And the Beat "Down" Goes On

http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2009/jan/14/two-collier-school-board-members-may-have-put-accr/

It's been 21 months since the Collier County School Board was placed on warning status with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools; before the Hinshaw & Culbertson report and before the firing of Ray Baker.

Now we are witnessing the blame game...This board member blames that board member. What a shame. If they had spent the past 21 months actually doing what was recommended we wouldn't be in this position and thousands of kids wouldn't be facing the loss of scholarships. I fear they have done way too little - way too late.

The Naples Snooze is quick to blame Curatolo and Calabrese when in actuality it is their own lack of reporting that is more to blame. Curatolo has done more to try and inform the public and address this situation than any other board member, Carroll included. Calabrese just picked the wrong friends and when he realized just how much trouble his friends could get him into...he had a heart attack.

For months I begged the NDN staff to cover this issue. Instead they chose to sensationalize a report created by "friends of Abbott" and completely ignored the seriousness of the situation. Blame should also go to the parents who should have shown up in record numbers to demand accountability - even before Baker was fired. It's even more unfortunate our own Governor has chosen to ignore the situation as well. He has been too busy honeymooning and selling off Florida's' assets.

I have heard from professionals and education advocates from around the globe on this specific issue. Many people are watching, not just SACS. How close are we to loosing accreditation? VERY close. What will be the ramifications? SERIOUS. Could Malfeasance of Office charges be forthcoming? You Betcha!

The Future of Collier Public Schools

http://www.11alive.com/video/default.aspx?aid=98542

We can only hope Gov. Crist provides the same quick action as Gov. Perdue who immediately removed 4 school board members and called on the new board to address SACS concerns regarding the "transfer of power" from elected board to an appointed Superintendent.

Collier County has been on warning status since April of 2007.

At a time when all parties involved, from stakeholders to staff, should be working together to accomplish this goal - Superintendent Thompson seems determined to split us apart. From the schedule changes to the custodians, he just keeps drawing a line in the sand.

There is no reason for rash decisions. The only thing the School Board and Dr. Thompson should be focused on is securing accreditation. After 16 months they still haven't done so. If they were responsible they would be gathering support for this Novembers' ballot to move funds to provide temporary budget relief. All votes or discussions that even hint of divide and conquer should be tabled until accreditation is secured.

Should we lose accreditation there will be many parties with pie on their face, if the gators don't get them first.

Can it Happen Here?...Yes it CAN!

"A Georgia school district lost its accreditation Thursday, an unusual move blamed in part on what has been called a "dysfunctional" school board."

Sound Familiar Collier County?



School Board is GA losses SACS accreditation and the future of their students... Is Collier Next?

Group: Troubled Ga. district loses accreditation from Associated Press