Hills Board

Will April Griffin Endorse Kevin White???

2010-03-04T17:25:00.002-05:00

In the world of connecting local political dots…..here’s a strange tidbit.

Last month, sleazy county commissioner Kevin White kicked off his latest campaign for re-election. A number of locally recognizable names attended, including La Gaceta publisher Patrick Manteiga.

I kept wondering if Patrick was there simply as an observer…or a supporter.

After doing some easy research, I found out that Manteiga was included in the elections violation case against White. Remember, White was fined $9,600 for trying to claim $4,600 for imported suits as a campaign consulting expense. White was also accused of misspending $1997 for buying a new Dell computer with campaign funds.

That charge was dismissed because Patrick wrote a letter to the elections commission helping White justify the expense. Apparently, Manteiga and LaGaceta had been paid by the White campaign for post card designs and other campaign graphics..and White’s older computer would not accept the La Gaceta downloads.

Then, looking back at White’s campaign expenses in 2006, he spent thousands at La Gaceta for various ads and other design work.

And then I found another interesting name getting paid thousands by White: Brian Griffin, husband of ole April. Holy Moly!!! Brian was doing some voter data work for White.

Now I must wonder: Will Mr. Griffin be asked again by White for the same services…..and will wife April endorse White in his new campaign????

I mean, why not???? After all, she’s endorsed every local Democrat in the past….April goes where Patrick goes…and we know Patrick endorsed White four years ago despite being on the White campaign payroll. Hey, birds of a feather flock.

On the other hand……..would the oh-so-squeaky-clean April think White a potential campaign stain??

Susan Valdes Pays $500 for Her Lies and Deceit

2010-03-02T18:38:00.003-05:00

I just received notice that the Florida Elections Commission (Case #: FEC 09-007) has fined our stellar board chair Susan Valdes $500 for accepting a cash contribution during her past election in excess of state statute. She paid that fine with a money order dated 02/14/10.

If you remember, I filed a complaint against Valdes for accepting and reporting a $250 cash campaign contribution during her last board race, even though the law prohibits any cash contribution above $50.

When I read the investigative report, Valdes blamed the local elections office filing officer for not informing her or her treasurer of changes in campaign law. She was referring to the law that changed cash contributions from $100 to $50.

Either way, she accepted more than the limit.

Of course, the investigator immediately caught her lies and clumsy attempt to rationalize her actions.

As he pointed out in the final report, Valdes is an experienced candidate after four elections, she signed a “Candidates Statement” in July, 2006 acknowledging that she received, read, and understood the requirements of Chapter 106, Florida Statutes pertaining to campaign law, and “respondent’s actions in this case were willful.”

Ah yes…..Valdes sets a fine example for our district’s students.

Don’t forget, this is the same fine lady who blamed everyone else for spending $50,000 in travel during her first 3 ½ years on the board….more than twice any other board member.

This is the same person who got caught by me making 1400 minutes of personal calls on her district expensed cell phone….and had to repay the district over $500.

And let us not forget, of those 1400 unpaid minutes, 400 were either to or from April Griffin, which is a gross violation of Government in the Sunshine statutes.

Griffin and Valdes are buddies and like to be labeled as the school board mavericks. I’ll simply call them our school board “Liars Extraordinaire.”

Good Friday...Six Weeks Away

2010-02-26T19:06:00.002-05:00

In an effort to be sooo politically correct, our omniscient school board last year deemed this coming Good Friday as a normal school day. Even Susan Valdes hurumphed, “I’m a constitutional officer and I must defend our constitution.” Like yeah, like she’s ever read it.

Even the usually sharp Candy Olson mumbled something about, “kids will just go to the mall, not to church.”

Two years ago, forty per cent of employees and students missed school. School buses did not run on schedule, classrooms were combined….and little learning took place.

In this early and purely anecdotal prediction, the same will happen this year. Every day that goes by, more employees tell me they are not working this Good Friday, April 2.

And we are over six weeks away????

Two years ago, our school district was lucky. No child was hurt or killed waiting for a bus that was never going to arrive.

Let’s pray our arrogant school board is equally lucky!

Sauerkraut

2010-02-22T20:48:00.001-05:00

Back in 2006, just after April Griffin filed for election, one of her first campaign contributions was from the Schitzlehaus Restaurant . It was only a modest $100 check, but what the heck. Not bad!

