TRUTH! OPEN AIR TRUTH! FINALLY!

"We have never had a situation this devastating ... since I have been here and I have been here since 1986," said Fred Thomas, chairman of Immokalee Community Development.

Really Fred, you aren't exaggerating, did you happen to see that just today two years after Wilma people needing housing in your town just got it TODAY. Perhaps if you would stop shouting hyperbole and pay attention to YOUR job as housing director in Immokalee people would be better served, if you think I want your inefficient help with education frankly, YOU ARE NOT QUALIFIED to give it, so go do your job and keep your nose out of the schools.

Re: "We have never had a situation this devastating ... since I have been here and I have been here since 1986," said Fred Thomas, chairman of Immokalee Community Development.

As a teacher, I would say that the alleged, repeated, long-term sexual molestation of a young male student by the former head of this district's school board was even worse than the current situation.

There is actually a fairly long list of horrible decisions by this school district over the past decade plus. Maybe the current matter is just par for the course in terms of K-12 public education in this district. People would probably like to think otherwise, but one can only be clueless for so long.

GO CHAMBER!!!!! I would go the the "interview" of Dr. Thompson but why???? Abbott, Calabrese, and Donovan have made sure that you have to pass questions to a moderator? Of course they will pick the questions so how lame of a process??? I am glad that some are not afraid to stand up to the three idiots!

Kneejerk ............ You make those comments about Fred Thomas? Who are you? What have you done for the community? Excuse me I missed that!
Oh by the way, what qualifies you to give an opinion? you people that are blinded by the light of SUNSHINE amaze me! I do not agree with Fred all the time, however, he has earned the respect of his community and I repeat EARNED!
You folks that go after anyone who does not agree with you are an embarrassement to this community!
Have your thoughts, views and opinions but give all others that same right!
Remember, "Calabrese for School Board" was also a special interest group!

Why are people bringing up so many matters that have nothiing to do with this! Many sad real items, however they have nothing to do wit THIS Sunshine Law Violation Investigation! NOTHING!
Why are so many people tring to side step or avoid the current issue with bringing up totally unrelated items!???????? What is the agenda!!!!????

why are people bringing up so many unrelated items! this is about one thing! ILLEGAL SUNSHINE LAW VIOLATIONS! it is about that and nothing else!

Unless the Chamber of Commerce has a vested financial interest in this whole mess, they need to keep their noses out of it and let the state Department of Education handle any investgations.

And, if the Chamber of Commerce DOES have a vested financial interest in this whole mess, they need to come out and admit it, instead of hiding behind the [very transparent] shield of "the wishes of the community."

Mr. Morton:

I heartily disagree with your statement that suggests that the citizens of Collier County should ignore the meeting on Monday where Dr. Thompson will be available for questions even though the irresponsible decision has already been made to make him the new superintendent.

I agree though that the system has been prostituted. However, if irate people don't stand up for what is right and what is moral, I don't think ignoring the situation will remedy it either.

The reality is that is has NOTHING to do with sunshine law violations. It has to do with the crack in the wall of corruption that has plagued this county for years. All of these people are connected one way or another. You have CBIA former employer of Kathy Curatolo, Baker's attorney, Michelle Labute, Bill Poteet, campaign manager for both Curatolo and Carroll, and you have a bunch of people who have reaped so much money from the inner good old boy network that may be crumbling.

I want to see the signature page of that letter they are sending to attorney. Already the head of the Education Foundation is on record as saying the Ed Foundation did not give permission for them to use their name. So what I think is that if a single person who happens to belong to an organization signs their little letter, they say, Look at these organizations... Well, Ray Baker is on Education Foundation, so is Pat Carroll, Curatolo is all over the place, as are several others.

Mrs. Abbott already called for sunshine violation investigation.

Talk about political agendas... Look who it is talking. Ed Morton, former employee of Dick Bruce, Bill Poteet, campaign manager for Curatolo and Carroll, Lou Vhlaso, and Don York, defeated by Steve Donovan.

I still say it is Ray Baker and the Chamber of Secrets

And while the State DOE is here, go check out Immokalee High School. See which teachers were reassigned and who they were replaced with.

correction: I meant to say Ed Morton EMPLOYER of Dick Bruce

drgoogins: You have hit the nail on the head! Pull a few of the threads you mentioned and you will find they connect all over the place. The good old boy network you refer to needs to crumble. It is quite insideous.

Kneejerk, I don't disaggree with you, but Thomas can express his opinions just we can. His credibility on some issues do come into question, however.

What the heck does the Chamber of Commerce have to do with how the schools are run? One of the biggest problems the board has is interference from those who won't let them do what they're supposed to do, and this is just the latest.

Hay, Mr. Morton, Mr. Vlasho, Mr. Chamber of Commerce, when was the last time you were in the schools helping out the teachers? That's where they really need the help.
When was thelast time you opened your fat wallets to buy some supplies for these teacehers and help them out with their health insurance? That's where they really need the help.
Chamber people, you have shown the whole community your real intentions. What we need is a news superintendent whose not afraid of you guys and a new organization that replace the Chamber of Commerce.
This is sickening.

