From WZEP First News >
Rosemary Ragle Speaks Against ESE Changes
posted an hour ago by WZEP AM 1460 An Exceptional Student Education employee with the Walton School District took issue with Superintendent Anderson’s recommendation to add a Coordinator of Instructional Support Services. Rosemary Ragle spoke to the Board and questioned adding the position at a time she says morale is low, questioned changes in ESE staff location and questioned spending money for a position when it could be used elsewhere.
Ragle, who is with the Walton School District ESE Department, talked to WZEP First News. Ragle is also qualified as a democrat candidate for Walton Superintendent of Schools. With limited time to make comments, and with the meeting being an agenda specific special meeting, Ragle made several comments and points, but not all were fully cited or allowed due to the specific question on the agenda.
At the meeting Ragle talked about constraints on financing and teachers not getting step raises. She says she is concerned about teachers. Ragle also thinks moral is low and does not think teachers feel valued. Talking to WZEP, she noted the recent School Accreditation Report and says they cited the need to develop a plan of corrective action to improve the confidence of the stakeholders in the school district. Stakeholders can be teachers, support and parents. She says another area of weakness noted by the Accreditation team was the need to increase parent involvement.
Ragle also talked about Building One at the Tivoli Complex. She says it has always housed the exceptional education department. Currently they have six staff members with offices there. She told the Board that in the past the district spent funds to install a confidential record file room that meets requirements. Ragle tells First News her staff will be moved in July to accommodate the phy services department. Ragle says she is concerned that the departments are being split into two and that if the ESE staff is separated from the building, they will lose easy accessibility to the records needed to their everyday work. Ragle was stopped from discussing the relocation of her staff since the meeting was an agenda special meeting and the personnel recommendations were listed, but not building needs.
Ragle also questioned adding another administrative position to the payroll. She says the two departments were one, Psychological and ESE and now there will be two. At the meeting, Superintendent Anderson told the Board there will be no additional cost and there might even be a savings. It was explained the position would be funded through several TItle programs. Saying that union negotiations have been at an impasse, Ragle expressed concern with adding a position to the Tivoli Complex. She tells WZEP she feels it would have a negative public perception. Ragle says these funds can not be used to pay teachers, but could be used elsewhere. She says they could find areas of need where the funds could be used, without creating an administrative position. An example would be using these funds to provide inclusive services for V-PK and pre-Kindergarten disabilities.
Replies
243
SoWal Expert
I am hearing lots of good things about Ragle from some teachers, and she would be a choice from outside the system, which at this point might be a really good thing for the WCSD. I also noticed that her candidate bio was the only one that mentioned wanting to get the parents more involved. Wow!
Beach Comber
I do agree with this post. High turnover, keeps the children in turmoil too as they never know from one day to the next who will be in front of them. Not good for learning at all.
When applying for jobs, one thing that stands out is that Walton County has a lot of turnover in instructional personnel. I notice that this isn't the case in our neighbor counties. I've always thought it was good practice not only to recruit and hire good personnel but to retain them if they do a good job. I also understand that when the board approves personnel recommendations at the meetings, no names are mentioned. It doesn't appear that the board is even knows who it's approving. High turnover of personnel doesn't seem to be a sign of good leadership.
Beach Comber
You are so right on Target. While Hutchinson's campaign may not have clearly stated that it would welcome the "listening" to new ideas, I believe if you had solutions and took them to her, she would readily listen to ALL who were willing to give feedback. There is still so much learning to do at the School Board level. It will take someone who is fairly knowledgeable about how the current system has been going, someone willing to listen to advice and solutions to problem and someone who welcomes parents to work in the schools as long as they have clear backgrounds (for child safety reasons).
Beach Comber
One more thing I thought I would call your attention to is The DeFuniak Herald Breeze (July 12, 2012 edition) on the front cover there is a report of a recent school board meeting. I found the reading humorous. Mark Davis stated something to the nature of for the past 15 years that the school board policy is not noted correctly in the student handbooks and that year after year they vote and pass it on through. 15 years? That is all of Carlene's terms plus the previous superintendent. 15 years of business as usual with no one really caring....just passing things along. I want a leader who is attentive to details, someone who's mission is to do it right the first time around. I could understand a mess up but sending these expensive handbooks to the printer time after time without making the appropriate changes is saying to the kids "We do a half-assed job." There has to be someone who can make sure that the standards that we give our parents and kids to live by are right the first time. It was just another one of those things that you wished every voter read before going to the polls. She's had plenty of time to get her act together, yet she still touts A schools when Walton is clearly a B average compared to the other schools.
