High School Diplomas Do Count

The think tank for the National School Boards Association has released a report saying that high school graduates who earn a diploma late are much more likely to find full-time employment than GED recipients and dropouts.

This cannot be good news for current board member April Griffin, a high school dropout and subsequent GED recipient. Turns out, her school board gig is her first real job with a steady check.

Prior to being elected to the School Board, Ms. Griffin tried her hand at substitute teaching. In August 2003, her strongest reference was from La Gaceta owner and editor, Patrick Manteiga. As Gomer would say, “Surprise, surprise.”

I guess she didn't like teaching too much since she accepted few assignments. The staff at Oak Grove Middle School even suggested she try office work. By April 2004, she applied for 7 clerk/support jobs within the district and was indeed hired that month as a temp in the office of Public Affairs. That didn’t pan out either. She was dismissed three months later for “budget considerations.” Rumors have it that “budget considerations” is code for “a sting in the buttocks.”

At a later date, I will write much more about Ms. Griffin’s prior experiences working for herself and her self-proclaimed success at owning and operating home-based companies.

Right now, I must say April Griffin should be proud of her GED. She no doubt worked hard to earn it. She joins many thousands that yearly achieve a GED in Hillsborough County. Our school district does great things related to job training.

On the other hand, a GED and a spotty work record are not the best training for a sitting board member. I guess we now know why she’s the Maverick of Morose. She feels so inferior around all those educated educators.

posted by admin @ 6:12 PM