Seeking Order Is Not Bullying

I am responding to the editorial published Oct. 24, "The Groupthink Bully At Helm Of School Board." It is a sad day and an ongoing trend for the Trib to pay attention to drama instead of news. It is also sad that the opinion is full of false statements and petty nonsense. Let me provide you with the facts.

The Tampa Tribune has endorsed my candidacy twice, in 2002 and 2006, because I was an outsider and could bring a fresh perspective and accountability to the board.

At no time have I ever stated School Board member April Griffin's issues are related to her being an outsider. I am one also.

In fact, Griffin and I regularly vote the same on many issues and share many commonalities. The Tribune is capitalizing on our philosophical differences and our strong wills.

Let's not confuse having strong opinions with failing to focus on student achievement.

Regarding the board meeting in question, a board member was clearly out of order, and as the chair it was my duty to enforce the rules that govern the board.

Refer to Robert's Rules of Order. Enforcing established rules of order is not bullying. Perhaps your focus should be on why the board member failed to yield when cautioned twice.

You state "to suggest that members act in lockstep muzzles the public's voice." I couldn't agree with you more. This board consists of members with very strong beliefs and strong personalities who frequently speak out. When the board is called to order in an official meeting, dissenting opinions are always spoken. That's when a vote of the majority prevails.

Again, the writer wrongly states that student achievement is not the focus of this board. In addition to the 10 student-focused agenda items we discussed, in the audience that night were students from East Bay High School.

They patiently waited to speak during public comment. Each discussed changing policy regarding field trips to presidential rallies as part of school business in Advanced Placement American Government classes.

The six students in attendance reported on their recent trips to the McCain and Obama campaign rallies.

They had to sign out of school to do so as this is not considered school business. Instead of complaining about the rules, they offered a proposal of how current policy should be changed. It was succinct, well-organized and made sense.

All board members were receptive. We could all learn a lesson in brevity, problem-solving and teamwork from these students.

Hillsborough County public schools received an A rating from the state.

In order for a school district to receive an A, a variety of stringent benchmarks must be achieved. HCPS tripled the number of high schools receiving an A last year.

Additionally, the school board now holds a recognition meeting four times a year to celebrate not only student achievement but other noteworthy accomplishments of our staff and partners. Not one reporter was in attendance.

Our board, superintendent, teachers, students and staff continue to receive national and state recognition. Our eighth-graders consistently score best in state on FCAT writes.

Three-fifths of our high schools were on Newsweek's list of America's Best High Schools. Bevis Elementary was named a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence.

Our graduation rate is among the highest of the nation's urban districts. Our students are taking more Advanced Placement classes and passing. And the achievements go on.

Our students, my constituents and my co-workers make me proud to serve as an elected official to the Hillsborough County School Board.