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
243Beach ComberAuthor
While investigating who the people are that gave momey to Anderson I discovered contributors to her campaign include the instruction and curriculum supervisor in the district office (Kay Dailey), the coordinator of the newly created contorversial district department (Randy Stafford), and a district level employee (Megan Dailey.) She is also Kay Dailey's daughter. Nepotism? I understand Megan Dailey's supervisor is Randy Stafford and Stafford's supervisor is Kay Dailey. How can any evaluation of Megan Dailey's job performance be taken seriously? If you were her supervisor and her mother your supervisor would you ever give her a less than stellar evaluation? Also, when trying to find out who these people are and their background it seems that Stafford comes to Walton County from Palm Beach County where he was co-founder of Survivor's Charter Schools and principal of one their schools. It appears, based on articles from the Sun Sentinel and Palm Beach County court records, his position and his wife's (also a Walton County school board emplyee at the district level) ended badly when the Palm Beach County School District seized the campuses due to audit findings of improper use of public funds ($10,000 in Miami dolphins season tickets and $1,691 per month for lease of a BMW, unaccounted for funds from a school store, missing school district owned equipment, etc.) According to public records they settled out of court. Wonder if Anderson knows this? Wow, it's amazing what you hear when you start asking questions and doing a search on the internet 
Banned
One interesting item that caught my eye in the 2008 campaign funding is the $3200 that Mrs. Anderson paid to herself and listed as 'travel expense'. I thought such expenses had to be documented and itemized.
Beach Fanatic
When my wife and I worked for the state, we certainly had to document and itemize our travel claims. If the local governmental agencies do not, they should be made to do so.
Beach Fanatic
Read it again Andy, campaign. They may have to be itemized but you may have to go ask for the hard copy. Suggest you call Supervisor of Elections.
Beach Lover
I can't help but wonder why Ms. Hutchison is running. She has a few signs around and not much else. I plan to vote for her in the primary because I have friends who are teachers and they're scared to death to say anything and some of Mrs. Andersons funding is questionable so in my mind she has a problem with ethics. I suspect the serious candidate is Mrs. Ragel.
Beach Crab
One of the Next Generation Standards that we expect 5th graders to be able to learn is discerning the reliability & validity of an author's claims. Sadly, it appears that many of the posts on this forum would not meet a minimal standard of reliability & validity. Writers of these posts seem to make hyperbolic & slanderous claims with minimal support. Many of the things I've read on this forum are either blatantly false, only partially true, lack substantive support, or are taken completely out of context. Please check your facts fully before you contribute. When reading someone's derisive claims, recognize that these posts do not meet a 5th graders definition of credible. Are you smarter than a 5th grader? If so, raise your level of discourse please.
SoWal Expert
I agree Peaceandlove1. I am very undecided in this race, but it seems most comments come from personal anecdotal information. I understand that there have been employees that have lost their jobs in the current administration, and most of the support for Hutchison seems to come out of those who are at odds with Anderson, on a personal and professional level. I can't vote for either one (there is a Dem candidate too), but will be studying the primary winner and Ragle very closely in November.
My dream candidate for this position is A) appointed, not elected, and B) comes from at least 500 miles from the panhandle, from a larger and more progressive school system. Sigh. On a bright note, I am seeing more autonomy for SoWal schools. A smart superintendent will continue to let the SoWal schools operate independently, and give more free rein to each SoWal principal and parents, to meet the expectations of our population here.
My dream candidate for this position is A) appointed, not elected, and B) comes from at least 500 miles from the panhandle, from a larger and more progressive school system. Sigh. On a bright note, I am seeing more autonomy for SoWal schools. A smart superintendent will continue to let the SoWal schools operate independently, and give more free rein to each SoWal principal and parents, to meet the expectations of our population here.
Edited
Beach Lover
As a lifelong Walton County resident and a property owner in both North and South Walton county whose children attend NoWal schools, I take exception to your comment, Jdarg. ("A smart superintendent will continue to let the South Walton schools operate independently, and give more rein to SoWal princials and parents, "to meet the expectations of our population here." ) Are you under the impression that parents and principals lower their expectations when they travel north of the bay? I assure you, as a parent and a teacher in North Walton County, I want and expect the same things for my children that you do. I pray that whoever the superintendent is, they do not share your opinion that some schools/students desire a higher level of education than others.
SoWal Expert
As a lifelong Walton County resident and a property owner in both North and South Walton county whose children attend NoWal schools, I take exception to your comment, Jdarg. ("A smart superintendent will continue to let the South Walton schools operate independently, and give more rein to SoWal princials and parents, "to meet the expectations of our population here." ) Are you under the impression that parents and principals lower their expectations when they travel north of the bay? I assure you, as a parent and a teacher in North Walton County, I want and expect the same things for my children that you do. I pray that whoever the superintendent is, they do not share your opinion that some schools/students desire a higher level of education than others.