NEWS RELEASE – “PUBLIC INPUT SOUGHT AND WELCOMED”
You are invited to ask a question of Collier County Public Schools’ Superintendent Candidate Dennis Thompson. There are two opportunities for you to do so:
• Dr. Thompson, visiting Naples on August 13th and 14th, will guest on a special edition of the eConnection TV program, to be videotaped at Noon on Monday, the 13th. Questions, to be posed by host Carl Loveday, are now being accepted via e-mail at eConnection@collier.k12.fl.us.
• Dr. Thompson will be the guest of honor at a Public Forum planned for 7:00 to 9:00 pm the evening of Monday, August 13th. You are cordially invited to attend the forum to be held at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Administrative Center (behind Barron Collier High School). WINK-TV News Anchor Lois Thome will be the moderator, asking questions that you wish to ask of Dr. Thompson. You may send your question now, via e-mail, to input@collier.k12.fl.us. Questions will also be accepted the evening of the event, prior to the start of the forum, as well as during the first half-hour of the forum.
You are also invited to attend or view the School Board interview of Dr. Thompson at 5:30 pm (time certain) on Tuesday, August 14th during the School Board’s Committee of the Whole Meeting. As always, the meeting will be televised live on The Education Channel, cable 20.
For those who cannot attend the Public Forum, it will be televised live on The Education Channel – 7:00 pm on Monday, August 13th. And, the eConnection program will be shown on the channel at 8:30 pm on Friday, August 17th, Monday, August 20th, Wednesday, August 22nd, and Friday, August 24th.
To learn more about either public input opportunity, call the school district’s Communication & Information Office at 377-0180; or send an e-mail to info@collier.k12.fl.us.

Thank you drgoogins. You have hit the nail on the head. Talk about politcal agendas, the chamber is full of them. Maybe some one should start an investigation on some of these people. Did I say that?

As much as I do not care for how this was handled, the bottom line is Baker is gone and with good cause. This is just not about the latest investigation on advanced placement credits. This has been building for some time now on many fronts. There have been so many problems during Bakers reign of terror that it that this was just the final straw.

If Baker was doing such a great job why were so many parents and teachers fed up with him? Because he was impossible to deal with. He put on a good show but there was no substance behind him.

Ms Abbot has already called for an investigation on Sunshine Law violations so the chamer is late on that.

The chamber crowd needs to mind it's own business and work with the parents and teachers to make this the best school system possible.

The special interest groups seem to be pulling out all the stops. WHY? They are mostly builders & realtors. OPPAGA said a few years ago we spend 50% more to build schools than any other Florida county. WHY? The school budget is $1.2 Billion, for which we receive at best, mediocre results. WHY? Mr Calabrese has been fighting for a comprehensive OUTSIDE audit. Mr Baker & his supporters fought him all the way. WHY??

Until proven otherwise, why is it so hard to accept the possibility that all five School Board members independently and legally considered the facts at hand and independently drew their own conclusions prior to and during the meeting; or that the first evidence of each person’s views were (not disclosed in private) but instead were revealed to one another and to the public simultaneously?

If Board members (Donovan, Calabrese and Abbott) had met ahead of time, formulated their plan of attack and memorized their scripts, the meeting probably would have run much more smoothly. However, business conducted in the sunshine tends to be a bit messier; debate and dissention takes place in full view of the public, is often clumsy and missteps occur.

The time to get suspicious is when really tough issues are handled like a well-choreographed event by any of our elected officials. The Chamber’s historical lack of reaction to more questionable abuses of governmental power in Collier County make their current action regarding the School Board quite suspect.

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

Dr Thompson School Board video

How many principals were in that group at the chamber today? Talk about SPECIAL INTEREST????? Baker was a member, Read his contract it is stated in the contract that the school board WILL pay for his membership. I have never seen anything like this in all my life. I have lived here for nearly 40 yrs. Lets look at a few other things? School board member Arrested for molesting student. Teacher Arrested for molesting student, OVER AGED players on sports teams, NICK SOFOS that was a waste of money, HS credit given for washing towels for the football team.. I can't remember that class when I went to NHS? Who is going to be held responsible for that one.. hopefully the school board will hold the PRINCIPAL responsible.. As she should be held responsible for the Wasting of TAX PAYER MONEY in the NICK SOFO's MESS.. NOW, I hear that the teachers and staff are going back to work WITHOUT a contract that means NO RAISE. Who is responsible for that one??? Baker, School Board??? lets hear some answers...

Ecoterror, what got into you? Your talking sense! Don't you remember the Taj? People from all over the county wrote letters , even picketed against it. But the big business Chamber types got their way and built it anyway.
Your right, all the books that could have been bought with that money!
You almost sound like your willing to listen to Thompson before you hang him! What gives?

