Hills Board

Retired...Finally

2012-01-03T10:57:00.002-05:00

This is my second day formally retired from the school district. Those 13 years were quite a ride...many ups and downs..with much learned and many years of great job satisfaction.

With CARIBE, we enrolled over 12,000 students, surpassed $15 million in grant funds, and earned for the district about $2 million in "profits" from exceeding enrollment and completion goals.

For the past two plus years within student transportation, I worked in four area offices and learned that "bleeding school bus yellow" is not for the faint of heart. My hat is off to those who work in that fast-paced environment. Most people have no idea that the district's transportation office opens each day at 4:00AM and seldom closes before midnight. Each area office opens at 5:00AM...and some stay open until 6:00PM. Every day is filled with driver absences, bus breakdowns, accidents, or student fights on board....not to mention the bizzillion calls from upset parents.

I will not miss this at all while playing golf at Temple Terrace CC. :-)

On another subject: I see Susan Valdes has filed to run again for her board seat. Is there no one out there to truly challenge this hoochie mamma?

Merry Christmas

2010-12-18T09:51:00.001-05:00

Honk If You Love Jesus

Text If You want to Meet Him

Editors Joe Guidry, Tampa Tribune, and John Hill, SP Times, must be Cafeteria Catholics

2010-08-21T09:53:00.002-04:00

I know both John Hill and Joe Guidry are life-long Catholics.

Guidry is a local guy who graduated from Jesuit High School. Hill’s mom graduate from Tampa’s Sacred Heart Academy.

I have no doubt both attend Mass somewhere locally and regularly. And as good Catholics, they both have mastered the art of avoiding any feeling of guilt.

Trouble is, they are both “cafeteria” Catholics, or those who pick and choose which Catholic dogma to believe or discard. For example, the church is pro-life, anti-capital punishment, and opposes gay marriage.. Have Guidry or Hill ever endorsed a political candidate who has an opposite views? If so, should they spend mucho in purgatory?

Truth is, both have given April Griffin a pass and ignored her constant lying and resume embellishments. Both have overlooked her ineffective skill-sets and lack of accomplishments. Both consider her a “niche” candidate to accommodate her GED degree and liberal politics.

Hills goes as far to attack her main opponent, Terry Kemple, by saying his conservative Christian beliefs are “social issue” not suitable for the school board. Does Hill mean morality and ethics are not to be considered a skill-set for school board members.
So when Griffin has constantly lied about being a successful business owner, Hill thinks that is an OK example for the children of Hillsborough county.

And, does Hill really believe that someone like Kemple, who was admitted to the Naval Academy, has less ability to judge curriculum and instruction the our GED-challenged Griffin?

Let’s just admit, John Hill is a lazy reporter-now-editor and not to be taken too seriously. And I still think he loves titty bars.

Is This a Pinhead Item or What?

2010-08-13T14:36:00.002-04:00

Noncitizens could soon vote in school board elections

By: Joshua SabatiniExaminer Staff Writer07/08/10 8:58 AM PDT

Board of Supervisors President David Chiu charter amendment to allow noncitizens to vote in elections for the Board of Education is expected to move closer Thursday to being placed on the November ballot.

The Board of Supervisors Rules Committee meets Thursday to vote on whether to send the charter amendment to the full board for a vote. It would take at least six votes by the full board to place it on the November ballot.

The committee meets at 10 a.m. at City Hall in Room 263. The City Controller estimates the measure would increase city costs by a minimum of $788,000 per election to print and distribute voting materials, train poll workers and separately register people who would become eligible to vote in just the school board elections.

The amendment would permit noncitizens 18 years of age or older who have children in San Francisco public schools to vote in the school board elections.

Read more at the San Francisco Examiner: http://www.sfexaminer.com/opinion/blogs/under-the-dome/noncitizens-could-soon-vote-in-school-board-elections-98031449.html#ixzz0tappXpPU

Could April Griffin run Against April Griffin One Day?

2010-08-08T15:59:00.004-04:00

You’re not going to believe this tidbit.

As Gomer would say, “Serprise, serprise.”

Up in Alachua County (Gainesville), April Griffin is running for a school board seat.

No, not our Tarball who we love to diss.

This other April Griffin is a couple years older….and actually has a degree in education and has been a real teacher….not a failed substitute as Tarball.

On Another Front:

This past Monday morning, six Terry Kemple signs were stolen out of my yard and a neighbor’s yard. The thief left the stands…only took the signs.

Since ole April and family live in Temple Terrace, I doubt she, her hubby, or sons were involved. Maybe.

But, three blocks away from me lives her Bubba, her BFF, her fellow Dumpster…..yes I’m talking Susan Valdes. Just wish I had a video camera recording the front yard…which gives me an idea to do just that.

Here’s a true story: back in 2004 when my wife ran against Valdes, a man called one Sunday afternoon about a passenger van in Wellswood stopping at our campaign signs, picking them up and replacing them with Valdes signs. The man gave us the vehicle type and license plate number. He also went to file a police report.

When we drove over the Valdes residence, there was, sure enough, the same vehicle with same plate number. I just wish that guy had a cell phone with camera.

The police took the report but never investigated. And I still have the guy’s phone number. And the lazy Tampa Tribune showed no interest.

April Griffin's Campaign Contributions and Endorsements

2010-07-29T17:32:00.002-04:00

Recently, the Tampa Tribune and it's editorial guy Joe Guidry had to apologize for endorsing April because she only has a GED diploma while presiding over a $3.1 billion budget and the 8th largest school district in the country.

As John Hill will duplicate in the SP Times, Guidry considers Griffin a "niche" candidate who will serve those students not heading to college and she will help enhance Adult Education and Technical Education.

Of course, in my twelve years in Adult and Career, Technical Education, I did not see April once...or hear about her influence trying to advance that agenda. She has no knowledge or ability to do so...nor has any skill set or financial background to understand how to do so. No doubt, she is completely ignored by the SDHC staff, which is not good for a student advocate.

