Rubber Stamping

Often during the past few years, Susan Valdes and April Griffin, along with the Tampa Tribune editorial writers, have accused other board members of “rubber stamping” Superintendent Elia’s proposals.

And, during a campaign debate last summer, Valdes asked me, “If elected, would I simply retire to the board like others have done?”

All of the above certainly seems insulting to the hard work, experience, education, and public service provided by Kurdell, Olson, Lamb, Faliero, and Edgecomb. Do Valdes, Griffin, or the Trib think the other five members ignorant or uncaring to the greater good of the district’s students, calloused to the well-being of employees, or blinded by the concerns of parents.

The Valdes question about retiring to the board seems particularly insulting to Dr. Lamb and Mrs. Edgecomb. Both have given a lifetime of excellence to education, both have resumes filled with awards and success, and suddenly, according to Valdes, both are now doddering old folks incapable of analytical thought or process oversight.

Truth is, Valdes ought to be ashamed. She has a minimal education and minimal work experience to be able to judge classroom instruction, curriculum, or any financial formula that supports education. Within the past four years, she has proposed little if anything of value—and simply relies of Griffin for leadership. The only rubber-stamping I’ve seen is Valdes consistently seconding Griffin’s motions.

Edgecomb and Lamb are too classy to be publicly dismissive or embarrass Valdes. Faliero at least tried to engage as Board Chair. As new Chair, Carol Kurdell will have her hands full with the two “Rebels without a Clue.”

posted by admin @ 6:22 PM