Of all the hypocracy. Don York had the nerve to appear today . He was one the Board members responsible for "denying" Dennis Thompson several years ago. (Also on that Board was Nelson Faerber!) It is true, one is judged by their enemies. Don York touted a Purdue education on campaign literature when he ran for re-election. When it was researched, it was discovered that he had no bachelors degree. Ironically, he criticized Steve Donovan for his lack of education. The final outcome was that Steve Donovan may have a substantial amount of college education that York did not!
He is one who is resposnible for "denying" Thompson and was there today to once again deny Thompson. Need I say more?
Again, judge a man by his enemies.
Chamber of Commerce, you look really, really bad!

Maybe that is what is necessary Joe. A few angry protestors to kick it up a notch. I wouldn't blame them if they did. Heck, I'd join them. The chamber elitist need to realize that they can't bully us around any more. I heard on the evening news they will petition the court to stop the board from voting. Don't they know that Florida Law prohibits interference of an elected official. Thats what elections are for. Remember when politics and education mix, everyone loses. Just ask 400 plus angry teachers a few years back when they were offered a 1 percent raise. There is strength in numbers, power to the people!

Amazing! Lets bring up things that are not at issue to dodge the issue! An old Political trick!
Now the Nick Sofos thing is mentioned! does not belong here, however, let go with it! Anyone who can read can find out no errors were made in that other then the one by Nick and his Childhood friend Father! He got what was proper and just! So0 Get over it! Lets deal with Law Violations and see what facts present! I realize some are fearful of facts however they will prevail! Looks like we may have a special election season! It may be the begining of the end for some! I will keep from boasting as my parents did teach me some Character Traits, guess alot of you missed out on that!

I haven't noticed any Thompson supporters swearing off the teaching of Creationism in the public schools, nor even deny that their agenda is that of the so-called "Christian Coalition".

ecoterror
I hope you submitted them to Carl Loveday as well as the other forum.
Mr. Loveday is a profesional journalist who knows Collier County from many angles and for many years.
Keeping in mind that he has to earn a living, I think he can be counted on to be fair in his choice of questions.

Why can't the public have time to ask Dr. Thompson questions without the filter that Loveday or Thome will provide? I mean they get to pick the questions that he is asked? If he is a good leader then if he was asked difficult questions he would be able to show it....why no open question time???? Calabrese I am calling for an "audit" of this situation :) It should only cost the district another 100,000 to figure this out...

There is NO evidence of any Sunshine violation.

There was a disaster of a meeting which led to the firing of a disaster of a superintendent who may have been knowingly or unknowingly covering up some larger scandal (just who was the principal that allowed Nelson ..... )or perhaps just covered up some ridiculous decisions (overage players, Nick Sofos, cheating on grades).

We NEED an outside audit. We ALL should be demanding one of both the Board and of our new superintendent (Thompson or Williams it does not matter)

We NEED a fresh start. Perhaps it would be best if the ENTIRE School Board resigned and we had a new election.

Previously I had suggested that school administrators, pricipals, etc. not be allowed to speak during "public comments" because they are not the public, they are staff with a vested interest in supporting the official party line. Now I would like to suggest that anyone who gains monetarily from the School District be refrained from the public comments section. This would include all of the merchants, contractors, lawyers, consultants, real estate agents, and everyone else in "the Chamber" who also have a vested interest in who is sitting in the Superintendent's chair. Knowing of the lack of competition in School Board purchasing, these people have a great financial interest in keeping their people in the power positions that make decisions and award favors in return for support.

Citizen participation and their need to hold our elected officials accountable are hallmarks of democracy, but what the chamber and other groups are attempting to do is tilt the playing field to suit their needs by ignoring basic fundamental pricples of law and jeopardizing the integrity of their organizations by misrepresenting the whole membership. In the process, they intentionally place the reputation and credibility of our entire community at risk. It's equally important for our elected leaders to have the freedom to make tough decisions without fearing retribution from voters dissatisfied with the outcome and therefore may express their opinions of the School Board's performance during the next election.

They should bring back corporal punishment in Collier County schools. Less attorneys, more butt-whippings.

I have a question. Who determines the salary of the super.? The board members? Is there any way we (the people) can determine the amount? I say we make it teacher salary. Then we can see who wants the job, and why.

I was appalled to hear the news earlier this evening. One of the TV stations reported that the Chamber may be seeking a restraining order, prohibiting the Board against further action. I am an American citizen who went to the polls to vote for a representative. No Chamber of Commerce has the right to dilute the authority that we, the voters, we the people, gave to our representatives by electing them to office. This resembles a tyranny so frightening that it would surely taint our community forever! Personally, I cringe at the thought of any group or organization, good or bad, usurping the power our of our elected official to further its own agenda. If this is attempted, it will be an outrage. Every citizen should stand up against such an action. Our system of elections and government becomes a mockery. We elected our officials to do the job for us. If they fail, they will not be reelected. The Chamber of Commerce does not represent us and has no right to assume any such authority. This is an outrage!

I am also outraged!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Who are these people and their organizations to think that they have a right to rrepresent me and our schools?!!!!!!!
Chamber of Commerce and Vlasho's Better Government (that's an oxymoron), WE DID NOT ELECT YOU!

Mr. Morton has helped out more schools and children in the CCPS more than most people in this community.

