School Board query

1
I am anxiously awaiting Mr Nelson's reply.

What did I miss? I thought I had explained in the past the comments on yoga, hypnosis and just about anything else for that matter came down to parental consent. If you are going to teach or do anything other than reading, writing, arithmetic, I believe you should have parental consent.

As for my opponent, she is very qualified for the position. I am a bit more results orientated. In 2001 when she took office, over 59% of the 10th graders in Walton County could not read at grade level according to the Florida Department of Education. In 2008 the number is still over 59%. We have spent over $400 million local tax dollars educating our students. I do not believe we are getting the results for the dollars. I do not want to teach the children personally, I want to find out what tools the teachers need to teach the children and provide them. Personally, I do not believe grandiose buildings are the key. But that is just my opinion. One of the best schools in the State is in a remodeled Walmart in Mary Esther and they seem to be doing just fine.

We also have to quit sitting around talking about needing more room in south Walton and get Emerald Coast Middle School built. You can build a Lowe's in six months and it seems to take six years to build a school.

We need to quit talking about going to school uniforms every year and make a decision.

We need to quit talking about increasing teacher pay and come up with a plan as to how much a teacher needs to make then go about getting there and paying them.

We really need to come up with a vision and set up a way to accomplish it. I see no reason why we should not be number 1 in career preparation and education, Okaloosa County seems to be able to do it, and they are just next door.

What did I miss? I thought I had explained in the past the comments on yoga, hypnosis and just about anything else for that matter came down to parental consent. If you are going to teach or do anything other than reading, writing, arithmetic, I believe you should have parental consent.

As for my opponent, she is very qualified for the position. I am a bit more results orientated. In 2001 when she took office, over 59% of the 10th graders in Walton County could not read at grade level according to the Florida Department of Education. In 2008 the number is still over 59%. We have spent over $400 million local tax dollars educating our students. I do not believe we are getting the results for the dollars. I do not want to teach the children personally, I want to find out what tools the teachers need to teach the children and provide them. Personally, I do not believe grandiose buildings are the key. But that is just my opinion. One of the best schools in the State is in a remodeled Walmart in Mary Esther and they seem to be doing just fine.

We also have to quit sitting around talking about needing more room in south Walton and get Emerald Coast Middle School built. You can build a Lowe's in six months and it seems to take six years to build a school.

We need to quit talking about going to school uniforms every year and make a decision.

We need to quit talking about increasing teacher pay and come up with a plan as to how much a teacher needs to make then go about getting there and paying them.

We really need to come up with a vision and set up a way to accomplish it. I see no reason why we should not be number 1 in career preparation and education, Okaloosa County seems to be able to do it, and they are just next door.

You still haven?t answered the question, do you have a high school diploma or a GED, and did you just attend OWCC or earn an AA degree?

You seem say that other districts are doing must better than Walton county in everything you mentioned, is there anything Walton County does well? I remember in the primary it being mentioned that in the last 4 years teacher pay in Walton County was raised 35%, which is significant! Buildings may not make a difference in your estimation with student achievement but they are required to meet class-size reduction, I assumed you knew why they are building new schools.

Please respond to the education question directly, it is important to some of us. Fine by someone that is proud of what is going on in Walton County education.

This is a quote from a Post by JDarg concerning her attendance at a Walton County School Board meeting that I find interesting.

Walton Co. School Board Meeting 2/19 at SWHS

I just returned from the meeting. There were 3 (count'em- 3!) attendees that weren't press, school employees, or architects presenting info on the New Emerald Coast Middle School building. The board really has to make an effort for these off-site meetings, including having to pay AV guys to set up audio and record the meetings. The permanent room in DeFuniak is all set up, so there is no cost to keeping the meeting "at home." Thanks to the board for making it easier for a least a few of us to attend!

Also, thanks to Walton GOP, who was very patient in explaining any unfamiliar business and procedures. ALeonard said she wanted to take a picture of us sitting together. I told him to keep checking his back- I just might try to put my Obama pin on the back of his jacket, like a "kick me" sign.

The meeting highlight happened before the meeting even began. Kevin Boyle, of the Seaside Rep and director of Blithe Spirit, presented the board members with a play poster signed by the student actors, and vouchers to redeem for tickets. It was a classy offer, and I hope they get tickets and come see the show!