Both Guidry and Hill also have overlooked Griffin's lies about successful business ownership, her lies about community involvement, and her violations of Sunshine Laws with Susan Valdes.

But Guidry and Hill always apologize for their chosen politicians.

April was also endorsed by La Gaceta and the Lesbian, Gay, and Transvestite Alliance. Nothing wrong with these endorsements...other than proving April's liberal politics....and Patrick Matiega's bias since his wife did contribute to April's campaign...along with her backing of Kevin Beckner, our openly gay county commissioner.

Now for the real hoot about Tar-ball's recent campaign finance report: Her husband Brian loaned her $10.

She also reported contributions from the disgraced Ralph Hughes family, disguised as corporate checks. I guess ole April still is repeating Ralph's mantra: "The school district has a spending problem, not a spending problem."

Remember, our county commission stripped Hughes of his Moral Courage award after the press revealed he and his companies owe $168 million in back taxes.

On Another Note:

Lee Decesare is back in the saddle. I thought she was terribly ill, but....she was out of town for an extended time. While I don't always agree with her style and personal attacks, I do admire her energy to write lengthy analysis...and most of her core arguments are correct.

You can see her blog by "googling" her name and find Castingroomcouch.com. You may be shocked...and you may end nodding in agreement with many of her words.

Top 10 Reasons Why SP Times Editor John Hill will Endorse April Griffin

2010-07-19T19:14:00.002-04:00

We know John Hill will endorse ole April. Here's why.

10) April is a liberal Democrat. So is John Hill

9) April opposed the majority vote to have Good Friday a non-student day. John Hill concurred in writing.

8) April made over 400 minutes of calls to Susan Valdes’ district issued cell phone breaking Florida Sunshine laws. Hill forgives her because she is a liberal Democrat.

7) April lied about being a successful business owner. Hill forgives her because he knows she needs the job. She was canned from her first and only clerical job with the district.

6) April lied to the Tampa Tribune about being an administrator with the Pace Center for Girls. John really forgives her because she lied to the Tribune.

5) April is a Chamberlain high-school drop-out, turned GED grad. John Hill thinks this is an extra special qualification for a school board seat, and will never ask about why she hasn’t pursed a degree.

4) April claims direct involvement in securing the $100 million Gates Grant. Hill loves Democrat boasts and inflated resumes.

3) April’s main opponent, Terry Kemple, is a conservative Baptist. As a liberal Democrat and Catholic, John Hill forgives April’s apparent atheism. Plus….. Johnny loves titty bars.

2) April continues to grade the Superintendent lowest by any board member. John Hill hates Elia and is rumored to be married to former Tribune editor Rosemary Goudreau.

1) April has done nothing in her first term to improve the school district. John Hill loves a “maverick” and considers Griffin a “niche” candidate, like Valdes.

Actually, SP Times editor John Hill thinks Griffin and Valdes, aka Tar and Ball, to behot mommas.

Does April Griffin Approve Norwood Orick's DailyKos Support?

2010-07-13T20:47:00.001-04:00

I believe everyone knows ole April does not much like my writings here at this site.

She has told many folks that some of my musings have been offensive and her sons have been shocked while reading my stuff.

Fair enough, I suppose, since I have indeed written some unkind words directed at their high school drop-out, then GED grad mom.

I also wonder if April is shocked and offended….as well as her tots, by the following written by her old friend Norwood Orrick:

“District 6 candidate Terry Kemple was born to dirty fu__ing hippie parents and quickly fell prey to the evil secular elements of society.”

This comes from a blog titled: Teach Your Children Hell: Fundie Winning Money Race.

I’m just thinking out loud here, but if I had written that about April, I suppose I’d now be digging sewer trenches for Plant City classroom portables.

Last election, John Hill, op-editor of the SP Times Tampa edition, was the only media outlet to endorse ole April. She won that 2006 election by less than 1000 votes. I hope he is proud of Miss April.

Of course, John Hill would endorse a sack of polo pony poop if it had any liberal Democrat aroma……which is, of course, a good descriptor of April’s politics.

More on John Hill soon…..and how his pals, Tar and Ball, have smoozed him.

Does April Griffin Condone Sacrilege?

2010-07-02T14:28:00.002-04:00

Within a website attacking one of April Griffin’s school board opponents….a good Baptist I may add…is a picture of Jesus supporting Coca-Cola.

I must wonder now, what is the relationship between this ultra left-wing Democrat webmaster and blogger and ole April.

I mean, they must be friends since she is a lifetime Democrat and a union type…as is he.

I haven’t found his name as a contributor to Aprils present or past campaign.

So far, I have found no active political link between then…other than they are both liberal and Democrats.

So what’s up ?

I do have two questions though: Is April so anti-Christian that she would support such a sacrilege? And, should any money and effort to produce and host such a website be considered a campaign donation?

I will try to find answers. You folks can help if you have information.

By the way, the webmasters name is Norwood Orrick.

Anyone have feedback?

April Griffin: Rubio, Kemple are Nutzo Christians

2010-06-20T12:30:00.001-04:00

We all know Miss April has a big mouth, and so often proves my continuing point that her skill-sets match that of a shucked sack of oyster shells.

At a recent meeting, where she thought she had allies, she told the folks at the table that Charlie Crist turning independent helped secured her seat for another four years.

Said April, “With no Republican run-off this August for Senate, those nutzo Christians and fringe groups won’t be voting for Rubio, which helps me and hurts Terry Kemple.’’

As I’ve mentioned in the past, April is a liberal Democrat and, apparently, an atheist.

So you know, Terry Temple is one of five other candidates running against April for her board seat this coming August election.

At last report, he has raised more money that all of the other candidates combined, including Griffin.

In the interest of full disclosure…..Kemple is a good Christian man, a lifetime Baptist, a good friend, and my wife and I have given him $500 for his primary campaign. As April must hate, Kemple is also on the board of the Pastors on Patrol .

As I said in the last posting, I will not tag Griffin and Valdes with the Humpster and Dumpster label any more. I believe, in this time of the Gulf oil spill crisis, I will rename them Tar and Ball. After all, they are both slick and full of gaseous matter.

