New Candidate for School Board District 5

It would be nice if there were some qualifications for school board members. As it stands now a functional illiterate can be on the school board or even run for superintendent. That's shameful. School board members should have at least a BS or BA degree and we need a state law setting higher standards and the state should outlaw the election of superintendents like 47 other states. But with people like Gov. Scott and Daddy Gaetz in charge that's not likely to happen. That would eliminate at least one office being sold to the highest bidder(s).

Who on the current school board does not have a college degree?

Let me chime in again. I’m beginning to get more comfortable responding here…(and yeah, sorry if I seem politically correct…I’m just trying to be polite!)

First, if you want to see exactly what I’ll do on the school board, please check out my most recent post, above…or check out these two blog posts I wrote this week and last week, about responsible budgeting and community involvement:

Taxes and Budgeting: http://www.andrewforschoolboard.com...ping_tax_increases_with_responsible_budgeting

Community Involvement: http://www.andrewforschoolboard.com/news/andrews_blog_what_id_do_first_if_elected

I will have more pieces to come (lucky you!)

At the risk of writing a really long post here, I want to respond to some of the comments about school choice. I want to share a different perspective.The reasons I’m running for office are taxes and budgeting and rewarding teachers and getting more community involvement, but it’s no secret that I strongly support school choice, and that I know something about it.

The way I define school choice is giving parents the opportunity to choose the best schools for their individual children. That includes traditional public schools within their areas, traditional public schools outside of their areas, high-performing charter schools, public magnet schools, public online academies, homeschooling, and nonpublic schools.

Six out of the eight of these choices I listed are in the public sector. And through my work in education, I have fought to increase access to, and awareness of, options within the public sector. I believe that every child should be able to go to a great public school – in part because I was blessed to go to excellent traditional public schools my entire life, and in part because I believe that a strong public school system is essential for our democracy.

So, let me ask: who here would not want to be able to select from quality, accountable, free public school options for their children?

The good news is: we have this type of public school choice in Florida.

It’s precisely because of “school choice” that parents can choose to have their children attend different schools within our district; that kids can take courses at colleges and universities and/or get credit for them in high school; that parents can choose a high-performing charter school or online school for their children; and that kids can apply to attend a public school in a different district. (Or mix and match these options.) And in Florida, we also have a scholarship program for low-income families who might want to send their children to nonpublic schools. It’s called Step Up for Students. It’s funded by corporate donations, not school tax dollars, and actually results in more money being spent on education, not less.

We have lots of choices in the Sunshine State. Locally, the result (partially attributable to school choice) is that student achievement has increased dramatically. Walton County now has some of the best schools in the state.

But it isn’t like this in other parts of the country. I’ve traveled to places, too many places, where families have no choices, public or nonpublic.

Imagine being forced, through lack of choice, to send your children to a public school that has lost its accreditation because less than 10 percent of fourth graders can read? Imagine being forced, through lack of choice, to send your children to public schools where kids have never seen a teacher stay in the classroom for a full year? Imagine being forced, through lack of choice, to send your children to schools where bullying and violence is truly shaking children to their emotional cores? Imagine all of this…and then imagine knowing that these schools spend double what we spend, per student, here in Walton County.

I’ve met with so many families who’ve experienced these things…and let me tell you…they’re not crying out for “privatization” (which is a BS poll-tested talking point)…they’re calling for a lifeline for their kids. And most of these parents…they want good choices within the public sector.

What are we supposed to do, morally, ethically, responsibly…? Are we supposed to say to these families, “well, you know, tough luck?” Or, tell them to wait for a five year plan or a 10 year plan while their children suffer? Or, do we carefully, deliberately, and accountably, give them a range or buffet of options for their kids – like the ones we have here – so that they can make good choices…knowing full well that most will choose public sector options?

I choose the latter.

People say school choice is divisive. You know what I think is divisive? Denying a kid the chance to learn to read simply because (as that terrible HuffPo article inferred), he or she might be from a low-income family. That’s divisive.

So I appreciate the links to articles and the attempts to try to link me to folks near and far and right and left. The truth is, I will work with anyone to advance opportunity for kids. I think we need more bipartisanship and collaboration, not less.

And if I’m elected, or before that (right now!) I want to talk with you about how we can make Walton County’s public schools even better…it’s why I’m doing this. No other reason.

Let me be perfectly clear. School choice is fine, but spending money to non-public schools is a no. Sugar coat it all you want, but removing money from the school budget to fund private entities is not a solution.

Who on the current school board does not have a college degree?

Roberts and Leddon didn't list any such qualifications on the candidate statements in 2010, but they do appear to be members of the Walton County Tea Party, which seems to be more important to Walton county voters than silly college degrees.