"All our ignorance brings us closer to death." -- T.S. Elliot

"Hay, Mr. Morton, Mr. Vlasho, Mr. Chamber of Commerce, when was the last time you were in the schools helping out the teachers? That's where they really need the help.
When was thelast time you opened your fat wallets to buy some supplies for these teacehers and help them out with their health insurance? That's where they really need the help.
Chamber people, you have shown the whole community your real intentions. What we need is a news superintendent whose not afraid of you guys and a new organization that replace the Chamber of Commerce.
This is sickening."

You know, I re-read this and became disgusted with your inordinate amount of stupidity. The last time Ed Morton opened up his fat wallet for someone in our schools was more recently than you'd like to know. You know nothing of our community's leaders! Me calling you stupid is to make a point, btw. I know nothing of you, maybe you graduated from a highly prestigious university or have a Ph.D in some discipline. Maybe I could be right. But just as I know nothing of you, you know nothing of the Chamber of Commerce's leaders.

To use another quote, "Error of opinion is tolerated so long as reason is left free to combat it!" -- Thomas Jefferson

This Nation has a basis that has accepted the presence of special interest groups from day one! With a little education many of these people would understand that! What are they so uptight about! As I stated "Calabrese for School Board" was a special interwest group that used Board meetings to help in his efforts to get Elected, strange how certian people want to forget about those things now!

Oh, but you are so wrong. I know something about the Chamber of Commerce leaders -- you are not leaders at all. You are self-annointed fatcats, most of you wannabe's who believe that you know what's best for the rest of us. Guess what? You don't know what's best for us, you don't speak for us and we don't care what you think! You call yourself "leaders" , but you have few followers, very few now that you have shown the community how desperate you are along with the peculiar connection with our schools. You have dug your own grave. Your reputation is tarnished. You do not speak for us nor our children. Clearly, you have shown yourselves as a group of individuals, some of whom are interested in personal gain and fulfilling your need to feel important. I may not totally agree with Joe and I don't have all the facts with given individuals, but you and your "organization" have crossed the line. You have little credibility and have lost the respect of the community at large.
Your quotes remind me of a recent letter to editor, culminating in a quote by Jefferson. As I recall, the letter hinted at "hate speech" and the culminating quote could be construed as threatening . If this is your idea of leadership and if you support the Chamber and their Secrets, you are in the wrong country.
Again, WE DID NOT ELECT YOU!

Exactly, teachtrouble, Calabrese got ELECTED!
Overwhelmingly. And he will do it again. He was not appointed by a small band of business people that think they know what's best for the community.
ELECTED! By the people for the people.

Exactly, teachtrouble, Calabrese got ELECTED!
Overwhelmingly. And he will do it again. He was not appointed by a small band of business people that think they know what's best for the community.
ELECTED! By the people for the people.

hahahahahah Hokerpoke......... You use the words "us" and "we" who other then yourself do you predtend to speak for!

oh I understand, if you agree it is "for the people" ok! an uneducated thought process however it is probably the best you can do! I understand!

This insanity has to stop. Who would I contact at the state level on how the Chamber of Commerce works and if they are allowed to become involved in school business. I believe they are using the Chamber name to get some of the people on their Board their way. They are voicing their opinions and pushing it on the members of the Community when they do not have that support. The number one person sitting at the top of the Chamber is Mr. Fridkin. You will see his picture, along with Baker, LaBute and other people in the educational side.I can't help but wonder if Mr. Fridkin is pushing this as he is Baker's attorney.
Rather the handling of the dismissal of the Superintdent was handled right or wrong, the majority of the Board didn't want him any more. I believe there is more to the firing than being told. It will come out. Right or wrong, something had to happen at the top to rid itself of the stale Administration. Too much waste. Add up 7 employees fired, getting $50,000 each, plus the Nick Sofos case. These two incidents have cost $400,000.00. How much else would be uncovered with a financial audit? IF there nothing wrong, then why not allow it? I would think the new Superintendent would call for it.

TPart II: The Chamber is making our Community look like a laughing stock. If I was a person thinking of moving here and saw the turmoil,I would turn and run. Picture a map of Florida and the cartoon of the Tasmanian Devil spinning faster and faster over Collier County. That is how I feel this Community has become. It is chaotic. There was already a call for an investigation into the the Sunshine Law by the Board. If the law has been broken, the DOE will handle it.
I don't believe any Sunshine Laws were broken. Like someone said above, the meeting was way to out of control. If planned, it would have gone off more smoothly and deliberate. Mrs. Abbott is for the students and has done this a very long time. She isn't going to break the laws. She believes in what she does and would not jeopardize that. Donovan is normally the person who sits on the Board listening to both sides and votes for what is best for students. I know Calebrese is new to the Board. His campaign was to clean house. He isn't very pretty about it, but I think he feels there is deeper problems here and he wants them uncovered. I don't agree with his delivery but I also don't agree ever with Mrs. Curratolo. He at least is trying to bring accoutability to the table. Curratolo does nothing but scream at people and make accusations. She frustrates everyone with her inability to communicate appropriately.
The priority should be the students. When decisions are to be made by, they need to first ask, how will this benefit the students? If it doesn't, it should be tabled.
I want to know why the Commerce is interested in being involved. I've been in Naples for over 35 years. I am a business owner. Never once, when a Superintendent was let go, was there every this much controversy.
Here's a quote I heard on the radio this morning and found interesting. Since there seems to be so many in these blogs I thought I would add it.
"Winners find answers to every problem. Losers find problems in every answer".
Don't judge a book by it's cover. All these goodie two shoes in the Chamber, I believe, have a hidden agenda.