April Griffin/Susan Valdes: No More Humpster and Dumpster

2010-06-06T08:49:00.002-04:00

Recently, many loyal readers have offered their opinions that my descriptions of April Griffin and Susan Valdes…….Humpster and Dumpster…..is a bit harsh and unprofessional when aimed at Constitutional Officers. Hey..who knew?

But..being a sensitive kind of person, always attuned to political correctness, I will banish the term Humpser and Dumpser here and now.

My problem is, where do a go to find a kinder and gentler approach to Griffin and Valdes.

So I enlist your help here. Below is a list of new acronyms for my favorite school board members. These are simply off the top of my head and in no particular order or preference. Take a look and let me know which ones you like best. Even better, suggest some yourselves. I am open-minded about this process and welcome all responses.

Grizzly & Bear Thumper & Bumper

Toad & Stool Pot & Hole

Grid & Lock Barney & Fife

Anal & Retentive Goose & Liver

Lem & Ming Dough & Boy

Null & Void Land & Fill

Tar & Ball Hali & tosis

Dragon & Breath Double & Negative

Pain & Patoot Gas & Bag

Maybe even Gomer and Pyle.

Please do notice I have made no references to sex, sexuality, physical appearances, or physical condition.

The ideal two-word description should reflect the fact that Griffin and Valdes have the combined IQ of a dead live oak stump.

Is April Griffin Dancing With The Stars?

2010-06-02T18:52:00.000-04:00

Recently, in my quest for information, I Googled “April Griffin, Tampa.” On the first page, I found something interesting.

Early this year, April joined “Tampa Bay Dance MeetUp Group.

With about 330 members, this group of folks meet-up around the Tampa Bay area to dance.

Who knew???? I always thought April was a bowler. Now we find she trips the light fantastic. Maybe her idol is Ginger Rogers.

To be certain this website listed “the” April we know and love, I went inside and found her picture under “members, alphabetical.”

One other thing of interest. There was no mention of hubby Brian. Could Ms. April be going out solo?

Is the Griffin marriage on the rocks?

Perhaps, if she, the Honorable Mrs. Brian Griffin, spent more time going to school and trying to earn a college degree so she could actually attempt to evaluate classroom management and curriculum, she might actually develop some skills to go with her elected position.

I mean…..shouldn’t a school board member be required to have some skill sets that relate to the job???????????????

April Griffin to Work for the Tampa Tribune?

2010-05-31T19:11:00.000-04:00

Unconfirmed reports to this site have said April Griffin has accepted a job as the new circulation manager of the Tampa Tribune.

Said anonymous Tribune sources, “We recently reported an 18% decline in Tribune sales from last year, and we need someone like April with her successful business ownership experience to turn the ship around.”

Close sources to Griffin have also confirmed this rumor. As one indicated, “April is bored with her current part-time position as a board member. She’s so tired of telling everyone she meets that she is smart and her degreed colleagues are dumb.”

In other news of note, a spokesperson from Glenn Beck has confirmed that April Griffin will appear on his show in the near future. Said spokesperson Arlo Crabbe, “Griffin wants to explain her deep analytical philosophy…..Our district has a spending problem, not a funding problem.

This quote originated with the late Ralph Hughes, who helped fund Griffins past election. Apparently, Beck and Hughes were buds, which now makes Beck and Griffin buds.

Is April Griffin an Atheist?

2010-05-24T18:57:00.000-04:00

During the past school board meeting, April voted against the proposal to make the next Good Friday a non-student day. Five other board members voted for the proposal, including April’s friend Susan Valdes.

Wow! Even Dumpster voting against Humpster. Who woulda thought!

Trouble is, Miss April has changed her tune sooo many times, you have to question her IQ and critical thinking skills.

After supporting Good Friday as a normal student day two years ago and seeing the disaster that ensued, she said more study was needed. After this year’s disaster, she said she may need to re-think her opposition.

Then, in another turnabout, Miss April said giving students a day off for Good Friday was “just about religion” and could not support that proposal.

I guess my role in disproving April as a business failure was so very correct. She was quick to ignore the $500,000 total coast for transporting 55% of the student population to schools where classes could not advance academically. She seems to care less for student safety.

And, she also seems to care less about her union buddies who also supported a non-student day for Good Friday.

Jeepers, creepers…….is Humpster trying to commit political suicide?

SACS Accreditation

2010-05-23T17:14:00.005-04:00

The following is from a local who is conerned about the SACS accreditation process with our school district. The piece is long and involved.....but good reading.

You are wlcome to post this all or in parts as occurred in sequence including name. I would like to be regarded as a very concerned informed County resident who networks with many others including you now.
From: "DLS649@aol.com" To: kingmarche@yahoo.comSent: Sat, May 22, 2010 9:43:11 AMSubject: Re: Fw: 3rd request: Question
Marche: How do you want me to post this.....can I use your name? Also, what is your relationship with the school district? Are you a teacher or employee?

Dave Schmidt

In a message dated 5/21/2010 7:08:07 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time, kingmarche@yahoo.com writes:
Now AdvancED President and CEO Mark Elgart has to lie for his staff, see below May 19. Previously on May 5 AdvancED President and CEO Mark Elgart says that he spoke directly with the chair and indeed all of your information was communicated to the team and reviewed. But then on May 12 the chair Nikki Armato says We did not receive or review the information you are referring to. Which one is lying or are they both?

Prior to this the SACS State Office Director Pat Wentz below was demanding that stakeholders have to fill out a formal complaint for their concerns to be heard, but the District SACS Coordinator Dennis Holt said that when the SACS evaluators meet with principals, teachers, students, and parents that "It's strictly confidential." That is a direct quote the St. Petersburg Times printed. That is precisely what was being requested below- confidentiality.

The State Office Director redirects and reframes stakeholder concerns below as a formal complaint and thus ignores them when stakeholders are providing feedback for an accreditation review that SACS was about to do. These Concerns can easily be independently verified by SACS. How does SACS get candid feedback if they force stakeholders and teachers to file formal complaints? That is a farcical review if all they do is meet with people hand picked by the district and ignore everyone else.