Returning to the topic of Mr. Campanella, it scares me that this candidate appears to have parachuted into this county, this race, without much (if any) involvement with this county or it's schools. He has a pre-conceived notion of how to fix a system that he holds dear, even though it has failed everywhere it has been tried. The education reform lobby, led by people like Rhee, can drop money and help with the political polish...but I hate to see Walton County become a proving ground like Tennessee. This kind of funding is a corrupting influence, and this kind of candidate is not what Walton County needs at this critical time.

Earlier this year, Tennessee looked like it would be the perfect proving ground, with a friendly governor, a weak teacher’s union, and a GOP-controlled legislature softened up by Rhee’s generosity.

http://http://www.newrepublic.com/article/113204/michelle-rhee-tennessee-studentsfirst-floods-school-races

Is it wrong that the word "carpetbagger" keeps coming to mind?

Mr. Campanella....if you have not already gotten the message let me be a bit more blunt....VOTE NO! You are not what this county needs!! We don't need more failed charter/voucher schools and privatization is not the solution to our school districts problems.

Parents need to get off their proverbial backsides and demand accountability. The teachers need a stronger voice in their local union. School privatization preys on weak unions and parents desperate to help their children succeed without having to actually be involved.

Charlene Anderson needs to GO, as do all her political cronies and parents and teachers alike need to move in the direction of having an appointed Superintendent.

PARENTS are the driving force behind any great school, parents who are committed to their children(s) education, parents that demand accountability (which doesn't happen allot, if at all, in Walton County) and we need strong district leaders without private agendas like yours who will actually listen to the wants and needs of constituents in their districts and act in the best interest of ALL children, not big land developers, politicians and a current Superintendent with bigger political aspirations.

I think I already know the answer to this question but I'll ask anyway....Do you Mr. Campanella have a child or children currently enrolled in a Walton County School? Admittedly it's not a qualification but one would think you have a vested interest other than privatization charter/voucher schools and/or other hidden agendas to run as a relative "unheard" in a county where those that should be heard the loudest (parents and teachers) don't even have a say in their children(s) education.

Andrew Campanells wrote:

So I appreciate the links to articles and the attempts to try to link me to folks near and far and right and left.

No one is trying to link you to anything Mr. Campanella, by your own admission you are and have been involved in organizations to privatize public schools.

You know, there is nothing to keep either one of you complaining about charter schools from filing for the school board. You try to make points that are completely invalid when you look at the actual results of charter schools vs. our presently defunct public education system. Admittedly, it use to be great as when I was growing up. Now, not so much. Furthermore, I am not for the total privatization of public schools. I am for alternative means that bring them to become what they once were. If that means some privatization where it is needed, so be it.

Yes, let's do look at the success of charter/voucher schools in the state of Florida Andy A....Florida approved its first charter school in 1996 and of the approximately 500 charter schools that have opened since then more than 252 of them have closed without explanation leaving parents scrambling to find alternatives.

How do you measure success?

Is it wrong that the word "carpetbagger" keeps coming to mind?

Are you suggesting opportunism and exploitation by outsiders? Say it ain't so!!

In the long run you can post all you want against the candidate, but as of right now he's the only one in the race. That means that even if he is the only person that votes for himself he still wins. Who else is running?

In the long run you can post all you want against the candidate, but as of right now he's the only one in the race. That means that even if he is the only person that votes for himself he still wins. Who else is running?

It's still very early.

Are you suggesting opportunism and exploitation by outsiders? Say it ain't so!!

I don't mind outsiders, as long as they don't shape shift their positions based on what they think is politically optimal. Here's his facebook page by the way: https://www.facebook.com/andrewrcamp?fref=ts

I couldn't help noticing that yesterday he had the Walton County Tea party Patriots as one of the groups on his fb page. That's not the case today.

In the long run you can post all you want against the candidate, but as of right now he's the only one in the race. That means that even if he is the only person that votes for himself he still wins. Who else is running?

Excellent point. Until we can put up a viable candidate and give them the support they need in District 5, we have little room to criticize. The beach needs to get itself organized politically. We need a good candidate and a referendum for an appointed superintendent.

It's still very early.

Very true, and once people find out that Mr. Campanella is a democrat the north end will probably be all over it.

I don't mind outsiders, as long as they don't shape shift their positions based on what they think is politically optimal. Here's his facebook page by the way: https://www.facebook.com/andrewrcamp?fref=ts

I couldn't help noticing that yesterday he had the Walton County Tea party Patriots as one of the groups on his fb page. That's not the case today.