The main topic was the new Emerald Coast Middle School Building. I am going to wait until the newspaper stories come out on this one- there was a lot of info and I am tired. One very interesting note- he building is designed with a cafeteria that can serve 2 buildings- the middle school, and a future elementary school building. A future elementary school? That's a new one on the radar for me- anybody know anything?

The meeting was winding down when Mildred Wilkerson brought up the evolution topic for commentary (this was not on the agenda- just a comment). Ms. Wilkerson, in no uncertain terms, said that Walton County is a very Christian community and the people would not tolerate the teaching of evolution. She went on to say that things that happened 100 years ago can't be proven as fact, so how can evolution be fact?


And with the strike of the dumbbell (a small hand weight is used as a gavel), the meeting was adjourned.

This is a quote from a Post by JDarg concerning her attendance at a Walton County School Board meeting that I find interesting.

Walton Co. School Board Meeting 2/19 at SWHS

I just returned from the meeting. There were 3 (count'em- 3!) attendees that weren't press, school employees, or architects presenting info on the New Emerald Coast Middle School building. The board really has to make an effort for these off-site meetings, including having to pay AV guys to set up audio and record the meetings. The permanent room in DeFuniak is all set up, so there is no cost to keeping the meeting "at home." Thanks to the board for making it easier for a least a few of us to attend!

Also, thanks to Walton GOP, who was very patient in explaining any unfamiliar business and procedures. ALeonard said she wanted to take a picture of us sitting together. I told him to keep checking his back- I just might try to put my Obama pin on the back of his jacket, like a "kick me" sign.

The meeting highlight happened before the meeting even began. Kevin Boyle, of the Seaside Rep and director of Blithe Spirit, presented the board members with a play poster signed by the student actors, and vouchers to redeem for tickets. It was a classy offer, and I hope they get tickets and come see the show!

The main topic was the new Emerald Coast Middle School Building. I am going to wait until the newspaper stories come out on this one- there was a lot of info and I am tired. One very interesting note- he building is designed with a cafeteria that can serve 2 buildings- the middle school, and a future elementary school building. A future elementary school? That's a new one on the radar for me- anybody know anything?

The meeting was winding down when Mildred Wilkerson brought up the evolution topic for commentary (this was not on the agenda- just a comment). Ms. Wilkerson, in no uncertain terms, said that Walton County is a very Christian community and the people would not tolerate the teaching of evolution. She went on to say that things that happened 100 years ago can't be proven as fact, so how can evolution be fact?


And with the strike of the dumbbell (a small hand weight is used as a gavel), the meeting was adjourned.

Yes, I said that, and was disappointed in Ms. Wilkerson's comment. However, much has transpired to make me reconsider my choice in this race.

I am much more comfortable with Ms. Wilkerson making that comment than her opponent hanging a donkey shaped pinata with Obama's face on it, so children can beat it with a stick- at the Republican pep rally. I can raise my voice in opposition to the evolution in school stuff, but I am appalled at Nelson's actions at the Pep rally. It showed terrible judgement. I can't place educational decisions in the hands of someone that thinks that kind of activity is appropriate for kids.

And I'm still just wondering what 2nd amendment rights have to do with the school board race. I know I'm not the only one who got the postcard he mailed out with the statement that he supports 2nd amendment rights in the school because some of my friends were equally perplexed by it. And again, I don't have the card anymore to cite just how he phrased his statement so maybe he can let us know on here about the importance of the 2nd amendment in schools.

Aside from that and his carrying of the Obama effigy which seem to be lapses of judgment, I find him to be a valuable contributor to this forum and have always found him to provide intelligent insight into political topics. I also appreciate very much his desire to work to improve schools.

And I'm still just wondering what 2nd amendment rights have to do with the school board race. I know I'm not the only one who got the postcard he mailed out with the statement that he supports 2nd amendment rights in the school because some of my friends were equally perplexed by it. And again, I don't have the card anymore to cite just how he phrased his statement so maybe he can let us know on here about the importance of the 2nd amendment in schools.

Aside from that and his carrying of the Obama effigy which seem to be lapses of judgment, I find him to be a valuable contributor to this forum and have always found him to provide intelligent insight into political topics. I also appreciate very much his desire to work to improve schools.

Yes, Wrobert does contribute a great amount to this message board. In fact earlier in the year it seemed generally be good information in the interest of the community. Now however, in his desperation, he seems to be taking the lead from McCain and has gone negative and highly partisan. Partisanship can be expected from McCain in a partisan race, but the school board is non-partisan and should remain so.
That is how I figured what the 2nd amendment postcard stuff was about, it is Wrobert's cryptic way of letting people know that he is a republican, i.e. his way of injecting partisanship in a NON-Partisan race.