My question is: did Sgt Schultz say something at that moment, like, “You know notzing, I know notzing, so how’s the zauerkraut?”

Maybe Miss April simply likes the headcheese, sauerbraten and accordion music.

Of course, coming from a Schmidt house, my family ate some fairly disgusting German foods like blood baloney, zilts (the gelatin from pigs feet), and smelly types of liverwurst. I just wouldn’t pay for them these days.

Wonder if Susan Valdes was joining her for dinner then? I know they both enjoy some schnopps and roast pork.

Maybe they were able to sing "Ve are de schampions" to the uhm-papa- music.

April Griffin is a Democrat, Not a Non-Partisan

2010-02-16T18:02:00.002-05:00

Democrat April Griffin, in her role as a non-partisan school board member, has endorsed every local, state, and federal Democrat candidate looking for a glad-hand. I believe the only winner has been County Commissioner Kevin Beckner.

I guess she thinks her office gives her some cherished power.

I wonder now, how will this non-partisan Democrat be received by future donors…as well as our local inquisitive press?

Last election, April was able to woo the late Ralph Hughes, who gave her a few thousand bucks for the primary and general elections. She also received some nice donations from east county Republicans.

I will admit here, April does have those Charlie Crist brass ones, and will ask anyone at anytime for help. I remember her showing up a couple of times at the Hillsborough County Republican Executive Committee meetings in 2006 handing out literature and trying to be so non-partisan. I doubt that will happen this year.

In the past 2008 school board campaign, she also endorsed one sitting member (guess who), and other running against an incumbent.

I wonder, in the future of this year's campaign, will any lazy reporter actually ask her if Democrat roots guide her decisions as a "policy maker" for our school board?

One good question might be: "As a lifetime Democrat, do you believe you've ever deceived voters by calling yourself a "non-partisan" and never admitting to being a registered Democrat?"

I also wonder: What else have you lied about?

More soon!

Arpil Griffin Wins Award

2010-02-10T18:11:00.001-05:00

Extra Special to the Site:

April Griffin Wins Prestigious Award

In today’s breaking news, the local chapter of the Gamma Epsilon Delta sorority (GED) has given their annual Jack Schmidt Award to April Griffin. The award is given annually to a local politician whose reputation for “not knowing Jack” is well documented.

Said GED sorority president Shirley Turnipseed, “When we spoke with April about district curriculum revisions and classroom management, we were pleased to find out that she knew Jack. She simply typified this award of excellence.”

Last year’s JackSchmidt recipient was Patrick Mantiega, editor of LaGaceta.

In other news, Board Chair Susan Valdes was caught disco dancing in the ROSSAC garage/parking area. While listening to her car’s CD player, she was also heard singing, “I am the chair….you are my subjects.”

Said one unnamed district supervisor, “That hoochie mamma can get down.”

The Lazy Tampa Tribune

2010-02-06T09:23:00.001-05:00

Things seem quiet these days in regard to school board politics. No major issues are being reported by the Tribune, no blow-ups between school board members, no nuttin.

It even seems that Valdes and Griffin, a.k.a. Humpster and Dumpster, have become institutionalized by the superintendent and her staff. They seem to be keeping their concerns in-house. I guess they have finally become part of the district’s body-politic.

One funny thing, though. Besides Jennifer Faliero and April Griffin, seven other folks have filed to run for the three open board seats this coming election season. Have I missed something, or has the Tampa Tribune ignored all this.

As I’ve always thought, the local media treats school board candidates with as much press as Soil and Water Conservation candidates.

I guess City Council and County Commission seats are more important and our local school district, 8th largest in the US, is just part of the infrastructure, not a real interest to readers or voters.

Of course, the Tampa Tribune has its own problems with lost advertising revenues, layoffs, reduced reporting, and a shrunken paper in need of Viagra.

Maybe they just cannot afford to do some actual reporting.

My wife and I read the Tribune and SP Times each morning. Usually, we depend on the Times to produce a detailed story one day, which is then reported in a smaller version the next day in the Trib. I will say… the Tribune does a better job with Hillsborough obituaries.

Maybe….the Tribune should simply become the Tampa partner of the SP Times.

Scamster Endorses Scamster...Of Course!

2010-02-04T18:38:00.002-05:00

In recent local news, the Honorable Susan Valdes (as she demands to be called) has endorsed Janet Cruz, candidate for the open District 58 Florida House seat.

These two deserve each other.