Someone contributed a comment to an article in the Rockford Register Star that said Dennis Thompson wanted to work and live in Naples because he has family down here. This is not an exact quote.
Do any of his family members work for Collier County School District or the School Board? If this is true, does anybody know who they are and in what sub-district they live.

Another problem might be Linda Abbott's more than professional relationship with Thompson. Should she recuse herself from deliberations and voting? If there is a tie vote, is there a way to break the tie? What are the rules about these problems? Anybody know?

The Chamber......stay the hell out of this .....go back to your social events and try promoting The Greater Naples Business's'not a political agenda....the school board did the correct thing in getting rid of Baker......if the children "suffer" because we do not have a full time superintendent,that is not what will happen....what the whole district stops because of this...come on folk's THINK and quite crying

I suspect there is more praying than thinking involved with the supporters of the School Board coup.
I don't know if Thompson has family here, but if he gets hired he will certainly have family and friends working for the school district here, as he has done in Rockford.

In recent years in this community, if you wanted to cast aspersions on someone's character and motives, you called him a "liberal." Apparently now the new word is "special interest group." Is it not true that all of us in this community have "special interests" in one way or another? You might say that "I just want to make sure that our kids get the best education possible," but in reality, all of us have a special view of what that "best education possible" is. The Chamber has a right to voice its opinion, so does the CCEA (the teachers' union, not to be confused with the CCEF which is the Education Foundation). So do the supporters of Abbott, Calabrese, and Donovan. And yes, the Chamber can ask for a restraining order as can any citizens' group. It's one of the checks and balances against abuse of power -- whether or not they get it is another matter -- but they have a right to request a review, and I for one hope they get it. There is a very telling moment in the meeting in which Ray Baker was fired. Abbot had just voted with Carrol and Curatolo not to fire Baker. A few minutes later her husband Charlie "burst" through the back door, and out of the range of the cameras paced back and forth in the back of the room gesturing a thumbs down at his wife. She called for a restroom break, never went to the restroom, talked to him, and returned to the meeting to ask that the vote be taken again, and changed her vote. I want to know about that. Regardless of what you think about any of the board members, I want to know that the person who was elected is the one doing the thinking and voting. I have never met Charlie Abbott and I don't like the idea that someone I have never met, never questioned, and who is never called to account for his actions -- seems to be calling the shots on his wife's votes to that extent. I have been critical of her because she vascillates and changes her mind so much. Maybe what I'm seeing is an abusive relationship in which she is browbeaten every time she does something he does not like and must rush in and "change her mind" to keep the peace. Linda Abbott, if you are reading these things, please consider how this looks to the voting public.

GO CHAMBER GO CITIZENS OF COLLIER!!! I am so pleased with those that are not afraid to fight the three stooges on the board!!! Hokerp your angry posts make me so happy as it gives me belief that we are finally getting under your thick skin. How does it feel when you are not in control????? :) My one singular hope is that we do a national search. If Dr. Thompson is the best candidate then he gets the job but, lets at least try!!! And for those of you that keep bringing up the expense of the Sofos trial I agree however, I think that we should just bill the parents that lose the lawsuits. For instance, I think their have been like 10 or more parents sue the district related to ese students.....ALL of them have lost in the courts....however, the district has to pay their court costs...how about it is done so that the parents if they lose have to bear the burden of the expense??? I bet that a lot of these silly lawsuits will dry up....

People talk about who "was" and "was not" elected!
People say "non" elected people should stay out of things!
1. it is the American way to be involved, not just to vote but to be involved in the PROCESS!

2. if you do not believe that to be true, lets talk about CHARLIE ABBOTT!

Teachercreature I saw with my own eyes what you are saying....and....you forgot to mention that towards the end her husband moved to the very front row and was making faces and gesturing while other spoke. Seems like intimidation to me and I feel sorry for that :(

The only people in the wrong with the Nick Sofos case were Nick and his Parents! The expulsion was just! This young mans father set him up for failure by showing accountability means NOTHING!
On this issue you are finding fault with people who did the RIGHT AND ONLY ACCEPTABLE THING!
Nick was "harmed" alright! harmed by not having to be accountable to the degree of the rule! Whos fault was that, not Ray Bakers!

Teachtrouble
You sound like a very angry person that is extremely one sided. I sure hope you are not in a class room teaching/dictating.
In order to find solutions, one must be open to communication and dialogue.
Once again, this is politics at work. Politics do not belong in our schools.
If a high school student had an A in a class on Thursday. Is it possible for that same child to have an F in the same class on following day, Friday? The answer is yes if you are in the Collier County Public School System.The reason for the "F" was because the student didn't raise $500.00 for the class. It is not the student's responsibilty to fund the classroom.
Whether you agree or disagree in forum that Baker was fired. This system needs an overhaul.