SACS and the Hillsborough School District claim public input but act in everyway possible to prevent it.
----- Forwarded Message ----From: Marche King To: Mark Elgart Sent: Fri, May 21, 2010 6:46:21 AMSubject: Re: 3rd request: Question
Mark,

On April 30th Dr. Bohling said that the Chair Dr. Armato has my information and it will be used to look more closely at the issues I have raised while the team is on site. On May 12 the Chair Nikki Armato said they did not receive or review the information I sent. On May 13 I wrote the Chair Nikki Armato asking for a "sincere and honest explanation" and she has not responded. Instead, you now write me claiming faithful staff responses while the Chair Nikki Armato remains silent. I note below that you did not copy her or Dr. Bohling (or anyone) with your response. So far they appear to have chosen the higher ground of not saying anything rather than continuing your charade. Consequently you have to fabricate answers and attribute them to the Chair without her knowledge. If this is not the case then have Chair Nikki Armato provide one of those faithful responses if she hasn't already refused to accommodate you. And to think that you are president of an accreditation organization that claims to accredit schools for our children. What a sad example you all set with your evasive and misleading responses to the public. Your own organization lacks all the qualities you claim to review.
From: Mark Elgart To: Marche King Sent: Wed, May 19, 2010 7:40:08 AMSubject: RE: 3rd request: Question
Ms. King,

Good morning. Several of my staff have faithfully responded to your questions. As Dr. Bohling indicated it is the school system’s responsibility to share with the community the accreditation process and how stakeholders can provide input. You were given the opportunity to provide input to the team. Dr. Wentz gave you direction on how to file a complaint however you chose to have your information shared with the team. Your information was shared with the team. Dr. Armato responded to your question thinking that you were going to file a complaint which you never elected to do. However all the e-mail communications with Dr. Wentz were shared with Dr. Armato and the team members. The team has completed their report and it will be forwarded to the district in the very near future. If you have any further questions please direct them to the school system. If however you want to file a formal complaint against the school system Dr. Wentz provided you with the instructions on how to do so.

Sincerely,

Mark A. Elgart, Ed.D.President/CEO
AdvancED*2520 Northwinds Parkway, Suite 600
Alpharetta, Georgia 30009678.392.2285, ext. 5595
888.41.EDNOW (888.413.3669), ext 5595770.346.9260 (fax)melgart@advanc-ed.org

*AdvancED is dedicated to advancing excellence in education worldwide. The North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCA CASI) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI) are accreditation divisions of AdvancED.

----- Forwarded Message ----From: Nikki Armato To: Marche King Cc: Annette Bohling ; Mark Elgart ; Pat Wentz Sent: Wed, May 12, 2010 9:59:14 AMSubject: RE: accreditation
Marche,
Good morning. The team collected data in accordance with the AdvancED standards and District Accreditation requirements. The compilation of this wealth of data formed a rich pool of information for review and analysis. Information corroborated from multiple sources became the evidence upon which decisions were made and findings determined. We did not receive or review the information you are referring to. I understand that you were made aware of our policy for filing a complaint and also told you could submit your perspective and feedback in writing to either Mark Elgart or Pat Wentz by the end of business on Tuesday, April 27. If they had received either of these communications, they would have provided the information to us. It would have been included in our pool of data and reviewed during deliberations for its validity and reliability. As stated above, our evidentiary process necessitates team findings and decisions must be supported and verified through multiple sources.
Sincerely,
Nikki

Nikki Armato, Ph.D.
Chief Learning Officer
AdvancED*
2520 Northwinds Parkway, Suite 600
Alpharetta, GA 30009

678.392.2285, ext. 5575
888.41EDNOW, (888.413.3669), ext. 5575
770.346.9260 (fax)
narmato@advanc-ed.org

From: Mark Elgart To: Marche King Sent: Wed, May 5, 2010 8:46:15 AMSubject: RE: 2nd request: Question
Marche,

Good morning. I believe that Pat Wentz indicated in an e-mail that all of your information was shared with the team. I spoke directly with the chair and indeed all of your information was communicated to the team and reviewed.

Thank you again for sharing your concerns.

Sincerely,

Mark A. Elgart, Ed.D.President/CEO
AdvancED*2520 Northwinds Parkway, Suite 600
Alpharetta, Georgia 30009678.392.2285, ext. 5595
888.41.EDNOW (888.413.3669), ext 5595770.346.9260 (fax)melgart@advanc-ed.org

*AdvancED is dedicated to advancing excellence in education worldwide. The North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCA CASI) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI) are accreditation divisions of AdvancED.

From: Marche King [mailto:kingmarche@yahoo.com] Sent: Wednesday, May 05, 2010 6:45 AMTo: Mark ElgartSubject: Fw: 2nd request: Question

Mark,

It has been more than a week since I wrote you regarding your email below. Would you please let me know whether you or Pat or both made sure that the chair of the team received my information immediately?
Thank you,

Marche

----- Forwarded Message ----From: Marche King To: Mark Elgart Sent: Tue, April 27, 2010 9:15:39 PMSubject: Re: 2nd request: Question
I don't understand your email in that I submitted my information below to Pat Wentz last week (and to you Sunday) in which case the Chair the team should already be receiving it. No one has said how you will address this matter in the upcoming accreditation review for Hillsborough County School District and protect my contacting you.As I previously indicated, they should be able to easily validate this information independently through records.

Thank you,

Marche

From: Mark Elgart To: Marche King Cc: Pat Wentz Sent: Mon, April 26, 2010 2:33:49 PMSubject: RE: 2nd request: Question
Marche,

Good afternoon. Thank you for contacting me. Dr Wentz is providing you correct information based on our policies if you are filing a complaint. If however you are simply providing us your perspective and feedback regarding the school system that you want the team visiting the system to know then you can submit it to us and your name will not be shared. Your information will be included the gathering of evidence that the team receives and reviews. In either case we must validate any information (via our complaint process or evaluation visit) from multiple sources. At no time do we take action or base a decision based on a single source of information.

