It's Your Money

We were encouraged by the intentions demonstrated by the Martin County School Board and Superintendent in deciding to participate in a workshop designed to improve the working relationship between these core elements of our School District. As anyone that follows the actions of the District knows, there has been a well publicized continuing and often ugly in fighting between these two groups. This situation has been fueled by public utterances from some of these elected officials as well as various charges from previous staff members whose employment was terminated, or contracts were not renewed, by the newly elected Superintendent. The District has - so far - been able to continue to perform the basic function of educating our children at what appears to be an excellent level, at least as rated by State evaluation standards. However, this will become ever more difficult to achieve, must less improve on, unless this situation is changed.

The heads of the Florida School Board Association and Florida School Superintendents Association facilitated this 17 November meeting that attempted to lay the groundwork needed to improve this situation. At the workshop the State School Board CEO made a very appropriate analogy: “When elephants fight the grass suffers.” In other words, this rift between the Board and Superintendent will drastically affect the staff and teachers who are the ones that really account for the District’s accomplishments. We absolute agree and will continue to call for restraint on the part of all of these elected officials. Only trust generated over time by honest dialogue and actions will heal this rift and allow the District to move forward. This “time” should start NOW – the children teachers and staff cannot wait. Unfortunately, viewing the MCTV video of this meeting (http://martin.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=8&clip_id=891) is not very encouraging. We suggest that all voters view this and other School Board meetings as they prepare for next year’s elections.

While on the subject of our schools we would like to highlight some suggestions and comments made by our Taxpayers’ Board members on school issues.

A member with school age children in the home highlighted his concern over the school calendar. Schools were closed for Veteran’s Day, November 11 and closed again on Friday, November 13. They will be closed again this Friday, November 20 and again on November 25. That is almost a week out of the month of November with no school.

 Imagine if you were a single parent. You already have a tough battle to survive and provide for your children. Your choices when school are closed? Stay home, miss work, or pay the daily fee at a daycare. Or, leave your kid(s) home alone. True schools do not exist as day care centers or baby sitters but when I sign the check for my tax bill knowing half is for schools, I expect an efficient use of our school facilities. We as taxpayers are not getting that.

Another Board member responded with well thought out suggestions for consideration:

1. Go to an eleven-month school year with three semesters.  Shut down the school system for one month - probably December for maintenance, etc.

2.  Students and teachers would pick 2 semesters a year to attend. They could pick one that still gives them the summer months off if they so choose.