We read Mark Pino's column this weekend about the question of single-member districts for the school board, and one line kept coming back to mind. "And if it goes the wrong way, the district may still end up in a federal courtroom." Since the only group that has threatened legal action are a group that supports single-member districts, it must be implied that the "wrong way" is continuing with an at-large School Board.
We don't know the question yet, but single-member districts aren't the "right" answer to every question about elections. There is movement in Orange County to have an elected superintendent. Lake County had an elected superintendent, but is moving back to an appointed superintendent. Osceola at one point had an elected superintendent, but is back with an appointment. There is no one correct solution.
But Mark is right on the point that most Osceola residents are bored with or not interested in the issue. Why? Because we are asking the wrong question. Outside of those who follow politics for career or sport, election strategy and organizational structure are pretty dry topics. To the average Osceola resident, there are much more pressing questions regarding our schools:
We don't know the question yet, but single-member districts aren't the "right" answer to every question about elections. There is movement in Orange County to have an elected superintendent. Lake County had an elected superintendent, but is moving back to an appointed superintendent. Osceola at one point had an elected superintendent, but is back with an appointment. There is no one correct solution.
But Mark is right on the point that most Osceola residents are bored with or not interested in the issue. Why? Because we are asking the wrong question. Outside of those who follow politics for career or sport, election strategy and organizational structure are pretty dry topics. To the average Osceola resident, there are much more pressing questions regarding our schools:
- How do we improve our schools to give better opportunities to succeed for our students, a better workforce for our employers, and a better educational reputation for our community?
- How can we cause our School Board to work cooperatively with our other local elected officials, rather than constantly being at odds and negotiating through attorneys and threats of lawsuits?
- How can we improve our school construction program, such that school buildings regularly open and operate without last-minute road construction and other variances?
- How do we improve financial accountability within the school district, so that we do not continue to lose funding and spending money on projects that require various and lengthy approvals?
The school board candidate who can answer these types of questions will have our vote, even if they have a third eye in the middle of the green arm growing out of the center of their forehead. Conversely, the candidate who does not have answers shouldn't be wasting time in the election process, regardless of who they claim to represent.
6 comments:
The best way to improve is to increase competition between private schools and government schools. We need an across the board voucher system that gives every family access to tax dollars, so they can enroll their child in the school of their choice. Government schools will soon have to start doing the job or it customers will go somewhere else.
On another note, I believe that the school board should be expanded to 7 members. 5 members need to be chosen by single member districts. The remaining 2 would be voted on at large in opposite years. The 2 at large positions would also be Chairman and Vice Chairman. This would take away the buddy system of elected the Chair from the members. I do not think that the Chairman should have the power of an elected superintendant or anything like that. But let's let the people decide their own school board leader.
This is why the entire school board members should be changed.
My opinion is that PTA and/or teachers should be school board menbers, not poloticians.
Local leaders should run as well, but local that is single menbers not countywide.
Accountability is the answer. And the school board has none.
By throwing around the threat of lawsuits, at least the school board members look like they are tough. I still think this should be settled through a Dance Off, but that is just my opinion.
I thought that might be Mr. Wheeler and Mr. Greer in the picture, but it is an image from the movie Blades of Glory about two male figure skaters who end up skating together. Hmmm? YMCA anyone?
Jay Wheeler for Chairman!!!
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