If you want the team to receive your feedback please submit it to me or Pat Wentz by the end of business tomorrow. We will make sure the chair of the team receives the information immediately.

Sincerely,

Mark A. Elgart, Ed.D.President/CEO
AdvancED*2520 Northwinds Parkway, Suite 600
Alpharetta, Georgia 30009678.392.2285, ext. 5595
888.41.EDNOW (888.413.3669), ext 5595770.346.9260 (fax)melgart@advanc-ed.org

*AdvancED is dedicated to advancing excellence in education worldwide. The North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCA CASI) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI) are accreditation divisions of AdvancED.

From: Marche King [mailto:kingmarche@yahoo.com] Sent: Sunday, April 25, 2010 11:11 AMTo: Mark Elgart; Mark ElgartSubject: Fw: 2nd request: Question

Why does your State Office Director Pat Wentz below insist that I have to fill out a formal complaint for our concerns to be heard, then meanwhile the District Coordinator Dennis Holt said that when the SACS evaluators meet with principals, teachers, students, and parents that "It's strictly confidential." That is a direct quote printed in the St. Petersburg Times on Friday, you can view it at
http://www.tampabay.com/news/education/k12/hillsborough-schools-prepare-for-accreditation-team/1089563
That is precisely what I was requesting- confidentiality. Even the Georgia State Office Director Mike Bryans said he would accept confidential concerns sent email. So why is Pat Wentz discriminating against stakeholder's that send her their concerns?

Why does your State Office Director continue to redirect and frame my concerns below as a formal complaint and thus ignore them when I am providing stakeholder feedback for an accreditation review that you are about to do? These Concerns that can easily be independently verified by her. I asked her to Please tell me how she will address these concerns in the upcoming accreditation review for Hillsborough County School District and protect my contacting SACS. How do you get candid feedback if you force stakeholders and teachers to file formal complaints? That is a farcical review if all you do is meet with people hand picked by the district and ignore everyone else. Please explain.

Thank you,

Marche

----- Forwarded Message ----From: Pat Wentz To: Marche King Sent: Fri, April 23, 2010 9:30:35 AMSubject: Re: 2nd request: Question
Marche, I cannot protect your identity if you file a complaint against a school or district.

Please note the requirements of our policy; I have included our policy on grievances and complaints. We do not move forward without the written complaint documented and signed by the person initiating the complaint; thus, I sent you the complaint form. After we receive the form from you, it will be forwarded to the district office in Hillsborough and they will have 30 days to respond to the complaint.
Any investigation must begin with a signed document that includes the allegations being made.

I have included below the AdvancED accreditation policy for SACS CASI accreditation relative to grievances and complaints:

6.03 Individual Grievances. Isolated and individual grievances between a school/school system and person are not adjudicated. Complaints of that nature, documented and signed by the person initiating the complaint, will be forwarded to the school/school system. The school/school system shall respond to the complaint within thirty (30) days. A copy of the complaint and the school’s/school system’s response to it will be retained by the appropriate AdvancED, NCA CASI or SACS CASI office. If several individual complaints against a school/school system suggest a particular violation or pattern of violations that might affect the school’s/school system’s ability to meet AdvancED Standards or policies, further investigation may be authorized and shall occur within a reasonable period of time.

6.04 Investigation of Complaints. Complaints that are determined by AdvancED to sufficiently identify potential violations of AdvancED Standards or policies will be investigated. Said determination of whether sufficient grounds exist to begin an investigation is in the sole discretion of AdvancED.

a. If the investigating body believes that a school’s/school system’s response to a complaint does not address the complaint or if a school/school system fails to address the complaint in a timely manner, the information about the complaint will be shared with the Quality Assurance Review team scheduled for the next review of the school/school system or with representatives of a special investigation team being sent to the school/school system to conduct a special review into the complaint and empowered with the ability to make a recommendation as to the Accreditation status of the school/school system. The special review team is charged with investigating said complaint, as well as, investigating the possible violation of any other AdvancED Standards and policies that may be discovered through a diligent and thorough investigation.

b. The findings from an investigation of a complaint may result in changes to a school’s/school system’s accreditation status. The AdvancED Accreditation Commission and AdvancED Board of Trustees do not have civil authority to impose any order of settlement on a school/school system or its representatives. Complainants seeking a settlement, payment, or compensation should pursue their concern through the channels offered by a State Department of Education or other legal authority in the state.

Please let me know if I can assist you further.

Thank you.

Pat

On Fri, Apr 23, 2010 at 6:19 AM, Marche King <kingmarche@yahoo.com> wrote:
I didn't say anything about anonymous (?). I asked you to Please tell me how you will protect my contacting you and how you will address this matter in the upcoming accreditation review for Hillsborough County School District. Can you please provide an answer?

I also did not say that I had a compliant. I have concerns that I am sharing as a stakeholder for your review. Concerns that can easily be independently verified by you. That is what you do correct? Review and Assure that all people, processes, departments and operations in the school system work in concert to increase student learning and organizational effectiveness?

In addition to the previous concern I have been talking to other teachers and parents and now have the following additional concerns:

The Hillsborough Board recently passed a new policy manual with out any genuine effort to obtain public stakeholder input. They did not even list the Public Comment on their website under Meeting Dates, they only showed it as a regular Board meeting. This can be seen at their wesite under meeting dates. This resulted in only a single parent coming to speak at the public comment and then being ignored by the Board. This can all be seen at their website at the Webcasts at the Quicktime Archived Meetings for April 1, 2010.

Like the misleading meeting dates, the Board posts Digest of their meetings which are designed to reinterpret the activities at the Board meetings. These can also be seen at their website.

Their website does not even direct the public to their grievance procedure when their website search is used for the word grievance. Try it yourself. Try the more common word complaint also. This must be an intentional omission.

The Office of employee relations will not pursue a Grievance against senior staff. Just like the Internal Auditor they will abandon complaints if the administration tells him to.You can easily confirm this independently through records.

