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Making the Case for Hiring a Superintendent

Jdarg avatar
SoWal Expert
28,762 views1
The opposition to the superintendent referendum has come out with some pretty interesting arguments against hiring a superintendent instead of the old fashioned and ineffective practice of electing one. In fact, they are doing a fabulous job of making our case for us! The parents, citizens, and teachers supporting the referendum are a nonpartisan group of people who saw a way to start the process of helping our school system evolve and improve, and an important step in that process is changing the way the system runs. If you were involved at all this year, you know that the current system was a total disaster when it came to the teacher salary negotiation, a situation that should be an embarrassment to every Walton County citizen. Also, those of us with children in school know that FCAT test scores, which determine school ratings, mean absolutely nothing when, as parents, we measure what our kids' educational experience could be with the right leadership. Our teachers are amazing now, despite zero support from their administration.

I also had to giggle at the RINO comments. The many Republicans working to support this referendum are a bit surprised to find out they are RINOS.:roll: And do we really want a "conservative" superintendent? What does that even mean? With this kind of thinking, our kids are certainly doomed!

So anyway, here is a letter that was published in the Northwest Florida Daily News. it speaks for itself, I think, and totally makes our point of putting Kids Before Politics. Clearly the author of this letter is missing the point!:blink:

LETTER: A cunning ruse

Published: Friday, July 25, 2014 at 18:03 PM.


We’re all aware of political manipulation of Republicans by liberals at the national level. Sadly, some conservatives and misguided RINOS are being outfoxed locally.
Here’s how. The Walton County school district currently enjoys an A ranking in student achievement. Yet there is a significant move underway to change the system.
Why change anything? Particularly, why change the method of selecting our superintendent?
Are liberals and RINOS behind this scheme? Are they attempting an end run around our voting process?
Again, why would they? From a liberal perspective, the reason is clear. In our conservative district, an election will invariably produce a conservative superintendent with a conservative educational philosophy. Thank heaven!
On the other hand, appointment by School Board will open the door to a progressive superintendent and a progressive education philosophy. School Board members are not required to declare party affiliation when running.
The superintendent election process clearly requires an open declaration of political, hence educational, philosophy. This eliminates liberal candidates — as it should, the will of the people.
In the election process a candidate must declare party, hence political philosophy. In this district, a progressive’s chances are quite slim.
This cannot be overemphasized: Changing to selection by School Board significantly increases the chances of a liberal being named superintendent.
Conservatives, open your eyes to this cunning ruse! Look around at the liberal bastions of education, where more money equals lower student achievement. We don’t need that type of change here.
Wake up! It’s your child. Exercise your choice in his or her education. Vote NO to an appointed superintendent.
— RICK McQUISTON
Santa Rosa Beach
funny letter to editor.pdf

Replies

201
bentley williams avatar
Beach Fanatic
#52
He is wise. ;)

Are you serious? I see nothing but wise and caring people who want the best for their community, including yourself. We don't always agree how to do it but I appreciate the discussion. I see major changes happening and a lot of it comes about after being discussed here and we should be proud of that.
Beach Fanatic
#53
I think a fairer comparison for Walton Academy is with the performance of other schools for at-risk kids. These schools should have accomplishments to stand-on, but they should not be expected to fix all of society's ills.
Jdarg avatar
SoWal ExpertAuthor
#54
Are you serious? I see nothing but wise and caring people who want the best for their community, including yourself. We don't always agree how to do it but I appreciate the discussion. I see major changes happening and a lot of it comes about after being discussed here and we should be proud of that.

Relax, it was a joke. But I did hear that the Drunken Brawlers site is down so I imagine we will be seeing some SoWal political forum alumni reappear. ;)
Andy A avatar
Beach Fanatic
#55
I don't think all the ills that Walton Academy have can be laid at the Superintendents feet. There is a board involved here as well.

The district should have taken back the operations of the Academy 2 years ago when it was first discussed but continue to pour good money after bad into because it warehouses the kids the district doesn't want to deal with.

And you can stop anytime Bob were your dumb assed wise cracks. Surely you are more adult than you act!

He would probably stop his "dumb assed wise cracks" if you would use a little more common sense and a lot less bias.
Andy A avatar
Beach Fanatic
#56
A few words about standardized testing and the FCAT. There is nothing wrong with standardized test but there is definitely a lot wrong with the FCAT if what I have been told is true. The FCAT is available for review by teachers and therefore it is, even without any mallicous intent, subject to being taught to the students in order to maintain school ranking. Lets take an example of how standardize testing should occur. The U.S. Air Force used such tests when they had an aviation cadet program. No one saw the tests before they were administered. Therefore, they tested the actual knowledge of those taking them and what their eduation and abilities wer overall. They accomplish whas standardize tests are suppose to do, determine the depth of knowledge of those taking them.
Misty avatar
Banned
#57
He would probably stop his "dumb assed wise cracks" if you would use a little more common sense and a lot less bias.