Beach Lover
According to the Florida Department of Education a school district must be an academically high-performing district in order to start school prior to 2 weeks before Labor Day. To be considered academically high-performing, districts must meet four state standards:
- They must meet class-size requirements.
- They must have a clean financial audit.
- They must maintain an A grade for two straight years.
- They must have no district-run schools with an F grade.
- They must meet class-size requirements.
- They must have a clean financial audit.
- They must maintain an A grade for two straight years.
- They must have no district-run schools with an F grade.
Does the district receiving a B grade for 2012 change the start date for the 2012-2013 school year?
Beach Fanatic
"I think your perception of what "Tea Party types" are, to be kind, is tremendously flawed. While the Tea Party is for limited government and less spending, it is certainly not against necessary and well supervised expenditure of tax funds.
I am of the very strong opinion, and have noted such at Tea Party meetings, that the average attendent is well informed on governmental issues at all levels of government, intelligent and well educated. The Tea Party is not a bunch of rag tag individuals, it is composed primarily of those who have been around the block once or twice and those willing to listens to facts and become educated.
_________________________________________________________
Sorry, AA, gonna have to call B.S. on that. Have you read a newspaper or serious analysis of how this "grass-roots" movement was co-opted by the Republican Party? This may be line that Teabaggers tell each other, but it is far from the truth.
I am of the very strong opinion, and have noted such at Tea Party meetings, that the average attendent is well informed on governmental issues at all levels of government, intelligent and well educated. The Tea Party is not a bunch of rag tag individuals, it is composed primarily of those who have been around the block once or twice and those willing to listens to facts and become educated.
_________________________________________________________
Sorry, AA, gonna have to call B.S. on that. Have you read a newspaper or serious analysis of how this "grass-roots" movement was co-opted by the Republican Party? This may be line that Teabaggers tell each other, but it is far from the truth.
Beach Fanatic
"I think your perception of what "Tea Party types" are, to be kind, is tremendously flawed. While the Tea Party is for limited government and less spending, it is certainly not against necessary and well supervised expenditure of tax funds.
I am of the very strong opinion, and have noted such at Tea Party meetings, that the average attendent is well informed on governmental issues at all levels of government, intelligent and well educated. The Tea Party is not a bunch of rag tag individuals, it is composed primarily of those who have been around the block once or twice and those willing to listens to facts and become educated.
_________________________________________________________
Sorry, AA, gonna have to call B.S. on that. Have you read a newspaper or serious analysis of how this "grass-roots" movement was co-opted by the Republican Party? This may be line that Teabaggers tell each other, but it is far from the truth.
May I graciously invite you to attend a Tea Party meeting before you go off half cocked with an opinion that has no basis of fact. It is true that most Tea Party members are Republicans but to say that the Republican party has co-opted the Tea Party movement is a stretch. I'm sure you know that the TEA stands for Taxed Enough Already. The Tea Party has one agenda and that is to see people elected who adhere to their ideals and principles.
Beach Fanatic
No, thank you on the invite. I, too, originally thought the TEA Party was a spontaneous and genuine grass roots movement. The dissatisfaction of the Tea Partiers was quickly harnessed by the Koch brothers, et al., for their own purposes. A simple agenda of tax and spending reform quickly blossomed to include the myriad social "hot-button" issues favored by the Republican Party. I would have a lot more respect for them had they remained an actual "Party" and not a Republican Party fringe group. Unfortunately, this happens with most every movement: it is brought to heel by moneyed interests and used for their purposes.
Btw, your "graciousness" is offset by your characterization of my opinions as "half-cocked." Not sure where that leaves your attitude barometer.
Btw, your "graciousness" is offset by your characterization of my opinions as "half-cocked." Not sure where that leaves your attitude barometer.
Edited
Banned
My perception of the Tea Party is that it is simply an umbrella tag for some conservatives. While I like to think I'm a fiscal conservative I have strong points of disagreement with extreme points of view, even though my wife has referred to me as right wing extremist. I've been to a couple of tea party meetings. I think it's healthy for people to speak out and the tea party organizations are vehicles for speaking out. My biggest concern about politics and public officials is the lack of true ethical conduct. I'll vote for a Democrat in a heartbeat if their moral discipline stronger than the Republican. Unfortunately, my perception is that most of Walton County's citizens don't share that belief. Some people will vote for their party's candidate regardless of misconduct.
