims or were false? The best defense for slander is the truth.

[RR]

Dear P&L1,

If you prefer the incumbent, no one will begrudge your exercising the right to vote your conviction. Thank goodness we have choices.

My personal belief is that teachers, parents, and members of the community need to be heard and have their views considered. I do not believe that, currently, open dialogue exists with the stakeholders in our school district.

Employees need to feel valued. Children and adults recognize the difference in a postive atmosphere and a threatening, mistrusting environment.

One can either be a beacon for change, continually complain, or surrender to apathy and complacency. I am reconciled to accept whatever lies ahead knowing that I set a good example - perseverence.

RR

[Peaceandlove1]

Dear P&L1,

If you prefer the incumbent, no one will begrudge your exercising the right to vote your conviction. Thank goodness we have choices.

My personal belief is that teachers, parents, and members of the community need to be heard and have their views considered. I do not believe that, currently, open dialogue exists with the stakeholders in our school district.

Employees need to feel valued. Children and adults recognize the difference in a postive atmosphere and a threatening, mistrusting environment.

One can either be a beacon for change, continually complain, or surrender to apathy and complacency. I am reconciled to accept whatever lies ahead knowing that I set a good example - perseverence.

RR

Yes, I am thankful that we have choices as well.

I agree that teachers, parents, and members of the community need to be heard. However, I disagree that the dialogue isn't open now.

It seems that teachers, administrators, district support personnel and the superintendent strive to be responsive to student and parent needs. I haven't heard anything from either candidate that would lead me to believe that the dialogue would be more open than it is now. Since the other candidates do not have experience running organizations such as a school site or a school district, I believe the amount of time they would need to learn the intricacies and demands of position would leave less time available for ongoing communication. Even if these candidates were fully prepared for the position, I haven’t seen anything in their campaigns that would lead me to believe that they are concise and effective communicators. In the forums I have attended, I have seen the superintendent as remarkably more well-spoken on the myriad issues that face the district than either of the other two candidates. I believe the district benefits from the superintendent’s ability to communicate with parents, businesses, the FDOE and other entities. Parents, students, teachers, administrators and the community need consistency and experience. Perhaps the district and community can work together to maximize an open dialogue if that is a concern, but I can't imagine this happening with either of the other candidates.

[j p nettles]

Political contributions are fine if someone really believes in a candidate. "Someone" doesn't necessarily mean companies like Destin Jet, Crystal Beach Development Company and other 'companies'. My personal view is that it is bad public policy for employees of the school district or any other government agency to contribute to their boss. The fact is that only three states even allow elected school superintendents and some districts in Florida have appointed or hired superintendents. Why is Walton County Florida right on this and 47 other states and their counties wrong?

[Peaceandlove1]

Political contributions are fine if someone really believes in a candidate. "Someone" doesn't necessarily mean companies like Destin Jet, Crystal Beach Development Company and other 'companies'. My personal view is that it is bad public policy for employees of the school district or any other government agency to contribute to their boss. The fact is that only three states even allow elected school superintendents and some districts in Florida have appointed or hired superintendents. Why is Walton County Florida right on this and 47 other states and their counties wrong?

I agree jp nettles. Appointing/hiring a superintendent has it's own set of issues, but it does seem to make more sense. Do you know if there are other districts who have transitioned from elected to hired superintendents in our state. If so, do you know what process they went through? Thanks.

[Andy A]

Political contributions are fine if someone really believes in a candidate. "Someone" doesn't necessarily mean companies like Destin Jet, Crystal Beach Development Company and other 'companies'. My personal view is that it is bad public policy for employees of the school district or any other government agency to contribute to their boss. The fact is that only three states even allow elected school superintendents and some districts in Florida have appointed or hired superintendents. Why is Walton County Florida right on this and 47 other states and their counties wrong?

It is not that 47 states and their counties are wrong, it is the fact that in order to appoint a superintendent you must be a charter county. There is a process Walton County must go through to do this. It is my understanding it has been tried previously and the effort failed. There is no doubt the superintendent should be appointed. In Walton County, it is the tail wagging the dog instead of the other way around. The superintendent of schools should be at the bequest of the school board, not the other way around.