Andy, everyone knows you have your head so far up the WCTA's backside you can smell breakfast!! No one was talking to you but as is your typical fashion, if someone doesn't agree with certain agendas, you get your shorts all twisted and attempt to run rough shod over them.

It seems to work for you here but you did not get your way on Brawlers and took your toys and went home. Not everyone agrees with this agenda on elected vs hired and those who disagree have as much right to comment as you or anyone else here without the childish, immature images and tongue in cheek sarcasm.
Misty avatar
Banned
#58
A few words about standardized testing and the FCAT. There is nothing wrong with standardized test but there is definitely a lot wrong with the FCAT if what I have been told is true. The FCAT is available for review by teachers.


FCAT practice tests and other materials that are meant to help students and teachers get accustomed to the computer-based testing environment are available at an online portal.
Bob Hudson avatar
Beach Fanatic
#59
TIME AND ATTENTION

Serving as the superintendent is a full-time job. In today’s high-cost political campaigns, an elected superintendent seeking re-election would be forced to spend a considerable amount of time raising funds and campaigning in the months and days leading up to an election. Do we really want the leader of our school system dividing their attention between operating the schools and winning an election, or would we rather they spend their time working with system administrators to improve curriculum, develop innovative instructional programs, and build public support for all public schools?

Walton County deserves public schools that provide the best possible education for their children, and they want leaders who devote their undivided attention to achieving that goal.Taxpayers want the employees in their schools to be focused on the task of educating our children. Elected superintendents will inevitably put teachers, administrators, and support staff in the awkward position of having to choose sides in an election that will determine their boss. Not only is this unfair to the often underpaid and overworked staff, it would serve as a distraction and create undue worry for those who already face the pressures associated with meeting the stringent requirements of state and federal student performance standards. Putting school employees in the middle of superintendent elections is a distraction our children can’t afford.
​
ACCOUNTABILITY

Board-appointed superintendents provide greater accountability, as they are accountable to the elected School Board. If the superintendent is not meeting the standards and achieving the goals established by the local School Board and the state, the Board has the authority to take immediate action and seek replacement for the betterment of the school system.With an elected superintendent, the Board cannot replace a superintendent. The elected superintendent is entitled to a four–year term, even if his or her performance is unsatisfactory and not up to established standards.It is imperative that the superintendent of schools is constantly focused on cutting edge improvements and making sure the school system is compliant with regulations. The superintendent, as the leader of the school system, must be held accountable for results.

COOPERATION

In order for a school system to succeed, it is imperative that the board and the superintendent collaborate toward the same vision and goals. The appointment of the superintendent ensures this cooperation.There is a serious question of allegiance in cases where the superintendent is elected. Even though the Board is responsible for setting the policies and the direction of the school system, the elected superintendent may have his or her own agenda aimed merely at pleasing the particular constituent base who supported his election.So, while the appointed superintendent is accountable to the Board to implement policy, the elected superintendent can create a diffusion of responsibility and direction, since control is divided. Contrary to common thinking, the public gains more control over education when the elected School Board employs the superintendent, as the buck stops with them.
Andy A avatar
Beach Fanatic
#60
Andy, everyone knows you have your head so far up the WCTA's backside you can smell breakfast!! No one was talking to you but as is your typical fashion, if someone doesn't agree with certain agendas, you get your shorts all twisted and attempt to run rough shod over them.

It seems to work for you here but you did not get your way on Brawlers and took your toys and went home. Not everyone agrees with this agenda on elected vs hired and those who disagree have as much right to comment as you or anyone else here without the childish, immature images and tongue in cheek sarcasm.

I feel honored that what I said made an impression on you as shown by the above "bias" post.
j p nettles avatar
Banned
#61
The present superintendent had the advantage of having Jay Odom and M.C. Davis finance her campaign. And in the 2008 race she must have had a little left over since she paid herself $3000 for "travel expenses" out of the thousands contributed by the big dogs. Campaigning is high cost for sure and the folks who ought to be in office don't bother running because they don't have friends with deep pockets.
Bob Hudson avatar
Beach Fanatic
#621
Divided.gif

For those in need of a "Special Version"
sunny850 avatar
Beach Lover
#63
Actually, it's the only chance. The majority of students at Walton Academy have been expelled from the District either for behavioral issues, drug/alcohol abuse, wanton disregard for authority, lack of parental supervision, disrespect, etc etc etc.

Those kids need direction which they are obviously not getting either at home or at the Academy.