I, myself, am trying to discover what he thinks the act of stringing up of an effigy of Obama and having kids beat it with a stick is suppose to tell us about his electability.

Neither of these behaviors do I want taught to my grandchildren.

Went on to OWC? Did he graduate of take a computer class?

Robert has worked hard within the community since moving into the area. While working in the family automobile business, he graduated from Walton High School and went on to Okaloosa Walton College.

Robert did you earn a degree, or certification?

I will vote for Mrs. Wilkerson because I have absolutely no doubt that whatever she does on the School Board, she will do so with the utmost integrity and (that she has always) and will always put the children first.

I have known her and her family most of my life. I recently renewed my association through her son and daughter-in-law. I have family members who have worked with her both in the school system and in her capacity as a Board member. She has some beliefs that are different from mine; and she might handle some school issues differently than I would; we come from different worlds and that we would approach issues differently, is to be expected. I am okay with that.

I know that she has fought for the students in Walton County while at the same time having to fight her own battles in a world that was not always kind to her. She did not falter, she did not stop, and she did not take the low road. She persisted, and most of the time, she was able to come out on top for the students.


Unlike some others, she will always set a good example for the students; she will listen to anyone's side of an issue and she will always do what she believes is appropriate--I can agree or not agree with her, but I know that she comes from a principled place. And, I know she will always be respectful of my opinions as I am of hers.

Her ambition is simply to serve the people of Walton County and to make the school system better than it is. And, if she does not win this election, she will continue to serve the students and people of this county, because that is who she is "in her bones".

She might not have all the management and accounting and other "business-like" experience or training, but she can find or learn that: what she does have is the kind of deep commitment to the education of the students and understanding of people that can not be learned.

IMO she is the kind of public servant we need; she speaks the truth as she sees it, and the students, teachers, and citizens of Walton County are better off because she has been there for them.

Who let all the dems out tonight?

If you are going to teach or do anything other than reading, writing, arithmetic, I believe you should have parental consent.

Art needs consent? Thanks, we'll call you...

I guess Physical Education also need parental consent according to Mr Nelson -- he doesn't want them doing Yoga in P.E. without parents' permission. It's no wonder why the Bible belt has the the highest rates of obesity in children.

I am much more comfortable with Ms. Wilkerson making that comment than her opponent hanging a donkey shaped pinata with Obama's face on it, so children can beat it with a stick- at the Republican pep rally. I can raise my voice in opposition to the evolution in school stuff, but I am appalled at Nelson's actions at the Pep rally. It showed terrible judgement. I can't place educational decisions in the hands of someone that thinks that kind of activity is appropriate for kids.

personal character is just so important when considering a candidate for school board.

Late summer into fall, I began to realize that I was more comfortable with Mildred Wilkerson in the school board position than Robert. Between reading his views on SoWal.com, correspondence with him, his ad in the paper, and conversations with other community members, it became clear that his views overall were clearly different than mine, and supporting himjust felt wrong. I can't be comfortable that his political views overall won't creep into his decision making if he were to be on the school board. Robert is a nice guy- I am not saying that- but unfortunately at election time I have to consider more than the nice guy factor.

The pinata issue was the last straw. I did not plan on mentioning it in this thread, but Robert can thank Bob Hudson for the attack launch that made it impossible not to say anything to defend myself. (Now I know how Alan Osborne felt!) Changing my support to Mrs. Wilkerson is my prerogative and my right, and criticism of me for doing so is pathetic.

Well, it seems we are getting a lot of pathetic, inapproriate attacks lately...from all quarters. It is particularly sad when it comes from friends and neighbors.

JDarg:

I find it very confusing when you say that I launched an attack on you with my re-post of your summary of the February School Board meeting that you attended.

Exactly where did I attack you?

I highlighted your summary of Mrs. Wilkerson comments made at the end of the meeting. I was the third person in attendance that you mentioned. I found her comments that evening very revealing, but had long forgotten them until reading this thread and looked at the bottom of the page and found the similar threads listing. I went to that thread and found your accurate summary of her comments. I highlighted Mrs. Wilkersons comments not anything you said as an individual and made no comment concerning your support or lack of support or a change in your support of candidates.

How can that be an attack?

