Sunday, September 5, 2010

Some lessons learned in our school district

Many in our community are, to quote Ben Stein, positively giddy over the results of the referendum approving the appointment of a superintendent of schools. We are now in the 21st century, assured that a highly skilled person will be running our school district, not some political hack.

I am one of those who voted "yes" in the referendum and I am one of those who had voted "no" several times previously. What changed? The Acevedo affair? Yes, the Acevedo affair helped change my mind, but there was more to the earlier votes that many apparently have forgotten.

Before the election of Randy Acevedo, Monroe County had the benefit of a series of superintendents, none of whom was touched by even a hint of scandal. It was the School Board, not the superintendent's office, that was a haven for political hacks and "bubbas."

In the '90s, the electorate feared the political machinations of the board more than those of an elected superintendent. And, I would suggest, with good reason. There was an instance when one board member moved out of state, told no one and comported herself as if nothing changed, despite routinely missing meetings.

The reason for my change in attitude and that of others' is that Randy Acevedo taught us to fear what an unfettered superintendent could do. Conversely, the current School Board taught the public what a competent and honest group could do. It taught us to believe in a group that put education first, insisted on the honest expenditure of tax money and demanded that administrative opportunities be based on merit, not cronyism.

Whether having an appointed superintendent will be a success or failure will depend entirely on whether the composition of the School Board continues as it is today. If the board reverts to the "good old days" of politics first, we will all rue the day that we voted for an appointed superintendent.

Larry Murray

Big Pine Key

Tell office-holders to reduce their spending

This year, most residents will realize rollback is not a price reduction. It is government saying to the taxpayers: "We want the same amount we got last year." These are no longer the "good times," when non-homesteaded properties fund organization growth and attractive benefits. The economy and real estate market have triggered a shift in the tax burden to full-time residents, and most residents are tightening their belts.

Have the tax-funded organizational budgets been reduced? Not if you need the same as last year! Administrators point to positions left vacant to save money, or capital expenditures they have deferred. Now is the time for real belt-tightening, and if our current administrators will not, it is time for our elected officials to find someone who will.

Employees want raises. Good employees deserve raises. Good employees recognize work that is no longer contributing to organizational goals, and find ways to eliminate it. These are the same employees who take on new responsibilities that inevitably arise. Stop hiring consultants every time new issues or projects arise. Use some of that money to reward those employees willing to step up to new tasks. No consultants -- do the work in-house.

This year, there is no justification for travel outside our county -- period, none! If one realistically evaluates what is brought home from these coordinating and association meetings, one realizes we can get by for a year without participating. With technology available today, I see no reason why anyone should have to travel to accomplish these goals. No travel for one year.

A company car you can take home is nice, but is it really necessary? In all but a few cases it is a perk. Given fuel, vehicle maintenance, and insurance costs, an organization will spend less and get more years out of its vehicles if they are used only for business. No drive-home vehicles!

Salary cuts for higher paid administrators? Banish the thought!

Now is the time to tell candidates and incumbent office-holders: "We expect you to demand specific budget reductions."

Bill Hunter

Sugarloaf Key