Remember, Valdes was the board member who spent $50,000 for travel in her first 3 ½ years in office, about triple the amount of other board members.

She made and received 400 hours of phone calls to April Griffin on her district expenses cell phone. After being exposed, Valdes ended up repaying over 1400 minutes of “personal” calls.

She was almost sued by the principal of a charter school for “slander.” She also claims to be a member of the Sheriff’s Hispanic Advisory Council, but has yet to attend a meeting.

Now, she has endorsed a soul-mate in Janet Cruz.

Cruz, until filing for the District 58 seat, was Janet Rifkin. I guess an Hispanic name helps in a predominately Hispanic district.

Cruz-Rifkin also lives in south Tampa, and promises to move into District 58 only if she wins. Wow!!

And, as the St Pete Times reported, Ms. Cruz-Rifkin has had multiple bad check problems along with a mortgage fraud investigation. Until she married Dr. Rifkin. As least she married up.

Cruz and Valdes deserve each other. They make a better pair than Humpster and Dumpster.

The poor voters!!

Only thing left for Cruz-Rifkin is an endorsement from La Gaceta. Of course, Patrick would endorse a yuca if it were a Democrat.

SP Times Reporter Janet Zink Misses Great Question

2010-01-18T09:21:00.002-05:00

In yesterday's Times, Janet Zink wrote about the financial woes of Janet Cruz Rifkin, who is running for the open District 58 House seat.

Apparently, Rifkin was beset by worthless check charges, foreclosure problems, and mortgages scams back in the 1990s. She blamed her troubles on former husband Ramon Cruz.

Miss Janet's money problemskis disappeared when she married Dr. Stephen Rifkin. Shazam!!!

But reporter Zink missed the most obvious point of all: Why is Janet Cruz-Rifkin running an election under her former husband's name.....the one she blames for landing her in poverty?????

Could it be because 75% of the electorate in District 58 are Hispanic????

And did I memtion: Cruz-Rifkin lives in south Tampa, not in District 58, and said she will only move there if elected????

What a Schimdthead!

2010-01-09T16:07:00.002-05:00

April Files

First, we see that GED grad April Griffin has filed to run again for her school board seat. No doubt her campaign slogan will be, “I’m personally responsible for securing the $100 mil Gates Foundation grant.” I wonder if she’ll get another endorsement from the SP Times after lying about being a successful business owner.

Remember the Tribune caught her in another lie a few years back, and I caught her in multiple Sunshine law violations. Her only guaranteed endorsement will be from Patrick Manteiga and La Gaceta.

Two others have filed to run against her, but neither have name recognition to go against an incumbent. A third new candidate will file soon that does indeed have ability to beat her. I look forward to helping him win.

Also, Susan Valdes was recently elected board chair. This ought to be a hoot to watch and see the grist for future ruminations. I can’t wait for this high school grad with the huge ego to interact with the educated ones running the district.

As her first meeting as chair, her comment on the Business Process Improvement team was, “We really got into the weeds and got to see what everyone does.” What the heck does that mean? Does she equate the district’s business model with sandspurs and crabgrass? Or maybe, is that her natural habitat?

Gotta Love Those Democrats

2010-01-06T16:29:00.002-05:00

Recently, Mike Scionti, Democrat state representative of District 58, announced his resignation to take a real job with the Defense Department.

District 58 represents West Tampa and Town N Country.

Immediately after Scionti’s announcement, longtime Democrat activist and fundraiser Janet Rifkin announced that she will run for Scionti’s vacant seat. Obviously, this whole thing was coordinated.

And, Rifkin already has many local Democrat endorsements. Wow!
One small problemski, though. Rifkin lives in the Culbreath Isles area of South Tampa. She told a reporter that she does not plan to move unless she’s elected. Talk about big brass ones!!!!
And, she has now changed her name to Janet R. Cruz. How convenient. Don’t suppose she’s trying to court those Hispanic voters do you?

This would have been a great job for Susan Valdes. Right up her alley. Ship her off to Tallahassee and let the school board get a new member with a light on. Trouble is, the salary for a state rep is only about $32,000 a year, or $8000 less than Valdes is making now. Since the school board is best money she’s ever made as a high school grad………….

Rifkin, though, does have contenders, such as Mike Suarez, former Hillsborough County Democrat Party chair, and Gil Sanchez, a former legislative aide.

The next few couple of months ought to be interesting.

