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Embattled Martin Exits School Board

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The Tampa Tribune

The Tampa Tribune

Published: March 14, 2009

Just days after three state lawmakers called on Gov. Charlie Crist to consider removing Pasco County School Board member Cathi Martin from office because of her history of absences from board meetings, she has tendered her resignation.

The resignation was issued via e-mail Thursday evening by Martin to Superintendent of Schools Heather Fiorentino.

In the e-mail Martin explains the reasons for her departure.

"I wish to apologize to my supporters that, due to ongoing health problems, I feel that I will be unable to finish my term. I have always known the importance of my responsibility as a school board member," she wrote.

She added, "I wasn't elected as a CPA, attorney, a doctorate of education, or a developer. I was elected as a concerned parent to represent the parents, children, and teachers of Pasco County. I hope that my replacement could continue this representation and avoid special interest groups."

She asked that the resignation take place at the convenience of Fiorentino and Crist.

When officially accepted, the next step would be for Crist to appoint someone to fill Martin's seat until her term expires in 2010.

State Reps. John Legg and Will Weatherford and state Sen. Mike Fasano sent a letter to Crist on Monday, saying Martin "continues to fail her obligations to the citizenry of Pasco County."

"Martin has declined to resign and continues to accept her annual salary and the accompanying benefit package afforded to full-time district employees even though she has and continues to miss multiple school board meetings," the three lawmakers wrote.

Martin has been criticized in the past about her attendance. Health problems and other issues have caused her to miss numerous school board meetings, workshops and other functions since she was re-elected to a third term in 2006.

The issue had been dormant for a while, but took on new life after a teacher's termination hearing scheduled last week had to be postponed because of Martin's absence.

Reporter Ronnie Blair contributed to this report.

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