I knew I would stir up a hornet's nest, but we always seem to be in a battle down here. The population in SoWal has literally exploded with new residents who came from larger cities and school districts with many options. Some of us landed here because of jobs, others moved here because they wanted to move to their happy beach, but so many of us were completely shocked at the state of the school system here compared to our former places. So shocked that many leave the Walton County School system to go to Niceville, Arnold, Collegiate High School, and create new private schools. I don't know about anything in North Walton, but I do know what our community expectations are here, and I am only concerned with those, because my kids attend school here, and I know what we had in our former community. I would like to see schools operate at an independent enough level that the principal, teachers, and parents at each school could make most decisions for their schools, without a whole lot of interference from DeFuniak.
We all do want the same things- a great education for our kids. Y'all up north need to be screaming just as loud.
Edited
Beach Crab
I agree JDarg,the superintendent position should be appointed. Although appointment comes with it's own set of drawbacks, it contributes to a sense of stability. While I respect your candidate choices, I will say, as a career educator, Ms. Anderson is the best superintendent have ever worked for. By best I mean most prepared and most student-oriented. While Ms.Hutchinson has experience as a classroom teacher, was the professional development chair for her school, managed a small after-school tutorial team, sold real estate and was the local classroom-teacher's union president, I don't know that these experiences have prepared her to handle the state and local mandates and that are part of the superintendent's job. I would prefer someone with an Educational Leadership degree and someone with a proven track record of managing a large organization that meets diverse student needs. Ms. Ragle has limited experience managing a small department, but her answers at the forums I have attended have been very vague. Some people like vague answers because it allows them to fill in their own answers, but I would prefer someone who can articulately speak to the issues that will be encountered on the job. From your post and the responses you've received, it sounds like you are a parent who values a quality education. WCSD offers a quality education because of our hard working teachers and support personnel.
Listening to people from other districts, I know that budget constraints have forced
teachers and non-instructional staff to be laid-off with negative effects on the local
economy. This hasn't happened in Walton County due to the adept management skills of
our superintendent. While it may be easy for some to discount our high-performing status,
as a teacher I know what hard work it takes to continue to earn this recognition. I'd much
rather stick with someone who has a proven quality track record than gamble on
someone who may or may not be up for the job as the stakes are far too high.
Listening to people from other districts, I know that budget constraints have forced
teachers and non-instructional staff to be laid-off with negative effects on the local
economy. This hasn't happened in Walton County due to the adept management skills of
our superintendent. While it may be easy for some to discount our high-performing status,
as a teacher I know what hard work it takes to continue to earn this recognition. I'd much
rather stick with someone who has a proven quality track record than gamble on
someone who may or may not be up for the job as the stakes are far too high.
Banned
One of the Next Generation Standards that we expect 5th graders to be able to learn is discerning the reliability & validity of an author's claims. Sadly, it appears that many of the posts on this forum would not meet a minimal standard of reliability & validity. Writers of these posts seem to make hyperbolic & slanderous claims with minimal support. Many of the things I've read on this forum are either blatantly false, only partially true, lack substantive support, or are taken completely out of context. Please check your facts fully before you contribute. When reading someone's derisive claims, recognize that these posts do not meet a 5th graders definition of credible. Are you smarter than a 5th grader? If so, raise your level of discourse please.
Exactly what posts made slanderous claims or were false? The best defense for slander is the truth.
Beach Comber
Choice, conviction, conscience
Dear P&L1,
If you prefer the incumbent, no one will begrudge your exercising the right to vote your conviction. Thank goodness we have choices.
My personal belief is that teachers, parents, and members of the community need to be heard and have their views considered. I do not believe that, currently, open dialogue exists with the stakeholders in our school district.
Employees need to feel valued. Children and adults recognize the difference in a postive atmosphere and a threatening, mistrusting environment.
One can either be a beacon for change, continually complain, or surrender to apathy and complacency. I am reconciled to accept whatever lies ahead knowing that I set a good example - perseverence.
RR
Dear P&L1,
If you prefer the incumbent, no one will begrudge your exercising the right to vote your conviction. Thank goodness we have choices.
My personal belief is that teachers, parents, and members of the community need to be heard and have their views considered. I do not believe that, currently, open dialogue exists with the stakeholders in our school district.
Employees need to feel valued. Children and adults recognize the difference in a postive atmosphere and a threatening, mistrusting environment.