Susan Valdes Gets Gigged by Elections Commission

2009-12-08T17:10:00.001-05:00

My complaint to the Florida Elections Commission about the “Honorable” Susan’s campaign contributions has borne some fruit: Case # FEC 09-007

In a letter I received this week, she’s been found in violation of Florida Statutes for accepting and reporting a $250 cash contribution. In the letter, which is now public record, she tried to blame everyone except her own dumb self.

At one point, she tried to blame the Supervisor of Elections for not notifying her of the law. Of course, the investigator pointed out that she signed a form when she filed for election that stated the she had read and understood the booklet that contained Campaign Statutes. That investigator also considered her violations “willful.”

Let’s remember….Valdes has run for office four times now. A sack of oyster shells would know campaign law by now.

Soon, she’ll be on the hook for a $1000 fine.
Also remember, she had to pay back the 1400 minutes of personal phone calls made on her district-expensed cell phone after I requested those records. 400 of those minutes were conversations with April Griffin.

If Humpster and Dumpster want to keep playing fast and loose with rules and laws, I’ll keep their feet to the fire.

What surprises me the most: that our crack local reporters are so lazy and don’t catch these things themselves.

New Stuff

2009-12-05T09:38:00.000-05:00

First, we see that GED grad April Griffin has filed to run again for her school board seat. No doubt her campaign slogan will be, “I’m personally responsible for securing the $100 mil Gates Foundation grant.” I wonder if she’ll get another endorsement from the SP Times after lying about being a successful business owner. Remember the Tribune caught her in another lie a few years back, and I caught her in multiple Sunshine law violations. Her only guaranteed endorsement will be from Patrick Manteiga and La Gaceta.

Second, Susan Valdes was recently elected board chair. This ought to be a hoot to watch and the grist for future ruminations. I can’t wait for this high school grad with the huge ego to interact with the educated ones running the district.

Speaking of Valdes, I haven’t heard anything regarding the Florida Elections Commission hearing on her campaign violation. Nothing has been posted on their website nor have I received and mail from Tallahassee.

Florida Elections Commission vs Susan Vadles

2009-11-04T16:10:00.002-05:00

With my original posting to this site, I spoke of filing an elections complaint against Susan Valdes.

I just found out through a letter from the Florida Elections Commission that they will hold a Probable Cause hearing (Case # FEC 09-007)on November 18.

If she wants to defend herself, she must travel to Tallahassee.

I guess her playing fast and loose with campaign lies will finally catch up. Even the press gigged her on spending $50,000 for district travel, making 1400 hours of personal calls on her district cell phone, and Sunshine violations with April Griffin.

More to come on April's new quest to run again for school board/

2009-11-02T16:14:00.001-05:00

Thought of the day: "Acceptance is not submission; it is acknowledgment of the facts of a situation. Then deciding what you're going to do about it." - Kathleen Clark Theisen

Reader Advice

2009-10-27T15:49:00.002-04:00

Sorry to be so long in updating my site here. I've encountered new challenges within the school district which I'll discuss here soon.

In the meantime, do any of you know a good labor attorney who can answer hard questions? Maybe in particular, do any of you know the attorney who represented Doug Erwin a few years back?

A Couple Of Anonymous Schmidt-Head Comments

2009-09-21T18:19:00.001-04:00

It has been a while since I drew the wrath of April Griffin fans. When I mentioned the name of former Erwin Tech principal Mike Donohue as someone being courted to run against April in next year’s election, a note of fear must have stuck the anonymous Schmidt-heads, and they drew their pen-knives.

When I claimed that Donohue would easily garner a Classroom Teachers Association endorsement, anonymous was quick to reply, “The CTA is a joke. Their endorsement means nothing.”

When I mentioned that Erwin Tech Center was the best vocational school in the state under Donohue’s management, another anonymous commenter said, “How can Mike Donohue be a competent candidate when he didn’t bust his own bookkeeper for theft?”

Truth is, a major part of Donohue’s evaluations of that bookkeeper were based on annual district audits, which turned out to be lacking.

Of course, the faulty opinions of a commenter hiding behind anonymity cannot be considered shrewd or insightful.

La Gaceta reported last week that April will file her school board re-election papers in October. I’m surprised. I really though she’d run for a county commission seat. Seems like she’s solidly plugged into the local Democrats and the local unions. Has something changed? Has her big ego even eroded that support?

School Board Candidates

2009-09-20T16:52:00.000-04:00

Recently, two new candidates have filed to run for school board slots.