Hillsborough's registration card is nothing more than an emergency contact card that does not allow both parents (such as separated or shared equal custody) to be treated equally and receive school information regarding their child and school. Again no stakholder communication. This registration can be seen at any school.

The Board uses their attorney to respond directly to the public without any confirmation from the Board that the attorney's response is that of the Board. This is to make people believe that the Board has acted when they really haven't acted at all.

And the previous concern was Their Internal Auditor Manuel Ippolito is not indepentent as required by their policy and as normally would be required regardless. He will abandon complaints if the administration tells him to. You should be able to easily confirm this independently through records.

Again, I am contacting you confidentially with these concerns. You should be able to easily confirm this independently through records. Please tell me how you will address this matter in the upcoming accreditation review for Hillsborough County School District and protect my contacting you.

Thank you,

Marche

From: Pat Wentz <pwentz@uwf.edu>To: Marche King <kingmarche@yahoo.com>Sent: Thu, April 22, 2010 10:24:08 AMSubject: Re: 2nd request: Question

You have reached the correct office; I am sorry not to have responded to you sooner but I was out of town at an AdvancED conference.

I have attached a letter and a Complaint Certification form for you to complete regarding your complaint.

Please understand that we do not act on anonymous complaints. If you wish to identify yourself and complete the Complaint Certification form, we will process your complaint.

Thank you.

Pat
On Thu, Apr 22, 2010 at 8:04 AM, Marche King <kingmarche@yahoo.com> wrote:
Would you or your administrator please respond so I will know if you are the correct person to contact regarding this?

----- Forwarded Message ----From: Marche King <kingmarche@yahoo.com>To: pwentz@uwf.eduSent: Tue, April 20, 2010 7:45:54 AMSubject: Question
I am contacting you confidentially with a concern regarding the Hillsborough County School District. Their Internal Auditor Manuel Ippolito is not indepentent as required by their policy and as normally would be required regardless. He will abandon complaints if the administration tells him to. You should be able to easily confirm this independently through records. Please tell me how you will address this matter in the upcoming accreditation review for Hillsborough County School District and protect my contacting you.

-- Dr. Pat WentzDirectorFlorida Office - SACS CASI*Professor, Educational LeadershipBld. 78, Room 117CUniversity of West Florida11000 University ParkwayPensacola, FL 32514850-474-2801800-865-9068850-474-3126 Faxpwentz@uwf.edu *AdvancED is dedicated to advancing excellence in education worldwide. The North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCA CASI) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI) are accreditation divisions of AdvancED.

-- Dr. Pat WentzDirectorFlorida Office - SACS CASI*Professor, Educational LeadershipBld. 78, Room 117CUniversity of West Florida11000 University ParkwayPensacola, FL 32514850-474-2801800-865-9068850-474-3126 Faxpwentz@uwf.edu*AdvancED is dedicated to advancing excellence in education worldwide. The North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCA CASI) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI) are accreditation divisions of AdvancED.

Bus Drivers are My Heroes

2010-05-17T19:13:00.001-04:00

Since working within an area transportation office since last October, I go to work every day with wider and wider eyes…..and a greater and greater respect for our district’s bus drivers.

Most days, our bus drivers go about their usual jobs: picking up and dropping off children on regular routes, picking up and dropping disabled kids, or magnet kids with long rides, or troubled kids to alternative schools.

Every day is different depending on weather, traffic, student temperament, or the general biorhythms of the universe.

If you’ve ever watched a bus driver at work, you see someone with one eye on the road, another eye in the rear-view mirror watching the kids, and another eye watching other traffic coming from the side or rear of the bus.

This job may require the ultimate in multi-tasking…..done with an amazing record for safety.

One thing bothers me, though.

We hear, read, and know that teachers receive years of classes on student management techniques. And, this training is updated every year, several times. Teachers also have a permanent classroom with administrative support.

Our bus drivers receive little training to help manage their students. They do their jobs in moving classrooms filled with kids, and any disruption and problem with student behavior can happen at a different place any day….with no immediate support but a radio.

I’ll say here and now, most children riders are great kids. There are quiet, respectful, and courteous. But, almost every bus has one or two kids that have trouble sitting still, can’t keep their voices down or hands to themselves. And every day, buses have to pull over and stop, and drivers have to settle the children.

As I work in my office every day and listen to the radio chatter between bus drivers and central dispatch, I also hear a couple drivers in distress, with kids out of control, sometimes with fights on board. School security and/or law enforcement is immediately contacted and dispatched.

Listening to those moments before help arrives can be quite disturbing.

Yet, our bus drivers keep showing up for work every day, doing their jobs, getting our kids to and from school.

Somehow, someway, we need to figure out how to supply more training, more support.

Until that happens, I must say, “My hat is off to you folks…….you are my heroes!!

April Griffin Is Not My Employer

2010-04-26T18:48:00.001-04:00

Or...Here is some new bull Schmidt

If you remember, I recently filed a Professional Standards complaint against April Griffin for lying about her claim to be a "successful business owner" within her bio on the SDHC website.

Today, I received an email back from the General Manager of Professional Standards saying her office has no jurisdiction over School Board members.

"School Board Members are not employees of the School District, and therefore the office of Professional Standards does not have authority to investigate complaints filed against them."

Well, well. Ain't that something!

All this time, Griffin and Valdes, aka Humpster and Dumpster, have been railing against me and my musings because they assumed they were my employers....and I was a mere pesky employee.

But, should I assume now that the latest complaint against me and this site, engaged on my personal time away from my district job, should be dismissed since that complaint was filed by a "non-district" employee?

Hmmm......I'll have to pose this to Professional Standards.

I guess my next step is to mail my lawsuit information about April and her husband and their failed company to every reporter in Tampa and St Pete.

That begins tomorrow....as I review other aspects of her work experience.

Should School Board Members Be Literate?

2010-04-25T12:56:00.000-04:00

In a national news report recently, the Chair of the Detroit city school board admitted that he cannot write a coherent sentence.