One can either be a beacon for change, continually complain, or surrender to apathy and complacency. I am reconciled to accept whatever lies ahead knowing that I set a good example - perseverence.
RR
Beach Crab
Dear P&L1,
If you prefer the incumbent, no one will begrudge your exercising the right to vote your conviction. Thank goodness we have choices.
My personal belief is that teachers, parents, and members of the community need to be heard and have their views considered. I do not believe that, currently, open dialogue exists with the stakeholders in our school district.
Employees need to feel valued. Children and adults recognize the difference in a postive atmosphere and a threatening, mistrusting environment.
One can either be a beacon for change, continually complain, or surrender to apathy and complacency. I am reconciled to accept whatever lies ahead knowing that I set a good example - perseverence.
RR
Yes, I am thankful that we have choices as well.
I agree that teachers, parents, and members of the community need to be heard. However, I disagree that the dialogue isn't open now.
It seems that teachers, administrators, district support personnel and the superintendent strive to be responsive to student and parent needs. I haven't heard anything from either candidate that would lead me to believe that the dialogue would be more open than it is now. Since the other candidates do not have experience running organizations such as a school site or a school district, I believe the amount of time they would need to learn the intricacies and demands of position would leave less time available for ongoing communication. Even if these candidates were fully prepared for the position, I haven’t seen anything in their campaigns that would lead me to believe that they are concise and effective communicators. In the forums I have attended, I have seen the superintendent as remarkably more well-spoken on the myriad issues that face the district than either of the other two candidates. I believe the district benefits from the superintendent’s ability to communicate with parents, businesses, the FDOE and other entities. Parents, students, teachers, administrators and the community need consistency and experience. Perhaps the district and community can work together to maximize an open dialogue if that is a concern, but I can't imagine this happening with either of the other candidates.
Banned
Political contributions are fine if someone really believes in a candidate. "Someone" doesn't necessarily mean companies like Destin Jet, Crystal Beach Development Company and other 'companies'. My personal view is that it is bad public policy for employees of the school district or any other government agency to contribute to their boss. The fact is that only three states even allow elected school superintendents and some districts in Florida have appointed or hired superintendents. Why is Walton County Florida right on this and 47 other states and their counties wrong?
Beach Crab
Political contributions are fine if someone really believes in a candidate. "Someone" doesn't necessarily mean companies like Destin Jet, Crystal Beach Development Company and other 'companies'. My personal view is that it is bad public policy for employees of the school district or any other government agency to contribute to their boss. The fact is that only three states even allow elected school superintendents and some districts in Florida have appointed or hired superintendents. Why is Walton County Florida right on this and 47 other states and their counties wrong?
I agree jp nettles. Appointing/hiring a superintendent has it's own set of issues, but it does seem to make more sense. Do you know if there are other districts who have transitioned from elected to hired superintendents in our state. If so, do you know what process they went through? Thanks.
Beach Fanatic
Political contributions are fine if someone really believes in a candidate. "Someone" doesn't necessarily mean companies like Destin Jet, Crystal Beach Development Company and other 'companies'. My personal view is that it is bad public policy for employees of the school district or any other government agency to contribute to their boss. The fact is that only three states even allow elected school superintendents and some districts in Florida have appointed or hired superintendents. Why is Walton County Florida right on this and 47 other states and their counties wrong?
It is not that 47 states and their counties are wrong, it is the fact that in order to appoint a superintendent you must be a charter county. There is a process Walton County must go through to do this. It is my understanding it has been tried previously and the effort failed. There is no doubt the superintendent should be appointed. In Walton County, it is the tail wagging the dog instead of the other way around. The superintendent of schools should be at the bequest of the school board, not the other way around.
Banned
This morning when I was reading the Daily News I saw Mrs. Anderson's ad. I believe she might be embellishing the truth with one of her claims: "Carlene has protected employees from lay-offs, furloughs and salary cuts." Some of the fine, hard working teachers that have been laid off during her regime might disagree.
Beach Crab
There is a distinction between 'laid off' and 'non-renewed' in education. In the past, after four years of satisfactory job performance, teachers were up for something usually called 'continuing contract' or 'professional contract', otherwise known as 'tenure'. In many states, as well as in many districts in our state, even tenured teachers have been laid off.
Fortunately, WCSD has not had to lay off any of the teachers who fall into this category. Now the state has switched to an 'annual contract' only stance, meaning that starting serveral years ago, teachers who are hired can be 'non-renewed' at the end of any school year. It's sort of like the way it works in the business world, except teachers usually get an entire school year to demonstrate positive job performance, unlike the business world where you can be terminated at any moment.