Teachtrouble, I don't even know what to say as your comments shock me. Nick Sofos did not deserve expulsion. That was absurd. He pulled a high school prank. This cost the taxpayers way too much money to go to court. Did they win? Either side? Not really. Someone won. The lawyers did. The Sheriff's Office said from the first moment on it was not a criminal offense. There was no frontal nudity. No arrest. I agree he did wrong, but explusion or Phoenix was not the answer. A 10 day suspension was more than enough. I don't think anyone thought he shouldn't receive some type of disciplanary action, just not that severe that you would kick a person out of school for. He served 10 days suspension and was in Phoenix for a while. There are far worse things that students have done and not gotten this much attention. Guns being brought to school was not treated as severe as this.
You sound like one of the Administrators who's kicking their feet because they didn't get their way. If you were at the Board Meeting to see Mr. Abbott burst through the doors, then my guess is you are an Administrator, but I could be wrong.

Does everyone know about Pat Carroll pushing Linda Abbott up against the wall in the hall after the Board meeting? Intimidation should never be allowed by an administrator, the chamber, and least of all by another board member. Remember, we have to add Curatolo too. OK 2 board members. Do they call that a tag-team? We are the laughing stock of the whole country.

1.2 BILLION DOLLARS!
Tha blows my mind and that's what its all about.
The school board has a budget of 1.2 BILLION DOLLARS!
1.2 BILLION DOLLARS!
Think about that!
1.2 BILLION DOLLARS!

Hay, wait a minute. What's this about Carroll pushing Abbott? Come on, Estatedude, come clean.
let's hear it all.
That really pi_ _ es me off, but I don't think Carrol would need to have to lay a hand on her. She's scary without doing anything.
Come one, estatedude, tell us everything.

I don't know anything about Nick Sofos, but I hear his cause being championed again and again. I want to remind those of you who have never been in a classroom that you will never hear the school's side of things because what a kid does in school is not to be told to a reporter. I will say again that I think any parent who allows his side of things to be published in the newspaper should sign a release allowing the school to "go public" also. What I would want to know about Nick Sofos before passing judgment would be: What's he like in the classroom? Is he constantly causing distractions? What is his discipline record like? How far up the discipline ladder is he? Has he been in trouble for other things? I believe I read that he had been suspended for alcohol at a school function. Are there other infractions we don't know about? I would want to ask his teachers if they have to take a lot of time away from other kids to deal with him, to keep him in line. I keep hearing about his wonderful academic record. That's a relative term. Is he an average kid doing good work in honors classes or a well-above average kid who is on cruise control because he does not want to work and spends his time looking for ways to annoy people, call attention to himself, and subtly defy authority just to see how far he can push people? One more thing I hope people will keep in mind. If this kid has been in trouble before and has "gotten off," isn't his public gesture of showing his bare hind end at a school function a real gesture of defiance, insult, complete disregard for authority? Is that what you want sitting next to your kid who is having a terrible time preparing for the SATs? Please remember that I don't know the kid, but I have had my share of defiant kids who have taken much too much of my time away from kids who wanted to learn, and I know a metaphor (showing your a**) when I see one. I know kids will be kids and all kids show off, rebel, and pull pranks. I used to love the little oddball rebel kids who looked at life a bit differently and challenged my perspective on things, but a bratty kid who never worked and was out to amuse himself at my and the other students' expense (with daddy's permission) gets no sympathy. Is this Nick Sofos? I don't know.

Re: fedupinnaples; naplesdad, stormie, PaulVanStone & swfl__ff

Your comments go to the core of this fiasco. Granted, board member antics involved in the firing of Baker make for a case study. But outside those circumstances, the fact remains he had to go. He repeatedly showed a lack of judgment and concern for the welfare of the school system. I wonder how many universities now accept an “A” in towel washing and toting as acceptable classroom achievement. An investigation should be convened which focuses on who has a financial tie to the school board or administration. The budget is bloated way beyond what is fiscally responsible for the size of district. As far as the Chamber; its present and past officials, along with those associated with those deeply concerned shadow governmental watchdogs, I say start the investigation with them.

Which side is right? Who belongs in jail? Who belongs on Mt. Rushmore? Who's better than Abe Lincoln? Who's worse than Charlie Manson?
They all have agendas, folks. EVERYONE has an agenda.
Do an audit. Install a legitimate, open-to-public scrutiny bidding process. Get rid of the corruption.
Evaluate the administrators. Not just evaluate how Dr. so-and-so does his or her job. Evaluate whether the top six or eight positions could be filled by two or three competent people.
Let's get it honest, and let's get it lean and mean.