[j p nettles]

This morning when I was reading the Daily News I saw Mrs. Anderson's ad. I believe she might be embellishing the truth with one of her claims: "Carlene has protected employees from lay-offs, furloughs and salary cuts." Some of the fine, hard working teachers that have been laid off during her regime might disagree.

[stellablue]

There is a distinction between 'laid off' and 'non-renewed' in education. In the past, after four years of satisfactory job performance, teachers were up for something usually called 'continuing contract' or 'professional contract', otherwise known as 'tenure'. In many states, as well as in many districts in our state, even tenured teachers have been laid off.

Fortunately, WCSD has not had to lay off any of the teachers who fall into this category. Now the state has switched to an 'annual contract' only stance, meaning that starting serveral years ago, teachers who are hired can be 'non-renewed' at the end of any school year. It's sort of like the way it works in the business world, except teachers usually get an entire school year to demonstrate positive job performance, unlike the business world where you can be terminated at any moment.

Most teachers employed in the WCSD are 'professional contract' but all new teachers fall into the 'annual contract' category. Ms. Anderson has been able to keep all 'professional contract' teachers employed, therefore, there haven't been any lay-offs. This is in contrast to many districts across the nation, where lay-offs have been rampant.

Ms. Anderson's ability to keep teachers employed has been beneficial to our economy as the school district is one of the county's largest employers. Ms. Hutchinson has mentioned teacher raises as part of her platform, but fails to mention that in order to give teachers raises, she would have to let some 'annual contract' teachers and other employees go, as the state funding won't suppor such a platform. The ensuing lay-offs would have a negative impact on our economy. Ms. Anderson has done a brilliant job keeping people employed despite the funding constraints and it's been beneficial to Walton County's economy.

[Bob Wells]

It is not that 47 states and their counties are wrong, it is the fact that in order to appoint a superintendent you must be a charter county. There is a process Walton County must go through to do this. It is my understanding it has been tried previously and the effort failed. There is no doubt the superintendent should be appointed. In Walton County, it is the tail wagging the dog instead of the other way around. The superintendent of schools should be at the bequest of the school board, not the other way around.

Then I could see the elected School Board becoming more like the current BCC where positions become political and give those members the opportunity to micromanage the Superintendent and their job, not much differently than the current BCC do with County Manager and other employees of the county. So in my mind there is some doubt as to appointed versus elected Superintendent. Just my opinion.

[Jdarg]

Then I could see the elected School Board becoming more like the current BCC where positions become political and give those members the opportunity to micromanage the Superintendent and their job, not much differently than the current BCC do with County Manager and other employees of the county. So in my mind there is some doubt as to appointed versus elected Superintendent. Just my opinion.

It works quite well in very many communities. As usual, we are behind the curve.

Once again, I have no say on Tuesday, since there is a Dem candidate, but let me say this-

Regarding teachers losing jobs (for whatever reason), Walton County is by no means unique. School districts all over the country are non-renewing contracts, hiring less experienced (lower salary) teachers, and having to make hard decisions regarding who goes and who stays. This is not a "Carlene Anderson" thing, but a national problem in many school districts. It is awful no matter where it happens. I have friends and relatives who were non-renewed in other states, also without a whole lot of explanation, and they are highly qualified, hold multiple degrees, and are willing to work for nothing at this point. I don't think any superintendent and upper level school admins are delighted about having to keep making adjustments to budgets.

I am re-reading "Waiting for Superman". It has some interesting points from different education perspectives.

[kurt]

There is a distinction between 'laid off' and 'non-renewed' in education. In the past, after four years of satisfactory job performance, teachers were up for something usually called 'continuing contract' or 'professional contract', otherwise known as 'tenure'. In many states, as well as in many districts in our state, even tenured teachers have been laid off.

Fortunately, WCSD has not had to lay off any of the teachers who fall into this category. Now the state has switched to an 'annual contract' only stance, meaning that starting serveral years ago, teachers who are hired can be 'non-renewed' at the end of any school year. It's sort of like the way it works in the business world, except teachers usually get an entire school year to demonstrate positive job performance, unlike the business world where you can be terminated at any moment.

Most teachers employed in the WCSD are 'professional contract' but all new teachers fall into the 'annual contract' category. Ms. Anderson has been able to keep all 'professional contract' teachers employed, therefore, there haven't been any lay-offs. This is in contrast to many districts across the nation, where lay-offs have been rampant.