Most teachers employed in the WCSD are 'professional contract' but all new teachers fall into the 'annual contract' category. Ms. Anderson has been able to keep all 'professional contract' teachers employed, therefore, there haven't been any lay-offs. This is in contrast to many districts across the nation, where lay-offs have been rampant.
Ms. Anderson's ability to keep teachers employed has been beneficial to our economy as the school district is one of the county's largest employers. Ms. Hutchinson has mentioned teacher raises as part of her platform, but fails to mention that in order to give teachers raises, she would have to let some 'annual contract' teachers and other employees go, as the state funding won't suppor such a platform. The ensuing lay-offs would have a negative impact on our economy. Ms. Anderson has done a brilliant job keeping people employed despite the funding constraints and it's been beneficial to Walton County's economy.
Fortunately, WCSD has not had to lay off any of the teachers who fall into this category. Now the state has switched to an 'annual contract' only stance, meaning that starting serveral years ago, teachers who are hired can be 'non-renewed' at the end of any school year. It's sort of like the way it works in the business world, except teachers usually get an entire school year to demonstrate positive job performance, unlike the business world where you can be terminated at any moment.
Most teachers employed in the WCSD are 'professional contract' but all new teachers fall into the 'annual contract' category. Ms. Anderson has been able to keep all 'professional contract' teachers employed, therefore, there haven't been any lay-offs. This is in contrast to many districts across the nation, where lay-offs have been rampant.
Ms. Anderson's ability to keep teachers employed has been beneficial to our economy as the school district is one of the county's largest employers. Ms. Hutchinson has mentioned teacher raises as part of her platform, but fails to mention that in order to give teachers raises, she would have to let some 'annual contract' teachers and other employees go, as the state funding won't suppor such a platform. The ensuing lay-offs would have a negative impact on our economy. Ms. Anderson has done a brilliant job keeping people employed despite the funding constraints and it's been beneficial to Walton County's economy.
Edited
Beach Fanatic
It is not that 47 states and their counties are wrong, it is the fact that in order to appoint a superintendent you must be a charter county. There is a process Walton County must go through to do this. It is my understanding it has been tried previously and the effort failed. There is no doubt the superintendent should be appointed. In Walton County, it is the tail wagging the dog instead of the other way around. The superintendent of schools should be at the bequest of the school board, not the other way around.Then I could see the elected School Board becoming more like the current BCC where positions become political and give those members the opportunity to micromanage the Superintendent and their job, not much differently than the current BCC do with County Manager and other employees of the county. So in my mind there is some doubt as to appointed versus elected Superintendent. Just my opinion.
SoWal Expert
Then I could see the elected School Board becoming more like the current BCC where positions become political and give those members the opportunity to micromanage the Superintendent and their job, not much differently than the current BCC do with County Manager and other employees of the county. So in my mind there is some doubt as to appointed versus elected Superintendent. Just my opinion.
It works quite well in very many communities. As usual, we are behind the curve.
Once again, I have no say on Tuesday, since there is a Dem candidate, but let me say this-
Regarding teachers losing jobs (for whatever reason), Walton County is by no means unique. School districts all over the country are non-renewing contracts, hiring less experienced (lower salary) teachers, and having to make hard decisions regarding who goes and who stays. This is not a "Carlene Anderson" thing, but a national problem in many school districts. It is awful no matter where it happens. I have friends and relatives who were non-renewed in other states, also without a whole lot of explanation, and they are highly qualified, hold multiple degrees, and are willing to work for nothing at this point. I don't think any superintendent and upper level school admins are delighted about having to keep making adjustments to budgets.
I am re-reading "Waiting for Superman". It has some interesting points from different education perspectives.
Edited
Admin
There is a distinction between 'laid off' and 'non-renewed' in education. In the past, after four years of satisfactory job performance, teachers were up for something usually called 'continuing contract' or 'professional contract', otherwise known as 'tenure'. In many states, as well as in many districts in our state, even tenured teachers have been laid off.
Fortunately, WCSD has not had to lay off any of the teachers who fall into this category. Now the state has switched to an 'annual contract' only stance, meaning that starting serveral years ago, teachers who are hired can be 'non-renewed' at the end of any school year. It's sort of like the way it works in the business world, except teachers usually get an entire school year to demonstrate positive job performance, unlike the business world where you can be terminated at any moment.
Most teachers employed in the WCSD are 'professional contract' but all new teachers fall into the 'annual contract' category. Ms. Anderson has been able to keep all 'professional contract' teachers employed, therefore, there haven't been any lay-offs. This is in contrast to many districts across the nation, where lay-offs have been rampant.