Also the WCTA and SoWal...

One would also think that with everyone knowing everyone in this small community that on facebook we would at least see someone we know or recognize by name on that page.


All I see on it are individuals who have pushed the charter/voucher/privatization agenda and not one soul who actually lives in Defuniak or Walton County.

Excellent point. Until we can put up a viable candidate and give them the support they need in District 5, we have little room to criticize. The beach needs to get itself organized politically. We need a good candidate and a referendum for an appointed superintendent.

With all due respect madam Rapunzel, we don't have to have an opposition candidate to evaluate someone who is running.

I would be all for removing elections from the process but how do you roll back bureaucracy?

Very true, and once people find out that Mr. Campanella is a democrat the north end will probably be all over it.

LOL...I'm a Democrat and trust me, I'm over it! VOTE NO!!

LOL...I'm a Democrat and trust me, I'm over it! VOTE NO!!

Same here.

Finally, I want to share that I chose to move to Walton County because I love it here. I have family that has lived here since the ‘80s. I'm not going to confuse you by claiming I've lived here my whole life. I haven't. But that doesn't mean I can't serve our community well. I’m running because I chose to run, and I want to serve this community and everyone who lives in this community.

Welcome to Walton County. Let's not make residency the issue here. I was not educated about school choice issues you represent. I'm glad you posted, which has prompted me to do some reading.

http://www.salon.com/2012/01/24/the_ugly_truth_about_school_choice/

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/vouchers/choice/

It's a shame our children are being used as political basketballs. Deplorable actually. But so is the state of our education in this country. I guess where some see tragedy, others see opportunity.

To settle the residency issue, Mr. Campanella purchased a condo in Sandestin last year, June to be exact.

EDIT:

Actually his residency should be in question. The condo has a second home rider:

http://orsearch.clerkofcourts.co.wa...spx?Request=navResult&IID=21440791&RecordID=1

Also the WCTA and SoWal...

One would also think that with everyone knowing everyone in this small community that on facebook we would at least see someone we know or recognize by name on that page.


All I see on it are individuals who have pushed the charter/voucher/privatization agenda and not one soul who actually lives in Defuniak or Walton County.

I don't like to get off topic, but if anyone wants to see confirmation of negative Tea Party stereotypes, check this out: https://www.facebook.com/groups/118039011610264/?ref=br_tf

This is a freak show at least by my standards, and it's right in our own little county.

Responding to a few points:

1 – Throughout my career, I’ve worked with a lot of people to expand educational opportunity for kids in a way that I think has been positive and inclusive. I’ve brought people together (from tea party activists to civil rights groups), and I think collaboration is a good thing, not a bad thing. Jim – that one Salon piece is wrong and inaccurate on so many levels and I’m happy to explain them all to you personally if I have the chance.

2 – Regarding Facebook, I follow a lot of people and groups on Facebook. I also unfollow folks on Facebook if there’s no activity on their pages. I follow conservative and progressive and centrist groups and people. I like to see what people are saying. That doesn’t mean I’ve changed a position on anything. It’s FACEBOOK, a social media site. And on my campaign page, there are Walton County supporters…but remember, I just started running for office last Monday.

3 - In terms of being involved in the community…I agree, you all raise fair questions. I’ve contributed in my own way (albeit quietly, like attending meetings, writing letters to my elected officials, writing letters to the editor.) And now I’ve put myself out there as a candidate because I think I’d do a good job. I live in District 5; I also own property at Sandestin.

4 – This is not a partisan election. There’s no Republican or Democratic way to educate a child. I am, and have always been, a conservative. I might not agree with all conservatives on every issue, but this is who I am.

Finally, I just want to say…please call me if you want to talk to me. My number is 850-533-6686. The internet may have the information you’re looking for…but I think I can answer some of your questions too.

Thanks.

From the articles....

Its most important backers are rightwing organizations like the Heritage Foundation, Americans for Prosperity and other groups supported by billionaire rightwing ideologues like the Koch brothers.

The school choice movement promotes the dismantling of public education at every turn.

Radical right-wing bigwigs like Rush Limbaugh have also contributed to the demonization of teachers, casting them as “socialists” working to “indoctrinate” students.

Great articles on Salon and all true.

I don't know much about the board members serving now. I know that Mark Davis has been on the board a long time and if I recall correctly he was appointed to the position initially by former Gov. Lawton Chiles. I know that he's a lawyer and apparently now is the county attorney. I have been to a lot of board meetings in the past 3 years and the board does very little but rubber stamp the queens commands. Not a very challenging job IMO, so it really doesn't matter who is on the school board as long as Her Majesty rules.