Apparently. the guy has a degree from Wayne State University but had to take the school’s English proficiency test repeated times. I guess they finally gave him a mercy pass.

Point is….the man is Chair of the Detroit city school board that oversees the academic future of 90,000 students.

I always thought board members should possess educational backgrounds and skills appropriate to their job of evaluating education, curriculum, and related finances.

Maybe, when the local media editors meet board candidates for interviews, they should sit each candidate in from of a computer and tell them to write a 250 word essay on the same topic. Let us all see who can write an intelligent sentence, put together a coherent thought, make a logical argument....see who has critical thinking skills.

Over the years, I’ve received district emails from both high school grads Griffin and Valdes. Griffin can indeed write a decent sentence. Valdes has, maybe, an eighth grade grasp of grammar and logical context. I’ve always suspected she had a surrogate write her campaign questionnaire responses, probably Patrick Manteiga.

Valdes is Chair of a school board that oversees the future of about 200,000 K-12 students. Holy Moly!

Besides questionable ethics, she also seems to have literacy and critical thinking problems.

April Griffin vs Profession Standards

2010-04-19T18:42:00.001-04:00

Or…Another Visit by Me To Professional Standards

Subtitled: Yet Another Complaint about this Site by an anonymous Employer

On Friday, April 9, I was “invited” to attend a meeting with the Director of Professional Standards. The subject once again was about this site and my postings, particularly the end of my March 30th entry.

The Director of Professional Standards, a most professional woman who is always professionally dressed, always professional in all manner as well as words, was forced to enunciate the following back to me to check its accuracy:

“So here’s to my two employers, Humpster and Dumpster: You are both full of Schmidt.

And don’t forget….payback is hell…and mighty sweet.”

To her eternal credit, she did not laugh, smirk, smile, or betray any emotion while reading the above.

At issue here is: Did I violate a past directive, that, as a school board employee, I only write things that are “true” about the school district. Also, did I also in any way “threaten” a district employee…namely Valdes and Griffin.

I guess Griffin and/or Valdes must have perceived my words as some kind of threat since one of them must have made the complaint.

Since I am not a Saprano or have ever been nicknamed “Joey bag of Dounuts,” fagetaboutit. I make only political promises…and yes…..political payback is hell. You threatened my job…..and I’ll help the voters oust you out of your job…..fagetaboutit!

So to piggyback on my Florida Ethics Commission complaint against Ms. Griffin, I have also made a HCPS Professional Standards complaint against April. Using the same information and material I used to support my FEC complaint, I don’t think Ms. April should be able to say she is a “successful business owner” within her bio on the SDHC website.

Now, with an equally straight face, the Director of Professional Standards will have to “invite” Ms. April to the office and ask some embarrassing questions about lawsuits and successful business ownership.

Of course, the only question is: Can an elected board member legally stiff the Office of Professional Standards? Tom Gonzales, board attorney, may have to answer that question.

Did Patrick Manteiga Stiff Me?

2010-04-15T08:15:00.000-04:00

Oh Patrick….Where is My La Gaceta?

Over five weeks ago, I sent at letter to Patrick Manteiga, editor and publisher of La Gaceta.

In that letter, I requested a subscription to his newspaper as well as enclosed a check.

Within three days, the check was cashed.

But so far, no LaGaceta.

A less cynical person would simply call his office and mention that someone there made a slight mistake and forgot to enter my address in the mail database. Yes….pure human oversight.

On the other hand, being a truly cynical Schmidthead, I prefer to think ole Patrick stiffed me.

I prefer to think he doesn’t want to me read La Gaceta and then rant on about his “As We Heard It” column.

But Sir Patrick, what the hell Maybell??? We all know you’ll endorse April Griffin even if she ran against the Albert Einstein of educators, the Obama of student achievement, the Bill Gates of drop-out prevention.

So why bother to keep me searching outside my mailbox for a La Gaceta?

April Griffin vs Florida Ethics Commission (Pay Attention SP Times Editor John Hill

2010-04-11T16:45:00.002-04:00

Today, I mailed to Tallahassee a Florida Ethics Commission complaint against April Griffin.

For years, she has told us that she was a successful business owner, which gave her a background to provide oversight to our district’s $3.2 billion budget as well as to its day to day business activities.

On the Hillsborough School District’s website, her board member bio also says she was a “successful business owner.”

I always wondered where she gained this “successful” business experience, particularly as a GED grad. So I did some research.

Seems like, back in the late 1990s and early 2000s, she and her husband created three businesses, now all defunct.

One was called OpenmyOffice.net, Inc. It was opened in 2000 and shows one of Griffin’s home addresses in Seminole Heights. It is now listed as “inactive.” April is listed as Vice-President.

April and hubby Brian started another company in 1999 called CS Consulting Group, Inc. Again, this company has Seminole Heights addresses, either at April’s home or a low-rent storefront. Again, April is listed as Vice-President.

CS Consulting Group evolved into Cybersoft Solutions sometime in 2002. It also had a Seminole Heights business address, with Brian Griffin listed as chief officer. It went “inactive” in late 2002.

Somewhere during that timeframe, I guess business wasn’t so “successful.”

I found in Florida state court records that “CS Consulting Group, a dissolved Florida corporation, Brian Griffin and April Griffin” were successfully sued for an unpaid business loan by Union Planters Bank of Memphis. The Bank received a Final Judgment November, 2003 for $24,991 in principal plus $500 in attorney’s fees, $350 in costs, and $5272 in interest. I guess the Griffin’s hadn’t made a payment for a while.

The above information is the basis for my ethics complaint against April. She lied to the voters in 2006, she lied to editorial writers like John Hill of the SP Times, and she is lying to anyone who visits the district website now.

This coming election, April will have to face the fact that past lies will not help her win re-election.

Much more to come. We need to examine her other work history….as she reported in job applications to the school district in 2004.

See Ms. April....payback is not any kind of a threat.....it is a promise of political action!