Ms. Anderson's ability to keep teachers employed has been beneficial to our economy as the school district is one of the county's largest employers. Ms. Hutchinson has mentioned teacher raises as part of her platform, but fails to mention that in order to give teachers raises, she would have to let some 'annual contract' teachers and other employees go, as the state funding won't suppor such a platform. The ensuing lay-offs would have a negative impact on our economy. Ms. Anderson has done a brilliant job keeping people employed despite the funding constraints and it's been beneficial to Walton County's economy.
Nice post - keep it up!
Banned
There is a distinction between 'laid off' and 'non-renewed' in education. In the past, after four years of satisfactory job performance, teachers were up for something usually called 'continuing contract' or 'professional contract', otherwise known as 'tenure'. In many states, as well as in many districts in our state, even tenured teachers have been laid off.
Fortunately, WCSD has not had to lay off any of the teachers who fall into this category. Now the state has switched to an 'annual contract' only stance, meaning that starting serveral years ago, teachers who are hired can be 'non-renewed' at the end of any school year. It's sort of like the way it works in the business world, except teachers usually get an entire school year to demonstrate positive job performance, unlike the business world where you can be terminated at any moment.
Most teachers employed in the WCSD are 'professional contract' but all new teachers fall into the 'annual contract' category. Ms. Anderson has been able to keep all 'professional contract' teachers employed, therefore, there haven't been any lay-offs. This is in contrast to many districts across the nation, where lay-offs have been rampant.
Ms. Anderson's ability to keep teachers employed has been beneficial to our economy as the school district is one of the county's largest employers. Ms. Hutchinson has mentioned teacher raises as part of her platform, but fails to mention that in order to give teachers raises, she would have to let some 'annual contract' teachers and other employees go, as the state funding won't suppor such a platform. The ensuing lay-offs would have a negative impact on our economy. Ms. Anderson has done a brilliant job keeping people employed despite the funding constraints and it's been beneficial to Walton County's economy.
It was pointed out that the number of teachers in Walton County with graduate degrees is below the state average. I was one of the annual contract teachers who was laid off in 2010 after 4 years of service and would have been eligible for a "professional services contract" had I been rehired. I applied for at least 50 of the positions but was not considered despite having good evaluations and excellent student performance. I have a masters degree and 32 years experience in the classroom. I was 54 years old at the time. The young teacher who was hired to take my place was a young relatively inexperieced girl from Washington County. These are facts. If you choose to distinguish between 'layoff' and 'non renew' thats your privilege. Some of us aren't lawyers and don't confine our moral discipline to the box of legality. Also, the professional contract teachers (tenure) can't be dismissed like annual contract teachers. I had no reason to believe that I was going to be dismissed in 2010, I was simply told to go on the last day of school. The decent thing to do would have been to warn teachers like me that cuts in personnel costs were needed. And I'd like to see some numbers about your claim that "most of the teachers are professional contract teachers". Perhaps if you had been treated like I was you'd see Mrs. Anderson's policies in a different light.
Beach Fanatic
It works quite well in very many communities. As usual, we are behind the curve.I have no doubt that it works well in other places, so does having a county manager work well in other places, just seems it does not work well here.
Once again, I have no say on Tuesday, since there is a Dem candidate, but let me say this-
Regarding teachers losing jobs (for whatever reason), Walton County is by no means unique. School districts all over the country are non-renewing contracts, hiring less experienced (lower salary) teachers, and having to make hard decisions regarding who goes and who stays. This is not a "Carlene Anderson" thing, but a national problem in many school districts. It is awful no matter where it happens. I have friends and relatives who were non-renewed in other states, also without a whole lot of explanation, and they are highly qualified, hold multiple degrees, and are willing to work for nothing at this point. I don't think any superintendent and upper level school admins are delighted about having to keep making adjustments to budgets.
I am re-reading "Waiting for Superman". It has some interesting points from different education perspectives.
SoWal Expert
I have no doubt that it works well in other places, so does having a county manager work well in other places, just seems it does not work well here.
Hmmm. There are a lot of things that don't work here. Wonder why?:scratch: Couldn't possibly have anything to do with the prevailing attitude of "well, that's always how it's been done around here".:roll:
Banned
The facts are that Mrs. Anderson has fired, non renewed, laid off or whatever one wishes to call getting rid of good teachers when no reduction in personnel was required. It is also a fact that Mrs. Anderson's campaign is financed largely by wealthy individuals who control or own entities that make it difficult for not so well funded people to fairly run for office. Ms. Hutchison has funded her own campaign. Not so well connected people who run for office are limited by their own resources and small contributors who are limited by the amount they can contribute. And the use of strict legal definitions doesn't disguise a lie.
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