Beach Fanatic
May I graciously invite you to attend a Tea Party meeting before you go off half cocked with an opinion that has no basis of fact. It is true that most Tea Party members are Republicans but to say that the Republican party has co-opted the Tea Party movement is a stretch. I'm sure you know that the TEA stands for Taxed Enough Already. The Tea Party has one agenda and that is to see people elected who adhere to their ideals and principles.
There are a lot of Tea Partiers who are considered half cocked, including me, at times. I stand by my original statements. They are basically for limited goverment, less taxes and spending and the furtherment of capitalism. Any Tea Party member who disagrees is free to weigh in. There is also a reason they have gravitated to the Republican side of the eisle. They are basically conservative and the Tea Party was never meant to expand as a third political party. Everytime that has happened in this country it has weaken our national functions, IMO, not to mention splitting the votes. When a 3rd Party strong enough to become a national force comes along, I'll be glad to consider their candidate. So far, that hasn't happened. The only political nature assigned to the Tea Party is to vet and consider all candidates and make clear their support of those who most closely support their positions, regardless of party affiliation. That, admittedly, is usually the Republican candidate. (Sorry, I used the wrong quote in my answer to graytonbeach guy.)
Edited
Beach Fanatic
This thread has unfortunately deteroriated from the original thread into what is wrong with our socio-political systems. Our world is changing around us requring us to desparately need reform in many if not all areas of our society however politics keeps that from happening. The problem with a two party system is that it creates too much polarization in all of us. The reality is that both parties including the Tea Party have a few answers but not all the answers and what they lack in answers is becoming deceptive smoke and mirror speeches and slogan from our political leaders or potential leaders. Most voters do not research or have the time or means to research candidates. Solutions will require compromise which is what I thought defines a good democracy. When our political leaders take positions like signing a contract to never raise taxes or vote for legislation that only the party will approve of then my fellow Americans we have a problem. If you as a voter find yourself always voting along party lines then you are part of this problem. We voters need to be better informed about the problems that exist in our communities and then use our best judgement on the people we put in charge to fix them. We have to take the polarization out of our current political system which is probably not an easy thing for human beings to do. Instead of a good debate we have slogans, labels, ridicule, negative campaigning and contracts to "never" do this or that. IMO truth and even solutions are in the middle of that debate most times. Debate now seems to take a back seat to television advertisements at least in State and National elections. Hopefully if we can get back to these debates in our local governments we will find that it does not make any difference what the politial affilliation is and with even more hope our State and National leaders will take notice. Not sure this will happen in my lifetime but I hope that we will figure this out sooner than later.
SoWal Expert
Soo...anybody have any comment about the superintendent's race?
:leaving::leaving:
I can't get away from a tea party debate fast enough. Time to make some coffee!
:leaving::leaving:
I can't get away from a tea party debate fast enough. Time to make some coffee!
Beach Fanatic
Soo...anybody have any comment about the superintendent's race?
:leaving::leaving:
I can't get away from a tea party debate fast enough. Time to make some coffee!
You are right about the thread being hijacked. Sorry. I have a question for Trish Hutchinson. Just how much is your associaltion with the teacher's union going to affect your decisions as school superintendent vs. that of the betterment in any situation for the students and parents?
Banned
I listened to each of the 3 candidates speak at the Forum in Freeport. The thing that stuck with me is that Mrs. Anderson seems to think that she's irreplacable and she seems to place too much emphasis on her political connections. I'm one of the people who believe that school superintendents should be hired and not elected too. That process seems to work in 47 other states, why not Florida? I've been around for 6 decades and I've found that anybody can be replaced. I'm also like Alabama's former governor, I believe in term limits of two terms for most elected officials.
SoWal Expert
Yes yes, superintendent should be appointed by school board. How do we change this? i am so tired of education run by politics. Nobody running for school board should mention their political affiliation. It is irrelevant - unless of course they are going for the segment of the population that votes only for party, and anyone voting for party in school board and judicial races should have their voter cards revoked. And candidates touting their party affiliations (or religious preferences) before their qualifications for office are really annoying.