Stacy White of Seffner has filed to run in District 4. That position is currently filled by two-time incumbent Jennifer Faliero. I believe White is a pharmacist, so he is no dummy. And while I don’t know his motivation, he must understand that Faliero will be tough to unseat.

Scott David Barrish of Riverview has filed to run against April Griffin in the upcoming county-wide campaign for District 6.

As La Gaceta reported this week, Barrish is working on a masters degree and has volunteered at many agencies. Let’s remember, April has only a GED to her name.

Both Griffin and Barrish have one thing common: they are both active in partisan politics, even though school board members are considered non-paritisan.

Griffin was a long-time member of the Young Democrats and is still a member of the Hillsborough Demoocrats, and along with her husband, created a political consulting company that supported Democrat candidates.

Barrish seems to be a conservative Republican, and is a member of the South Shore Republican Club. He is also a member of the Hillsborough County Republican Executive Committee.

Patrick Mantiega and La GaCeta, who will no doubt support Griffin in her next election campaign, were quick to point out that Barrish lacked employment credentials. Holy Batman!!!!! That sounds like April’s resume before she was elected. She couldn’t hold a job anywhere.

Another person being encouraged to run against April is recently retired and long-time Erwin Technical Center principal Mike Donohue. During his tenure, Erwin was the top ranked vocational school in Florida. He knows classroom management as well as school budgets and finance. Also, Donohue is a fierce advocate for the non-college bound student, and would easily trump April’s worn out quote, “My heart beats for adult education.”

I have no doubt Donohue would easily garner the endorsement of the Classroom Teacher’s Association, along with those from the Tribune and Times.

Even La Gaceta’s Mantiega would be hard pressed to endorse Griffin over Donohue.

Poor Kevin White

2009-09-17T17:40:00.000-04:00

Recently, both the Tribune and the Times hammered Hillsborough County Commissioner Kevin White after he lost his sexual harassment trial to a former aide.

During the trial, White also had to admit to egregious campaign finance violations during his run to be elected to the county commission.

Former state senator Les Miller, White’s opponent for the upcoming election, must be smiling. Another candidate,Hillsborough Children's Board CEO Valarie Goddard, must be singing ‘Happy days are here again.”

I’ve met both White and Miller over the past few years. White is friendly enough, always has some “babe” close by, and after shaking hands, I always felt a need to wash.

Miller is a more conservative type, easy with a greeting, and has an “intellectual” air about him. Years ago, when Erwin Technical Center hosted yearly forums for local politicians to learn more about vocational programs offered by the district, Miller would be one of few to show up and listen.

The Tribune suggested White should resign immediately. The Times suggested he pay for all costs incurred by the lawsuit, up to $500,000. Maybe it is time Too-Tan Charlie Crist steps in and cans White and appoints Miller.

Wouldn’t that be fun to watch unfold. I’d suspect the black community of Hillsborough County would welcome that change.

But maybe not.

The St Pete Times reported that White does indeed have defenders, such as our old friend Michelle Patty, who thought the all-white jury was biased. “I’m out in the community quite a bit,” Patty said. “What I’m hearing is people are more outraged by the makeup of the jury.

So you know, she supported the Buddy Johnson campaign only after he paid her about $14,000.

The real fun during the past few commission meetings was watching my old friend Rose Ferlita trying to ask White about how much he’ll pay toward settling the case. And ole Kevin has to sit there looking dumber than a sack of oyster shells making few comments.

As one bloviator wrote in the media, the jury found White guilty or something: either sexual harassment or trying to be the pimp of 78 year old Florida Sentinel Bulletin publisher Blythe Andrews.

I wonder if the Sentinel Bulletin will endorse White next year?

My Pesonal 9/11 Memory: To FDNY

2009-09-10T20:30:00.001-04:00

My entire family is from Staten Island, NY. I was born in a small town called Port Richmond.

My Mom and Dad grew up on the Island, as did my Mom’s parents. The Schmidt side immigrated from Germany in the early 1900s.

My Mom’s father, Papa Harry, joined the New York City fire department in his twenties. As he told the story, he was one of few non-Irish or non-Italians in that job.

Over the years of my childhood, he told many stories about horrible fires in horrible tenements or horrible factories. Few fire escapes, few safety measures, and many citizens and many firefighters hurt and killed.

At one time or another, he was stationed in every borough, and could recall ship fires, high-rise fires, or subway fires.