Thanks Estatesdude. But I don't put it past her. What's the difference if Mr. Abbott was making faces, or pacing. He didn't cast the vote. Curratolo was brow beating and screaming at her from the side till she visibly shook her. Isn't that intimidation? That wasn't just itimidation, it was downright verbal assault. If Pat Carroll pushed her against the wall, then that's could be determined intimidation and assault as well.
This Community is the laughing stock of Florida I would think at this point. The way this whole thing has been handled it outrageous. The intimidation, the Chamber, the parade of organizations and businesses coming up to plead and threaten the Board into a decision to go their way. I think the Chamber needs to submit a copy of the Board Meeting and all the blogs from all the stories to the state so they can see exactly what happened. Maybe Governor Crist should come here and see what is going on.
As far as Thompson bringing his family or having family here? What would that matter? He plans on bringing his top two officials with him and his wife who is a teacher. People move all the time because they have family somewhere. That is so trivial. You don't think Baker put his own special interest group?
I think some of you who protest too much, are afraid of losing your top level jobs in the Administration Center.
There is so much intimidation going on. Some of you should download all the emails sent to the Board Members. They are avaiable through NDN. You will see the support for and you will see the support against the firing of Baker. You will also see intimidation and you will see thankfulness.
The Board is elected to carry out what is best for the students. Baker wasn't best for the students. He is apparently what is best for the Coomerce. As you see some of his administration is on the Chamber's board too. How do they do so many jobs when they are getting paid to work for the school system? Do they attend daily meetings with the Commerce when they should be in the Taj working for the students? There is so much none of us know. But I smell a very big RAT.

teahercreater - are you serious? The NDN and the CCPS have a DIRECT line of communication - that way they get the news reported the way they want. Everything from FCAT scores to scandals gets 'discussed' ahead of time with NDN reporters - give me a break!

Teachercreature - If you are going to tell stories at least get the facts right. Mrs. Abbott is and always has been an emotional and respected leader of our school board. Respected by her constituents that is, because those that work under her, superintendent and administrators resent her for honesty, integrity and sense of fairness. They see that as weakness. Truth be told, her indecision was a result of a verbal tirade by Curatolo that lasted several minutes and was not the first time. There have been many instances when Mrs Abbott has been assaulted verbally, intimidated and threatened over the past several years as was her testimony during her comments at that meeting. Like the two master school board meetings hosted by the Fla School Brds Assn in which they were supposed to be "governance training." Instead they were closed door lynchings. Talk about sunshine violations. And as for Mr. Abbott, that is the first time I've seen him at a school board meeting in 8 years and he was simply coming to the defense of his wife. In fact, it was pretty apparant after the recess if you had taken the time to talk with the Abbotts instead of jumping to conclusions and distorting the facts. You may not be a fan of Mrs Abbott, for all I know, you could be Curatolo hiding behind an anonymous name, but I will tell you this, Mrs Abbott, however emotional is 10 times the board member and more professional than Kathleen Curatolo will ever be. As for Baker, I am glad he is gone, because his intimdating style of leadership is old and outdated. And if you must bash someone, do it at the ballot box or at least get your facts straight. Power to the People.

My elected school board member represents me, and very well. She voted to oust Baker. That took courage and integrity. Bravo!

The Chamber doesn't represent me. But out!!

So if your career in the school system has been devoted to someday getting a fat salary and mega benefits to snooze at the Taj, we can understand your distress.
If you're used to getting free stuff or free services as thank you's from vendors (chamber members?) you have reason to be upset.
It might be time to re-evaluate your plans and your lifestyle.

There has been a good deal stated here, pointing to conflicts of interest by the CofC, CBIA & other interest groups. No one mentioned a significant fact that merits comment. In 1992, the first School Building Impact Fee, a small one, was initiated. The School Board, over all these years NEVER agreed to increase this paltry fee, while many other County Impact Fees were raised numerous times. I fought, as did several other citizens during the years, to get the Board to increase these fees, to no avail. Jeff Lytle even commented on it. Fees were finally increased a couple of years ago, but it wasn't done by the Good Ol' Boys & Girls on the Board. The County Commission finally bi-passed the School Board and enacted a substantial School Building Impact Fee increase, going around them. We citizens went about 16 years with no increases, causing us millions of dollars in extra tax money to cover the lack of "Growth paying for Growth." Now do you see why these special interest groups don't want a change in the control they have enjoyed over these many years???

Maybe that's the problem, Churchperson -- all that emotion. Emotion is a wonderful thing, but it needs to be set aside when you are an elected official. I doubt that you would make allowances for Bush or Crist or Giuliani or anyone else if he allowed himself to be overcome by emotion over decisions. If any board member pushed Abbott up against a wall to try to push an agenda, unless it was in a board meeting, that's a sunshine violation, and that person should be held responsible. But I also don't wany any board member to have to be "rescued" by her husband. That's not a strong leader. Abbot changes her mind about votes all the time. What's the problem? Is she not doing her homework, not understanding her homework, or just listening to the very last person she talked to. None of the above are good things. She may be a nice person, and she may listen to constituents, but I don't think she has the intestinal fortitude, lack of reliance on emotion, and critical thinking skills to be a strong board member. She is too easily led -- usually by the last person she talked to.

REMEMBER Nicky Soros!

Fire them all...with a ceremony...then throw them off the pier.

