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The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 18, 2007

Give Elia Her Due

Regarding "Leader Of Schools Lacks Tact, Critics Say" (front page, Nov. 13):

So the Hillsborough County school chief is hard-nosed. Gee, boo-hoo!

I believe a superintendent is hired to lead the schools, to follow policy and laws and to oversee their successful day-to-day operation. A school board plays watchdog over the superintendent, making sure he/she does all those things.

So, what's the problem?

She doesn't ask for approval from each employee or parent? Oh, darn! The previous superintendent always went for consensus and the complaint was decisions were very slowly made. Well take comfort in the fact that we now have a decision-maker par excellence.

This superintendent seems to be giving her attention to education! Since that is the area most in need of improvement, she is addressing that need. Then they can file for the job when it becomes vacant. In the meantime, give MaryEllen Elia some credit. When she doesn't follow the law or school policy, then you can present your case.

CHRIS PRINZIVALLI

Valrico

Organizational Support

Regarding Superintendent MaryEllen Elia, Hillsborough School Employee Federation has this to say:

"Our communication and working relationship with Superintendent Elia has been a very positive one. I believe, for the very first time in the history of HSEF, we have a superintendent whohas listened to our concerns and has acted accordingly demonstrating equality and fairness amongst all employees of the school system. In years past, we felt HSEF employees were always put on the back burner. Fairness and equality for all employees is important to HSEF and for that we admire and respect Ms. Elia. The communication channels between HSEF and Superintendent Elia are always opened and we are most grateful. Thank you Superintendent Elia for your vision, support and contribution to the employees represented by Hillsborough School Employees Federation, HSEF."

LUIS PEREZ

Tampa

Solicit More Input

As a high school student, I would have to agree that Superintendent MaryEllen Elia's decision-making style lacks certain insight. Every day I can see the strain that teaching an extra class period has put on my teachers. Consequently, I am questioning how she can say, "You have to keep moving in the direction of being successful for our kids," when her decision clearly is not helping high school students.

It is harder to receive additional help if needed because teachers are not as readily available. Therefore, I am wondering how making teachers less accessible to their students is helping them succeed. Perhaps Elia should step back and solicit input from those who are directly impacted by her decisions.

ELIZABETH OSBORN

Tampa

Trust Her Judgment

As a Hillsborough County Public School employee, I'd rather work for and trust the judgment of a superintendent like MaryEllen Elia than worry about the opinions of a minority of school board members whose hubris and pontifications outweigh their ability to evaluate district academic or financial proposals.

DAVID SCHMIDT

Tampa

Just Do The Math

Let's try a little math: Start with one overpaid superintendent who lacks communication and leadership skills, add seven overpaid school board members who can't get along, throw in thousands of teachers who are overworked and underpaid, combine that with too few school nurses and bus drivers and, finally, take away life-enriching programs like orchestra and art.

What you get is thousands of overcharged taxpayers whose children's education is in serious peril.

C. SZCZESNY

Valrico

Teachers Demoralized
Superintendent Elia is going to lack more than tact when her high school instructional work force is critically depleted due to us teaching an extra period.

Despite our love of the profession, we are exhausted and demoralized; as a result, (1) many are switching to Pinellas and Pasco counties next year; (2) many are actively seeking new jobs in the private sector; (3) teachers who are on leave or were planning on delaying retirement are not returning; (4) veteran instructors and department heads simply don't have time to help new teachers; this will facilitate their eventual departures.

Mark my words: Teacher shortages are on the horizon because of this policy, and students are going to start failing FCAT because they've had a substitute for weeks and months on end. This will particularly impact math and science where shortages are already prevalent. Even now, the county can't find replacements fast enough. Ultimately, students will suffer.

STEPHANIE POWERS

Tampa

School Is Not Free

Regarding "Old-School Way Can Still Work Today" (Commentary, Nov. 11):

I'm irritated by Joseph H. Brown saying, "So it amazes me that so many kids today fail to finish high school, which is free to all."

The public school system is far from being "free" for anyone! At least if you go to college you will eventually pay off your tuition, but regarding the public schools, you will be paying a hefty amount each year via the biggest chunk of your property tax bill - for the rest of your life!

And as soon as your child is old enough to own property, they, too, will be paying for the duration of their lives! So how can anyone make such a statement as "public schools are free to all."

JOSEPH A. MIRABELLA

Tampa

The writer is president of HSEF.

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