His last station before retiring as a Captain was a ladder company in New Brighton, Staten Island.

I remember that old station so well. Across the street in a second story apartment lived an aunt and uncle. Every year, either on Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter, the family would gather there for dinner. And all day long, I’d spend hours looking down on the doors of that stationhouse and watch the fire engines come and go.

In those days, fireman and policemen were among the few working on holidays. There were no grocery stores open, no 7-11s, no MacDonalds. Only hospitals, cops, and firemen were busy during those holidays.

When my Mom or Dad said grace before diner, a short prayer for firemen was always included.

In the 1960s, Papa Harry the fireman died and my aunt and uncle moved to Pinellas Park. Since then, I hadn’t given that old firehouse on Richmond Terrace much thought, or the fact that it was so close to where the Staten Island ferry docks.

Until 9/11….Or in Particular, the Day After.

We all cringed watching 9/11 unfold and we all have stories.

The day after 9/11, my 84 year old Mom called from New Jersey. She was in tears. She told me that the entire shift from that old firehouse, now Engine Co. 155 and Ladder Co 78, were first responders to the Trade Center after the first jet hit. They took the Staten Island ferry to Battery Park, Manhattan, right next to the Trade Center, and immediately entered the first tower and headed up stairs engaged in rescue missions.

If you know fire fighters, they don’t ask many questions in the face of grave danger. They obey orders and begin their duty.

When the tower collapsed, all 13 died. In all, New York lost over 360 fire fighters on 9/11.

My Mom was heartbroken. Too many memories of past horrors….and now new horrors to be remembered.

She was so proud of her father. She also knew he’d be proud of those guys from his former station in New Brighton.

After that phone call, I found Papa Harry’s FDNY retirement ring. I take it out now every 9/11. To me, it represents a bunch of heroic son of a bitches.

April Griffin Eats Double Fried Twinkies

2009-08-27T18:47:00.003-04:00

During an August 11 school board meeting, Superintendent Elia received her annual performance evaluation. She passed with flying colors and automatically received a one-year extension to her contract.

Out of 45 possible points, her average score was above 40. Can anyone guess which two board member scored Elia the lowest? Way under 40?

Try hard now………….which two board members have the least formal education….a GED and a high school diploma respectively?

Which two have the least amount of work experience?

Which two have more ego than IQ?

You’re correct, bongo breath……..Griffin and Valdes!

Despite the fact that our district’s FACT scores keep rising, that we no longer have any “F” rated schools, or that our district has an overall state rating of “A,” Griffin gave Su erintendent Elia low marks for Instructional Leadership and Curriculum Planning. Gee……this from a GED achiever who wouldn’t know a classroom management technique from a tootsie roll, wouldn’t know curriculum development from astrology.

Obviously, Griffin has brain damage from eating too many fried Twinkies, Valdes from eating too many pork rinds dipped in mojo.

The two real educators on the board, Edgecomb and Lamb, rated Elia 42 and 44 respectively. Griffin and Valdes have dismissed both as the Superintendent’s rubber-stampers.

I’d rather have two real educators grade our superintendent than two political hacks who think Homer Simpson an intellectual.

Our Bubber Patrick

2009-08-25T20:07:00.000-04:00

La Gaceta editor Patrick Manteiga announced recently that he and his family were on vacation at a local beach.

Since April Griffin missed that week's board meeting, I wonder if she and her family joined the Manteiga’s on that vacation trip? These families have certainly vacationed together is the past.

Of course, Patrick and La Gaceta will endorse April in what-ever election she runs for next…no surprise there. Patrick and La Gaceta have never let a conflict of interest deter political analysis.

Truth is…..Patrick must be relieved that Ralph Hughes is gone and no longer April’s puppet master. Manteiga has always been April’s true mentor. He must have hated sharing his influence with a conservative Republican.

Now….again…..he has full control of Griffin and Valdes.

To date…..no current school board members have filed for re-election, nor have any challengers. Too bad….I’m dying to spill more beans.

What Teachers Make

2009-08-24T18:56:00.000-04:00

The dinner guests were sitting around the table discussing life.

One man, a CEO, decided to explain the problem with education. He argued, "What's a kid going to learn from someone who decided his best option in life was to become a teacher?"

He reminded the other dinner guests what they say about teachers:
"Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach."

To stress his point he said to another guest; "You're a teacher, Bonnie. Be honest. What do you make?"

