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USF's Trickle Of A Strategy

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By STEVE OTTO

sotto@tampatrib.com

Published: March 13, 2009

The University of South Florida, always on the cutting edge, has a new plan to improve schools.

Actually it's not all that new. This one borrows a little from the No Child Left Behind programs that most of us now realize were designed to ensure no child got too far ahead.

The new strategy unveiled this week is called No Administrator Left Behind.

A story in Mother Trib this week notes: "After cutting millions from its budget and laying off staff, the University of South Florida gave bonuses ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 to four high-level employees in January."

Listen, bonuses can be a good thing, especially in education, where the importance of teaching and learning is such a critical element in our competitive world. But then that would mean paying teachers more money. Perish that thought.

Bullish At The Top

It's not that everyone is in the poorhouse. I'm guessing more than a few of you were surprised last month when we had that story about the USF associate dean who either borrowed or stole a bicycle. He was drawing $384,000 a year. At USF they start from the top.

Still, you would have to believe that the $11,500 bonus for President Judy Genshaft's chief of staff was well-deserved. That $147,000 salary for whatever it is that chiefs of staff do at universities is hardly enough compensation.

I was thrilled that former state Sen. Les Miller, who now hangs around USF as community relations director for only $90,000, picked up an additional $6,500 for improving relations with the community.

I know community relations are important. Most of the rest of the country is just getting used to the idea that the University of South Florida is not in South Florida.

Now if USF officials really were serious about community relations other than raising money, they would give Olin Mott a call.

Mott turned 88 last week, but he's just getting wound up. Ask anybody down at one of his tire dealerships, where he still shows up every day.

The Man With The Plan

It was Mott who worked out a deal with USF's College of Education a couple of years ago. The university provides education students as mentors at the Joshua House shelter for abused, neglected and abandoned children, where the school district has teachers.

The program worked so well, there subsequently were trial runs at public middle schools. This year the program has expanded to dozens of public schools - the best example I know of how the university and the private sector can work together in a win-win situation.

At the very least, USF ought to make Mott an honorary something or other and put him in a gown with one of those mortar board hats.

By the way, if anyone from USF wants to find him today, they might try the Tampa Marriott Waterside downtown at the annual Joshua House luncheon. Mott will be there, along with a $299,000 check he brought in from his annual Michelin golf tournament with all proceeds going to Joshua House.

Keyword: Otto Graphs, for more of Steve Otto's musings.

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