Board sets bad tone for year
Editor:
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) of Collier County is in full support of the investigation into the Collier County School Board’s actions on July 31 and Aug. 2, 2007 that culminated into the firing of Superintendent Ray Baker. It must be determined if a breach of ethics or a violation of the Sunshine law took place.
Many questions must also be addressed: what was the urgency, the driving force of the irresponsible, near frivolous termination of Ray Baker? The beginning of a new school term sets the tone for the entire year. Did the board consider the impact this would have on the teachers, students, and staff? Did they put students first? The board has proven to be derelict in their financial accountability and has comprised their fiduciary responsibilities.The taxpayers are faced with costly litigation fees, an estimated $400,000 to buyout Mr. Baker’s contract, and a new lucrative contract for the new superintendent. This money should have been used for our student’s educational needs and to improve the quality of life of our under-salaried teachers.
A national search would be a complete waste of time because the majority’s well-executed plan has already determined to hire Mr. Thompson!
School board member’s qualifications should be re-examined. They should have educational degrees, classroom experience, educational, managerial and business administration courses. Our teachers are required to have degrees and periodically update their certification requirements. The board members qualifications should be nothing less!
A.D., NAACP president
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To "A.D." --
I think you are a doo-doo head.
Signed,
Denni$ Thomp$on
Doctorite in Ed Psych
$UPERINTENDENT