I served as a school board member for 5 years and have some insight into what a school board members roles and responsibilities involve. The most important thing that a school board member must do is listen. Listen to the professional educators, listen to parents, listen to other Board members, the Superintendents recommendation and to students and then and only then vote based on your evaluation of all perspectives. I found that that served me well as a board member. I also find that Robert does the same thing. Willing to examine all perspectives and respect the rights of others to hold a different position.

That seems to be the same pattern that you have followed in your decision on who you will vote for in this election. I respect your viewpoint. I have not attacked you and will not do that. I have not attacked Mrs. Wilkerson. I have simply reposted her comments made on a subject at a school board meeting without comment other than the statement that I found the highlighted portion interesting, leaving to the readers discreation what value if any to place on her position.

I am a supporter of Robert for this position. I consider him to be a person that will serve this community well as a school board member. I am a financial donor to his campaign and work daily in support of his election.

I have always found your postings to be insightful even when I disagreed with your viewpoint and will continue to do so.

I did not attack you and won't now or in the furture.

It is only my opiniion but it is a very strong one and, as I have said many times before, based on years of experience. It is this.
You do not need an educational degree to do a good job as a school board member. Today, education while definitely of importance in what you will attain in life, is highly over rated. I want someone divorced from the educational field deciding how my tax dollars will be utilized for education. Such a candidate should be well aware of all the educational needs of the district, capable of educating and researching problems pertaining to the district and have the analytical ability to make informed and rational decisions based on what they have learned. As I said, this doesn't mean a board member has to necessarily have a Master's Degree or be an educator. He/She has to be a well informed, intelligent and thoughtful individual. I found Robet Nelson to be all of these things. I voted for him. And after reading this thread, I am certainly glad I did so.

This school board race has made me very uncomfortable on many levels. I guess this is my first foray into small town politics, in addition to learning almost too much information about candidates and their philosophies and agendas via an internet message board.

As Toots said, everyone has to cast their own vote. We all have different reasons and comfort levels for supporting certain candidates.

Bob, I appreciate your comments. I felt the need to defend myself since you brought up comments I had made earlier in this race- and now I feel differently. As I just said, this is not a race that my family is taking lightly, and it makes me sad.

I think that both Mildred and Robert are intelligent and upstanding individuals, but IMO Robert lacks the experience/perspective that Mildred has in regards to education. I don't think we should base our votes solely upon someone's resume, but years spent teaching and upper education in the field are definitely a bonus.

Robert has brought up some good issues (block scheduling, teacher certification), but has also brought up strange issues (yoga, 2nd amendment) and is too focused on religion IMO.

After meeting both candidates and discussing issues w/ them, I will be voting for Mildred.

It is only my opiniion but it is a very strong one and, as I have said many times before, based on years of experience. It is this.
You do not need an educational degree to do a good job as a school board member. Today, education while definitely of importance in what you will attain in life, is highly over rated. I want someone divorced from the educational field deciding how my tax dollars will be utilized for education. Such a candidate should be well aware of all the educational needs of the district, capable of educating and researching problems pertaining to the district and have the analytical ability to make informed and rational decisions based on what they have learned. As I said, this doesn't mean a board member has to necessarily have a Master's Degree or be an educator. He/She has to be a well informed, intelligent and thoughtful individual. I found Robet Nelson to be all of these things. I voted for him. And after reading this thread, I am certainly glad I did so.

you have some great points Andy A. I do not want a candidate that is "divorced" from the field of education, but I know what you mean. having well rounded professionals from other fields to bring other kinds of insights and business skills to the table is very very important on a school board. members do need to know about the field of education and it needs to be a subject that they feel strongly about, of course. a school board position should never be taken lightly, politicized or used as a stepping stone.

however, some of us feel that having professional educators on the board is equally important. I have come to appreciate that Mildred knows this school system inside and out. I feel her experience in Walton County education is invaluable. Not to mention the people who know and work with her truly respect her knowledge and ability to continue to contribute to the school system. she has a following out there. and I've joined them.

This school board race has made me very uncomfortable on many levels. I guess this is my first foray into small town politics, in addition to learning almost too much information about candidates and their philosophies and agendas via an internet message board.

As Toots said, everyone has to cast their own vote. We all have different reasons and comfort levels for supporting certain candidates.