Congrats to Hillsborough Schools Transportation Department

2010-04-05T19:18:00.001-04:00

This past Good Friday, April 2, involved some heavy lifting within our district’s transportation department. At least 20% (or 200) of our district bus drivers were absent, as well as another large percentage of ESE bus riders/attendants.

But…..with some great management/supervisory thought and some intense pre-planning by each of the seven transportation offices, all bus routes were covered, all children waiting to be picked up were taken to school and all returned after school.

The miracles that happen every day in transportation happened again…in a huge way.

I take no credit since I am still a junior trainee compared to the ladies I work with every day. I did, though, field many phone calls from parents asking about late buses.

Anecdotally, I do believe more students were absent than the official count of 42%. I heard too many stories from drivers about empty or near-empty buses.

And for the record, board members Carol Kurdell and Doretha Edgecomb did go to work that day and visited an area office in south Tampa.

Also for the record, Humpster and Dumpster were nowhere to be found.

April Griffin Gets Her Revenge

2010-03-30T17:52:00.001-04:00

As the SP Times reported today, I was demoted within the Hillsborough School District, the result of a 9 year old conflict of interest. Truth is, I never completed a district form notifying the powers-that-be that my step-son hosted a website funded by a grant project I managed. I never knew such a form existed.

So you know, the grant funds over the 9 years totaled about $16 million. For his work during that 9 year period, my stepson earned less than $16,000.

Ten years ago, after receiving other bids from the webmasters supporting the Erwin Technical Center and Learey Technical Center websites, I chose my stepson’s company which charged 1/3 less than the others. Certainly, my stepson’s name is clearly indicated on the “approved vendor” listing.

I tried to hide nothing. My supervisors or directors signed off on every expense, and those expenses were always reimbursed by the grant’s funding source, Florida’s Department of Children and Families.

Everyone within the Department of Adult Education as well as many within the Refugee Services office of DCF knew my stepson. He created two videos….free….to open statewide Adult Education conferences. He also created…free…two videos to open statewide refugee provider conferences. He created…free….a digitalized version of the Adult Education logo, as well as web graphics still used by Adult Education today.

Trouble is, he also created and maintained my candidate website when I ran against Griffin and Valdes, as well as this Hillsboard site.

I heard anecdotal stories about Susan Valdes putting this all together last year, and I guess she told Griffin.

Remember, this all started when I posted a blog about a year ago at 11:30 on a Thursday morning. That blog offended Griffin, and she thought she had me cold…..posting a blog during my work day. She immediately called my director to complain, but to her dismay, Griffin quickly found I had taken a personal business day.

So then Griffin complained to the Superintendent that I was writing objectionable things about my employer…her. And she didn’t seem too concerned then about my First Amendment rights.

When that ploy didn’t work, I guess Valdes told her about my stepson hosting my program’s website, my campaign websites, and this website. And it worked!

Griffin was quote in the Times today that someone within my former program tipped her to the conflict of interest…and she was compelled to report that violation. What a crock of Schmidt.

So, here’s to my two employers, Humpster and Dumpster: You’re both full of Schmidt.
And don’t forget……payback is hell……and mighty sweet!

An Open Letter to Our School Board, SP Times & Tampa Tribune

2010-03-27T15:11:00.002-04:00

Since you insisted last year that Good Friday be a normal school day for students and a normal work day for district employees, I have a strong suggestion for you…...our seven honorable school board members.

Go to work on April 2, Good Friday, at any one of our 7 district transportation offices. Please be there early! How about 5:30 am, when the action starts? Once there, grab a cup of coffee and sit next to the bus coverage board, which is close to the bus driver/central dispatch radio. Then, as you also sit beside the office field inspectors or office supervisor, listen to the havoc taking place. Observe the transportation folks talking on two, maybe three phones at a time.

Only then, first hand, you will experience the tension, anxiety, confusion, and perhaps terror that will fill the air.

You will also experience the miracle taking place in trying to collect all children safely from each bus stop, even though a huge percentage of drivers will be out that day, along with a huge percentage of DEES attendant-riders on ESE buses.

We'll all be hoping and praying hard that no child gets hurt or left behind. As the morning goes on, notice the phone calls from frantic parents wondering why a bus has not arrived and why they, the parents, are now missing work.

God willing, that morning is clear with no rain and/or thunderstorms. God willing, the buses that are running will not break down.

Also, listen for the phone calls from numerous school administrators wondering when late buses will be arriving at their schools.

Now school board members, remember what you see and hear and witness. Remember the chaos. Remember all those kids who never got to school, and all those upset parents.

Then, if your hair is not on fire when you leave….really do a day’s work and return to that same office about 1:45pm and watch and listen as the miracle repeats itself in the afternoon.

If you are impressed, please remember to thank the heroes you worked with that day….and don’t forget the clerks, mechanics, and drivers who made it happen, and kept the day together.

Maybe next year you will rethink this decision.

Does April Griffin Hate Jennifer Faliero

2010-03-23T17:54:00.002-04:00

If you follow the money trail, the above question may be true.

If you can remember back three years, April stalked out of a school board training session.

She was accused of “disengaging” during the training.

According to the Tampa Tribune, board member Carol Kurdell said, “Let’s deal with this.”

And, after more back and forth, the Tribune reported that Jennifer Faliero suggested Griffin “resign.”

Griffin shot back, “I need to resign? I’m not doing this,” and left slamming the door.

This meeting among board members was titled, “Creating a Vision for Your District.”

Now, after some simple research, I have found something interesting.

During the summer and fall of 2002, two of April’s failed campaign consulting companies did work for Larry Martin, one of Jennifer’s opponents in her first election for school board.

Martin paid Ciphersoft Solutions and CS Consulting over $9,000 in his failed bid to beat Faliero. Both companies show addresses on Central Avenue in Seminole Heights…or at one of the Griffin homes in Seminole Heights. Both companies were run by April or her husband Brian.

Now isn’t this an interesting find? Perhaps we now know the cause for the friction between Griffin and Faliero. Does April hate Jennifer because she handily beat Martin?????

Want to bet Miss April will personally endorse one of Faliero’s opponents this campaign season?