The rats are scurrying now. Even resorting to a legal move to influence the school board’s decisions. This is all wrong. Let us all agree that we need to get this over with and bring all of the garbage into the light. Call your school board member and demand an audit. If nothing is found, many others and I will publicly apologize. Like many, I think we will find literally millions in secret deals, misappropriated and misguided funds, single source contracts, a purchasing “kingdom”, and many other things. Anyone that stands in the way of this audit should be publicly exposed when the facts are in. Legal remedies are appropriate to make the taxpayers believe in the system again. They don’t as of now. Call or e-mail your board member today!

Okay teachercreature, you have some valid points and just to let you know that I am not beyond criticism, I would prefer my elected officials to be focused, independent thinking and straightforward. In today's market economy, corporate culture and divisive government, that is, what appears to be the formula for success. But the same paradigms and business philosophy does not relate well to the classroom. Education has long been a source of debate for years and the political repercussions unfortunately leave those most vulnerable wanting - our children and teachers. This is one problem not soon to be resolved nationally. However, I am not adverse to any of my elected leaders who express compassion for the constituency they represent and a propensity for making hard decisions. I don’t expect them to be robots either, but I do expect them to conduct themselves in a controlled manner with mutual respect for one another, at any level of government.

I agree that compassion is a good thing. The difficult thing about being a school board member is that you are always making decisions about people's most cherished loved ones, their children. Who among us has not allowed ourselves to be overrun with emotion about some wrong done our own children. (I've certainly done that.) That's why, I think, that it is so important to leave emotion entirely out of it. A School Board Members have to make his or her decisions based on the facts. Look at rezoning. No matter what a board member does, some people and their children will perceive it as a grievous wrong done to them. The only defense is lots of homework on the possible solutions, sound reasoning, and clear logic. A school board member can have all the compassion she wants, but the only fair solution is one based on reason. Nevertheless, many of those most affected by a school board decision will think athe board favors other neighborhoods unfairly, that it is being bribed, or that the members only listen to their friends. The rest of disappointed parents think board members are being bamboozled by central administrators who only want to make things easy for themselves. By the way, somebody on this blog thinks I am a school board member or that I aspire to administration. I have never been a board member; I am a retired teacher. I have never aspired to a position at the Administrative Center. In fact, I think some over there (maybe including Ray Baker) would not welcome me at all -- on either side of the podium. I have no special interest that I can think of except a hope that the School System fares well and attracts dedicated people. That is certainly in jeopardy right now. If I were a young teacher or administrator, I would run the other way after witnessing the ugly things that have gone on recently -- including the apparent glee with which some in the community welcome decisions that flout convention, laws, civility, and expensive contracts.

I will say it again and again, The Chamber of Commerce is a group that gathers to see how they can divide up bed tax money amongst themselves. The visitors center is an awful location and inside is nothing but a mass of real estate kiosks and bad TV screens promoting Real Estate Businesses. They drove out all local magazines like the Naples Guide and replaced them with their own competing version, The Chamber DROVE three local businesses out of existence by doing so and two of those driven out were camber members. They eat their own young, they make side deals with Jack Wirt and the Tourist Development Council to use money for purposes it is not to be used for, they bend and stretch rules, and THEY HAVE NO BODY around with education degrees and they only want to grow grow grow this area so that they can get fatter.

Do it for the children, we care about the children, blah blah blah, We all care about children, me I tend to put mine first and my business far behind, I do not believe the chambers actions are so altruistic in fact they are not altruistic they are self serving and AGAIN they need to stick their nose into their own business, but I guess with the slowdown in real estate they have free time away from their cauldrons so they can march up to the podium one after another an mimic each others planned speeches. Hopefully, if they keep screaming nobody will listen, or maybe real estate will pick up and they will fly down from their bat perches and go back to sucking the life out of this wonderful piece of the world.

OK, let's assume for the sake of argument that you are right about the Chamber. What about the CCEA, the CCEF, the League of Women Voters, the AAUW? What about the people from Immokalee who spoke? All just special, selfish interests? You certainly seem angry, Knee, about something the Chamber has done, but what about all the others? And remember, many of these people were not arguing against firing Ray Baker; they were arguing against the process, timing, and rationale. I think if you talked to many of them individually, you might learn that many of them have their own disagreements with Baker. They were just advocating prudence. If you really want to get a guy fired, it's better to have your ducks in a row and do it right. The way it is now thanks to the carelessness of the board, Baker has a very real chance of challenging the board action and walking away with some serious bucks. Furthermore, after all has been said and done, do you really want to hire another superintendent so quickly after all this?

Teacher~ Fist off, You are to be commended for your dedication as a teacher.

I think the issue is that a handful of people who all run in the same circles and for a great resume sit on various boards, are making decisions for what appear to be entire organizations.

We know that not all members of these organizations support the parade of agenda pushers that made their way to the podium at the special meeting nor their use of organizational affiliation as indicating that the entire group supports their agenda.

On the other hand, having been involved with this muck for several years now, we know the players and their position and who is scratching who's back.

Mrs. Abbott and Mr. Donovan have always been known for trying their best to get at all facts involved in an issue. From my understanding, Mr. Calabese works very hard to get to the truth of the matter as