Bob, I appreciate your comments. I felt the need to defend myself since you brought up comments I had made earlier in this race- and now I feel differently. As I just said, this is not a race that my family is taking lightly, and it makes me sad.

relax, go to the beach, live, breathe, learn, vote.

you are right about almost learning too much information on the board. but I'm grateful for the information. otherwise, I would not have learned what I needed to learn in order to make the best vote for me and my family.

Tootsie, while I appreciate the points you made and understand them, I feel that educators on the school board have a vested interest that is not necessary on such a board. I don't care if it is the school board, mosquito control board, fire district board or any other such board. If you personally have a vested interest in the decisions of that board, it is my opinion you shouldn't be serving on it. It is paramount to the fox guarding the hen house. I have, in other places, seen decisions made by boards comprised of members too closely associated with what they were administering. It always turned out to be a detriment to the citizens being served by the board. My take and you have yours which I respect but disagree.

Andy - I agree w/ what you are saying, but it's sort of hard NOT to have a vested interest in a specialized board or in a small community.

A school board w/o educators is sort of like a meat packing plant run by vegetarians - you may get a fresh perspective and new ideas, but they will make many mistakes because they don't know much about meat or meat eaters!

Andy - I agree w/ what you are saying, but it's sort of hard NOT to have a vested interest in a specialized board or in a small community.

A school board w/o educators is sort of like a meat packing plant run by vegetarians - you may get a fresh perspective and new ideas, but they will make many mistakes because they don't know much about meat or meat eaters!

It depends on the qualifications and intelligence of the persons willing to run for the board. In some instances, you could be correct but it has to be an awfully small community with little interest by its citizens to have what you have suggested occur. You can bet on one sure thing. You will always have people who have a vested interest willing to run for boards embodied with making decisions concerning their occupation. Educators are no different.

a school board needs good hard working people. having actual educators on the board is always a plus in my opinion. typically they are quite experienced in all areas of administration and oversight. but, regardless of the member's education and career background, we want to be sure our school board members are forward thinking and can work together with a focus on what is best for all students.

Signs of an Effective School Board Member




Here are signs of a school board member focused on moving the school district forward and educating all students to meet high standards:

• Great school board members have a clear vision for the district.
  They set the vision and goals, and measure the success of the district and superintendent against the goals.
• Great school board members communicate their actions to the community.
  Through public discourse and written reports, great school board members keep the public informed of the district's progress and challenges.
• Great school board members work as a team.
  They collaborate well with others and are respectful of the other board members and superintendent.
• Great school board members adopt a fiscally sound district budget.
  They pay attention to finances and regularly monitor the fiscal health of the district.
• Great school board members focus on what is best for all students.
  They focus on student achievement and implementing policies that will ensure success for all students.
• Great school board members advocate at the local, state and national level for public education.
  They take advantage of opportunities to communicate the needs of public schools to other levels of government and advocate for strong public schools.

Signs of an Ineffective School Board Member



If you notice any of the following signs, it's time to find some new candidates to run for your local board: The school board member continually focuses on one issue or talks aimlessly at meetings.

• The school board member doesn't conduct him or herself in a respectful, collaborative manner in public.
• The school board member comes to meetings unprepared.
• The school board member "rubber stamps" all the superintendent's proposals without asking hard questions.
• The school board member micromanages rather than focusing attention on district-wide policies.
• The school board member uses his position on the school board as an opportunity to put forth a political agenda with little relevance to student achievement.

what makes a great school board member?

and I like this ...

What should I look for in a school board candidate? First of all, you should think about the issues that are important to you in your school district. Are you concerned about student transportation, textbook adoption, funding for extracurricular activities, new curriculum standards and/or construction of new school facilities? What's your hot button? You'll want to find out where the candidates stand on issues that are important to you.



You might also look for the following qualities:

• The ability to work well with a team and support group decisions, along with an understanding that the board sets a climate for the entire district
• A desire to work toward a stronger relationship between the district and the public it serves A keen eye toward serving the needs of all students, regardless of their abilities and backgrounds
• A professional, poised demeanor and respectful, respectable behavior
• Respect for diverse points of view
• Commitment to the time and energy required each week for meetings, phone calls, conversations, visits to schools, and professional development seminars and workshops
• Knowledge about district policies, guidelines, needs, challenges and strengths

At the heart of it all, members of a district's board of education must believe, unequivocally, in the value of public education. They must be dedicated to serving and teaching all children. They must believe in the democratic process and understand that their role is to act strategically, in line with the interests of the entire school community.

how to choose a school board candidate: what every voter should know