Banned
My interest in public education stems from my wife having been a teacher for more than 30 years and the fact that I have a son who finished at South Walton High and a grandchild in elementary school. I've attended lots of board meetings and the last time I saw the board not vote unanomously in favor of all the superintendent's recommendations was when Mr. Laird was on the board. In my world, a CEO, manager or superintendent of schools should serve at the pleasure of the board. In Walton County, the tail wags the dog. There seems to be an air of fear and intimidation with our current administration and I find that unhealthy. People, especially teachers are afraid to speak up and with the 9:00 AM board meetings it's difficult for the public to access the board or superintendent. And forget having a board member respond to an e-mail or letter.
SoWal Expert
I have always received a response from any email or phone call to Mark Davis.
Banned
I have always received a response from any email or phone call to Mark Davis.
True, Mr. Davis responds. The problem is, in typical lawyer fashion, he skates around an issue or concern and doesn't answer a question with a definitive answer. And why is he the only board member who will respond? I live in District 1. He isn't my representative on the board.
SoWal Expert
True, Mr. Davis responds. The problem is, in typical lawyer fashion, he skates around an issue or concern and doesn't answer a question with a definitive answer. And why is he the only board member who will respond? I live in District 1. He isn't my representative on the board.
I don't look at it as "typical lawyer fashion". I find that he looks into a matter and gets back to me with an answer. It might not always be the answer I want to hear. I will issue a disclaimer here- he is the only board member I contact, and he is not my district either, but overall I trust his motives, intelligence, and honesty.
Beach Lover
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
"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
Banned
Thanks for posting that. It's good to know that I'm not the only former teacher who feels that the current administration has not acted in the best interest of the people and especially the children of Walton County. I've written letters to the school board that remain unanswered after two years. The fact is that when a teacher in Walton county is dismissed they never seem to be rehired. That doesn't happen in surrounding counties. The collective bargaining agreement states that when openings become available, non renewed annual contract teachers will receive FIRST consideration. I suppose that attorney Davis would argue "it all depends on what the word 'consideration' means". To me it means the first called for an interview. It's a fact that teacher quality and experience has declined. I'm not a native of Walton County and I'm not in with the wine and cheese elite so I, like a lot of other people are insignificant. But I love teaching, my childrens' performance reflects that I got the job done, but I was discarded because teachers are like used tissue paper to some people. You have to pay teachers more if they have graduate degrees and lots of experience.
Beach Crab
At the board meeting held in July, additional ESE staff was NOT the recommendation of the superintendent. In fact, four members of last years ESE staff were transferred to a newly created department. All the ESE staff were given about a week's notice to move out of their offices to make room for the new department.
These folks were moved across town to the old Walton High School. The spaces provided to them were not ready. There was no furniture, phones, or air conditioning.
The old offices that the ESE department had to leave were painted and prepared for the NEW department. All the locks were changed on the building.
I thought that the board was promised that the money for new salaries would come from general fund. Not true! I thought that NEW positions were not added! Not true.
There are two new administrators at the White House. Count them. Who was there last year and who is there now? Ask for names. It's public record. Right, Mrs. Harris.
The decisions made at this board meeting were not made with disabled children in mind. The decisions made removed some services from disabled children that were provided last year.
These folks were moved across town to the old Walton High School. The spaces provided to them were not ready. There was no furniture, phones, or air conditioning.
The old offices that the ESE department had to leave were painted and prepared for the NEW department. All the locks were changed on the building.
I thought that the board was promised that the money for new salaries would come from general fund. Not true! I thought that NEW positions were not added! Not true.
There are two new administrators at the White House. Count them. Who was there last year and who is there now? Ask for names. It's public record. Right, Mrs. Harris.
The decisions made at this board meeting were not made with disabled children in mind. The decisions made removed some services from disabled children that were provided last year.
Banned
In the superintendents race I believe there are many issues not just the ESE offices. Questions have been raised that she and the board haven't answered. And isn't it a little bit curious that in the last election, a wealthy developer who is also tight with former Rep. Sansom contributed several thousand dollars to Mrs. Anderson's campaign? That same developer has interests in Okaloosa county too. The office of superintendent is too political and too many political connections are in play. That needs to change. People don't give money to polticians for no reason. Ethics is missing in all of Walton county politics, and there is about as much transparency here as their is in Washington DC.
Beach Comber
Alexis Tibbetts contributed to Carlene Anderson’s campaign. Talk about birds of a feather!
Beach Fanatic
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.
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