Ms. Anderson's ability to keep teachers employed has been beneficial to our economy as the school district is one of the county's largest employers. Ms. Hutchinson has mentioned teacher raises as part of her platform, but fails to mention that in order to give teachers raises, she would have to let some 'annual contract' teachers and other employees go, as the state funding won't suppor such a platform. The ensuing lay-offs would have a negative impact on our economy. Ms. Anderson has done a brilliant job keeping people employed despite the funding constraints and it's been beneficial to Walton County's economy.

Nice post - keep it up!

[ann watson]

There is a distinction between 'laid off' and 'non-renewed' in education. In the past, after four years of satisfactory job performance, teachers were up for something usually called 'continuing contract' or 'professional contract', otherwise known as 'tenure'. In many states, as well as in many districts in our state, even tenured teachers have been laid off.

Fortunately, WCSD has not had to lay off any of the teachers who fall into this category. Now the state has switched to an 'annual contract' only stance, meaning that starting serveral years ago, teachers who are hired can be 'non-renewed' at the end of any school year. It's sort of like the way it works in the business world, except teachers usually get an entire school year to demonstrate positive job performance, unlike the business world where you can be terminated at any moment.

Most teachers employed in the WCSD are 'professional contract' but all new teachers fall into the 'annual contract' category. Ms. Anderson has been able to keep all 'professional contract' teachers employed, therefore, there haven't been any lay-offs. This is in contrast to many districts across the nation, where lay-offs have been rampant.

Ms. Anderson's ability to keep teachers employed has been beneficial to our economy as the school district is one of the county's largest employers. Ms. Hutchinson has mentioned teacher raises as part of her platform, but fails to mention that in order to give teachers raises, she would have to let some 'annual contract' teachers and other employees go, as the state funding won't suppor such a platform. The ensuing lay-offs would have a negative impact on our economy. Ms. Anderson has done a brilliant job keeping people employed despite the funding constraints and it's been beneficial to Walton County's economy.

It was pointed out that the number of teachers in Walton County with graduate degrees is below the state average. I was one of the annual contract teachers who was laid off in 2010 after 4 years of service and would have been eligible for a "professional services contract" had I been rehired. I applied for at least 50 of the positions but was not considered despite having good evaluations and excellent student performance. I have a masters degree and 32 years experience in the classroom. I was 54 years old at the time. The young teacher who was hired to take my place was a young relatively inexperieced girl from Washington County. These are facts. If you choose to distinguish between 'layoff' and 'non renew' thats your privilege. Some of us aren't lawyers and don't confine our moral discipline to the box of legality. Also, the professional contract teachers (tenure) can't be dismissed like annual contract teachers. I had no reason to believe that I was going to be dismissed in 2010, I was simply told to go on the last day of school. The decent thing to do would have been to warn teachers like me that cuts in personnel costs were needed. And I'd like to see some numbers about your claim that "most of the teachers are professional contract teachers". Perhaps if you had been treated like I was you'd see Mrs. Anderson's policies in a different light.

[Bob Wells]

It works quite well in very many communities. As usual, we are behind the curve.

Once again, I have no say on Tuesday, since there is a Dem candidate, but let me say this-

Regarding teachers losing jobs (for whatever reason), Walton County is by no means unique. School districts all over the country are non-renewing contracts, hiring less experienced (lower salary) teachers, and having to make hard decisions regarding who goes and who stays. This is not a "Carlene Anderson" thing, but a national problem in many school districts. It is awful no matter where it happens. I have friends and relatives who were non-renewed in other states, also without a whole lot of explanation, and they are highly qualified, hold multiple degrees, and are willing to work for nothing at this point. I don't think any superintendent and upper level school admins are delighted about having to keep making adjustments to budgets.

I am re-reading "Waiting for Superman". It has some interesting points from different education perspectives.

I have no doubt that it works well in other places, so does having a county manager work well in other places, just seems it does not work well here.

[Jdarg]

I have no doubt that it works well in other places, so does having a county manager work well in other places, just seems it does not work well here.

Hmmm. There are a lot of things that don't work here. Wonder why? Couldn't possibly have anything to do with the prevailing attitude of "well, that's always how it's been done around here".