Bonnie, who had a reputation for honesty and frankness replied, "You want to know what I make? (She paused for a second, then began...) "Well, I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could.

I make a C+ feel like the Congressional Medal of Honor.

I make kids sit through 40 minutes of class time when their parents can't make them sit for 5 without an I Pod, Game Cube ormovie rental...

You want to know what I make?" (She paused again and looked at each and every person at the table.)

I make kids wonder.

I make them question.

I make them apologize and mean it.

I make them have respect and take responsibility for their actions.

I teach them to write and then I make them write.

I make them read, read, read.

I make them show all their work in math.

I make my students from other countries learn everything they need to know in English while preserving their unique cultural identity.

I make my classroom a place where all my students feel safe.

I make my students stand to say the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag…because we live in the United States of America.

Finally, I make them understand that if they use the gifts they were given, work hard, and follow their hearts, they can succeed in life.

(Bonnie paused one last time and then continued.) "Then, when people try to judge me by what I make, I can hold my head up high and pay no attention because they are ignorant... You want to know what I make?

I MAKE A DIFFERENCE. What do you make?"

April Loses Again

2009-07-30T19:34:00.002-04:00

I’ve mentioned previously that April Griffin schmoozed the late Ralph Hughes into supported her campaign in 2006. Of course, this support came with the stipulation that she repeat his words at every campaign stop: “The school district has a spending problem, not a funding problem.”

Right after he died a year ago, April even wrote a letter to the Tribune, praising Ralph and his business and political savvy.

“We shared a mutual respect. I feel so very privileged to have been able to know Ralph the way I did and feel proud that I earned his friendship, a gift he didn’t give lightly.”

Critics have called Hughes the puppet master. Maybe. He certainly knew, as a conservative Republican, that his money would buy loyal political capital. And that’s why he so loved April. He desperately wanted someone to advocate his brand of economics on the school board….and he got his girl. He wasn’t April friend, he was her handler. He knew she was a liberal Democrat, but he could surely pull those strings.

Recently, Hughes made the news again. This time, the local media reported that he and his business owe $69 million in back taxes. Yikes!

And, a couple weeks back, the county commission removed the Hughes name from their Moral Courage award. Holy Moley!

I guess I’m wondering…. when April runs for re-election…….will those puppet strings leave scars?

A Great Comment From a Concerned Reader

2009-07-28T19:34:00.000-04:00

DAVE- INTERESTING ARTICLE - thought you might like to read. Too bad
HILLSBOROUGH isn't considered "academically high performing". If you ask
me- it is backwards- low performing needs more time, not the high performing
schools. Something is wrong with this whole picture with the Save our
Summers law if it can be ignored by some!!!

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Brevard gets OK to start school Aug. 10

Students have only two weeks left of summer vacation.

They return to classrooms on Aug. 10, two weeks before children in
neighboring counties.

This year, the district received an exemption from the Save Our
Summers legislation, which requires public schools to start the school
year no earlier than 14 days before Labor Day. The exemption allows
"academically high performing" districts, such as Brevard, to begin
school when needed.

"The school year is 180 days long no matter how you slice it, so it
doesn't make a big difference," said Jill Kovacs, a parent whose son
will enter third grade at Suntree Elementary in Melbourne. "But
starting the year earlier gives teachers more time to analyze and
diagnose how kids are doing. This will help them perform better on
standardized tests"

Brevard officials agree, arguing that the schedule change will help
maintain the district's high performing status and alleviate testing
stress.

Starting earlier will give students an extra week to prepare for the
Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test, which begins in February.
Advanced Placement students also will have an additional week to study
for their May exams. Students should also have extra class time to
prepare for college entry tests such as the ACT and SAT.

Also last school year, middle and high school students took first
semester exams after they returned from winter break. The post-holiday
tests caused students anxiety and were a headache for parents, who had
to adjust holiday travel plans.

"For the older students, it's better for them to be able to have
testing done for the semester once they leave for winter break," said
Pam Alvis, a kindergarten teacher at Gemini Elementary in Melbourne
Beach. "But for the little ones, it doesn't matter much when we come
back. They are always excited to come to school and see their
friends."

Most teachers return to classrooms on Aug. 3.

Brevard, along with 10 other districts, received the exemption because
it maintained an "A" grade for two consecutive years, had no "F"
schools, complied with class size requirements and had unsoiled state
audits.