Could it be that:

It was appropriate to ruin Nick Sofus's life over dropped trousers but inappropriate to hold the Schools Administration responsible for cheating on students' grades?

It is appropriate to have a zero tolerance policy imposed on the students but we should have a "give them a chance to correct their errors" policy for the administration?

It is appropriate for School Board members to literally scream at one another during a meeting but it is inappropriate to give parents a chance to voice concerns?

The notion of appropriate seems somehow to have been turned on its head. Or perhaps the problem lies elsewhere?

What kind of lessons are we teaching our children?

That who you are and who you know determine the rules you go by?

May our next Superintendent and the present Board find a way to convey a different lesson.

This has got to stop.

Rockford (Illinois) School Board has placed Dennis Thompson on administrative leave as a result of his actions regarding his involvement with Collier County Public School Board Members.

Correction Rockford (Illinois) School Board has placed Dennis Thompson on administrative leave as a result of his possibly becoming the Collier County Superintendent.

This situation is ugly enough without adding deliberate falsehoods to the mix.

TheLissak
It was not a quote. It was my interpretation. That is a diferent matter. I called it as I saw it. By the way, you have no idea who my sources are.

Baker broke the contract by breaching FDOE laws and regulations. Because of this the board voided the contract. If the board fired Baker do to a bad evaluation, they would have to pay off his contract. Withers advised the board. All complaints about procedural issues should be addressed to Withers.

The Board is correct. We elected them, and if we don't like it, elect someone else the next time - I hope it will be Curatolo. What a screaming idiot.

We should support our board's decision. I have a wife that is a teacher for CCSB. Baker's dismissal is a good thing.

If Baker sues, let him. Legal pursuit of his agenda is the only thing he's good at.

Good riddance!

Baker used his power to retaliate or fire employees who did not follow the company line. Ironically, now Baker must know how it feels to be the one who was fired (except his firing was was legitimately the result of a scandal). Turnabout is fair play, Mr. Baker.

www.floridanot.com

Fun and games in Florida Schools

Just remember Nicky Soros when you think about these higher ups in education beng 'mistreated'.

And WHY is it that in education you people feel as though the only people qualified to run the school system are people with educational backgrounds?

Does corporate America subscribe to that phylosophy? Of course not! Why would an auto manufacturer insist on an assembly line worker to run their entire business? They don't do they? Why? Because it's stupid is why!

School systems should be run by effective managers not educators. And school board members should not be elected but appointed by the CEo of the school system. You've really got to stop tring to achieve failure because you're doing a very good job at it.

Overall I say good riddance to Baker. He was no gem trust me. Just ask most of the teachers and parents that had to deal with him all the time. This is no loss to our community.

What we do need to unite on is pusing for a full and open hiring process for a new superintendent. Let all parties involved have a say. This means teachers and parents. Not just the Chamber crowd. This will be very important to the future of our school system.

We also need to push for a full audit of the school system's books. This is the only way we will know for sure the status of our school system.

swfl ff I am not sure if you were aware of it but during the board meeting ANY parent or teacher were allowed to comment....it seems to me that most people believe that Baker was treated horribly...okay if you want to fire him do that but, to do it in the manner that was done was horrible.

Teacher,
Get back to work. This is one of the problems we have in the school district. Please remember what this man did to employees, parents & students. Also the total lack of respect and support for the 3 school board members other than Carroll or Curatolo. The NDN got it right. Carroll & Curatolo had everything thier way for several years. To the detriment of the district. Look back at all the scandals and lawsuits in the last several years. It was time for a change at the top, and also a change in the 3-2.

BYTE
Get OVER the SAC issue already. Did you not see the article about the fact that accreditation will NOT be affected by the termination of Baker.

While you seem bent on bringing up the SAC Report ad nauseum, lets consider the governance issues of when in basically closed door meetings, during what was suppose to be training by FSBA Master school board program, you had board members(Curatolo, Carroll, and Bruce) utilize that time to verbally berate and abuse Abbott and Donovan. You had a superintendent who dismissed the secretary and told them NO Minutes would be taken and anything that went on STAYED in the ROOM. YOU HAD SUNSHINE VIOLATIONS is what you HAD!!!

Not only that but those SAME 3 board members brought up PRIVATE CITIZENS by name and wanted to know how to shut them up!!

Give the SAC Report a break!! Baker has swept so many reports about his district under the rug, why should this one be so important. What about the Kitchell Report, where is the report on the mold and mildew in our schools? How about the numerous reports of misconduct against students by certain staff members? Or the reports of misappropriation and mismanagement of construction issues?

You find all those reports and then we will talk!

Teacher,
Did you read TheLissack's comments. It doesn't appear to be so. He DOES have a point. Lets ruin a young man's life for "shooting a moon" because after all....we have ZERO TOLLERANCE. But...because Baker allowed a student to receive two credits for a class while my daughter recieved one, well....lets forgive, change policy and move on. I DON'T THINK SO!

Questions for Mr. Thompson:

1. What are your thoughts on the teaching of creationism and other Christian beliefs in the public schools?

2. Do you think a superintendent actively employed by another district should entertain the complaints of a few disgruntled parents from another out-of-state district -- parents who make no effort to hide "close personal friendships" with sitting board members in the said out-of-state district?

3. Would you consider doing this job for 25% less pay than would be typical in lieu of the perceived impropriety that took place that led to your consideration?

4. Had any board member offered you this position prior to last Thursday's 9-hour meeting? Remember, sir, you are under oath.

5. How would you have handled the credit hour issue? What did Mr. Baker do incorrectly? If it's the same parents complaining habitually week after week about issues after issue, does the concept of crying wolf come into play? When should some be ignored?

6. This county is comprised of students from some of the wealthiest families in the country. On the flip side, it's also comprised of some of the poorest families in the country, namely in Immokalee. How do you balance the concerns of a privileged few from, say, NHS, with the needs of the county as a whole, including underprivileged students in Immokalee?

7. Has Lori Hoadley ever performed any legal work for you?

8. Do you think it's fair to the community of Rockford for you to have abandoned your post while under contract? Would you do the same to Collier County?

9. Summarize your personal educational philosophy in one "mission statement."

10. Are you bringing with you to Collier the "Dixie Chicks" -- the three underling administrators you brought with you to Rockford?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C130O3...

Dennis Thompson saying on video" what the hell are you talking about" to another board member. This guy will get along great with our community.

ggestres god you are a whiner....I think the district should give your daughter another credit just so you will stop whining....Did you forget that Sofos has already been in trouble at school for alcohol????? It wasn't just the mooning it was his failure to take responsibility for his actions....his father and you sound very much alike....it is everyones fault boo hoo whine whine....nice role model!!!