I am amazed at how confidently you post completely inaccurate information on a daily basis, Misty. Why don't you go visit the Academy or call and talk to the district and get some Facts before posting. Of course the Academy is the lowest ranked school- it is the alternative school for students who are not successful in this district. And while some of the students are there because they have gotten into trouble, the majority attend because they have not been successful academically, have fallen behind, and go there for credit retrieval. They are allowed to work at their own pace because they could not keep up in the regular classrrom. The district does not HAVE to provide this opportunity for students. They could let all these students go back to their former school and sit beside your child ( did I mention some are court ordered to attend school? Imagine how pleasant they would be to have in your classroom) and let them fail, and drop out at 16, and go on welfare. As a parent of a walton county student, an educator, and a taxpayer, I am thankful we have the Academy.
Misty avatar
Banned
#64
Actually, I have been there.
Jdarg avatar
SoWal ExpertAuthor
#65
<img src="http://www.sowal.com/bb/attachment.php?attachmentid=37342"/> For those in need of a "Special Version"

Ha! That is awesome.
Bob Hudson avatar
Beach Fanatic
#66
Ha! That is awesome.

Surprised how the No's new sign is almost identical. LOL
Jdarg avatar
SoWal ExpertAuthor
#67
Surprised how the No's new sign is almost identical. LOL

NOT identical. The NO font screams Chinese restaurant, not education. It is better than their other campaign stuff- if that stuff was done by a professional, then that person needs to go. If you can't even copy something well.....

Unless the opposition ELECTED their campaign/PR manager?!?! Hmmmmm...stuck for the term. Bummer.

Ha ha a little referendum humor.
Beach Lover
#68
I may move to another county or another state. Our school district is a mess and nobody takes any responsibility. When companies have financial problems and other problems the CEOs usually are replaced. But we have to wait two more years to replace the school's CEO.
Andy A avatar
Beach Fanatic
#69
Let me say this as simply and succinctly as I can. If a voter cannot discern the difference in how a school district functions with an ELECTED superintendent vs. a HIRED superintendent, responsible to the school board and public, then maybe they shouldn't be voting. I apologize for saying anyone should not vote. It was a thoughtless sentence on my part. I will say that only those here legally and citizens of the United States and can prove it, should be allowed to vote.

Edited

Beach Lover
#70
Changing from an elected Superintendent to a hired Superintendent is a no brainer. Look around at some of the people who are openly opposing the change, enough said.
Matt J avatar
SWGB
#71
Let me say this as simply and succinctly as I can. If a voter cannot discern the difference in how a school district functions with an ELECTED superintendent vs. a HIRED superintendent, responsible to the school board and public, then maybe they shouldn't be voting. I apologize for saying anyone should not vote. It was a thoughtless sentence on my part. I will say that only those here legally and citizens of the United States and can prove it, should be allowed to vote.

Changing from an elected Superintendent to a hired Superintendent is a no brainer. Look around at some of the people who are openly opposing the change, enough said.

Some of those opposing the change aren't even eligible to vote due to past felonies or their unwillingness to become US citizens.
30A Skunkape avatar
Skunky
#72
Surprised how the No's new sign is almost identical. LOL

Methinks the WINGS sign has them a little annoyed!!!:floor:
JoeWormwood avatar
Beach Lover
#73
Let me say this as simply and succinctly as I can. If a voter cannot discern the difference in how a school district functions with an ELECTED superintendent vs. a HIRED superintendent, responsible to the school board and public, then maybe they shouldn't be voting. I apologize for saying anyone should not vote. It was a thoughtless sentence on my part. I will say that only those here legally and citizens of the United States and can prove it, should be allowed to vote.

Thank you for your advice. I was most certainly going to vote YES, but now I realize I should not be voting at all and I will not. Thank you again for your words of wisdom!
Andy A avatar
Beach Fanatic
#74
May I suggest you re-read my post. I said I was wrong about not voting. But then, I think you have your troll boots on which most will readily recognize.
JoeWormwood avatar
Beach Lover
#75
May I suggest you re-read my post. I said I was wrong about not voting. But then, I think you have your troll boots on which most will readily recognize.

You said it brotha, and then you backpeddle. In the words of my omniscient yet toothless father "a mans first answer is his true thoughts". All lurkers and guests can see through your ruse.
John G avatar
Beach Fanatic
#76
Chinese looking NO Sign inspiration

I think I'll get me some Cecilia Stir Fry and an order of General Jerry's Chicken.

I love Chinese. I'm going to open The "Yes, No, Yes No. 1" in SRB (out of my house, don't tell...). I don't need to register with the County, so don't ask what type of meat I'll serve. Going to do carry out. Neighbors will love it!!!

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