Honestly, and I'm trying not to be too rude here, but who edits these articles prior to them being published? I don't blame the writer because many times you can't catch your own errors.

The entire community that came out in protest of Thompson's proposed high school schedule change understood that the block was to be preserved as is for next year. For Thompson to unilaterally decide to force all of the high schools to go to alternating block is outrageous and another abuse of power. If he were so concerned about uniformity and not upsetting the apple cart, why didn't he have Lely go to the same 4 x 4 block as all of the other high schools? Simple. He is striking back at those who had the courage to stand up to him. He wants his pound of flesh. He says that the principals voted for it "unanimously"? Of course they did! They know that if they do not tow the line they will be gone. Further, even supposing that all of the high school principals genuinely wanted to go to an alternating block, who says that they should be the ones to make the decision? Who is the schedule for anyhow? Principals are not taking or teaching classes are they? Thompson is using the principals as a political shield because he knows that if he takes the issue to the community he will lose, again. He did the same thing with the high school teachers when he first attempted to get rid of the block. He instructed the principals to only have their teachers "vote" on whether they wanted the same horrid schedule that was part of Baker's demise or a traditional, six-period one. The block was not to be considered. Naturally, teachers "voted" for the six-period schedule. Thompson then tried to falsely claim that teachers "voted" to go off the block and adopt a traditional schedule. In other words, he was attempting to trick the public into thinking that the teachers wanted to get rid of block. Thompson is an arrogant elitist, with no public school teaching experience, and he cannot be trusted. Students and parents, continue to speak your mind and stand up to this tyrant and you have a chance of winning. Remain silent and you will lose.

An excellent post, leonidas. Thank you. Silence is betrayal. A Superintendent has various weapons at his disposal for requiring silence from his subjects. The public is easily handled after that.

Psychological operations conjure up images of our military playing mind games with the enemy. PSYOP is all this and much more, for there are essentially two great forces in warfare, the physical and the moral. These two forces suggest two distinct approaches to accomplishing a goal. One a "direct" approach, concentrating on the opponent's physical forces, and the other an "indirect" approach, focusing on moral forces.

Pick your enemy carefully: the bigger he is, the harder he will fall. Use the physical. Better not burn down his house, but what's more physical than what makes up a teacher's world? Fabricate and charge an enemy teacher with terrible offenses that will appall his sense of self-esteem. Take the teacher's already meager pay away from him. Temporarily deprive the teacher of his room, his students, his books.

In our surveillance society one probably should not put zips on a teacher's hands and a cement bag over a teacher's head in order to demand his silence. But one can more subtly practice the same methods. As in mock executions.

Call the enemy teacher into the office for discipline with increasing frequency over a period of a few months. Make up the charges if you must. Conjure up images of his children and wife. Tell him he is guilty of some grave indiscretion. Tell him his family's lives are at stake if he is not silent. Punish the children and the wife a little if you can do it discretely. Make the enemy teacher worry about them. Play bad cop/ good cop.

Can a powerful public figure conspire to use such weapons with impunity? If a spokesperson teacher must be silenced but is so good and popular that it is difficult to catch him doing something wrong, fabricate it. Then demand he keep silent about the charges under the threat of immediate dismissal. Create unbearable stress in his classroom, among his students, in his family and the enemy will choose to remain silent, freely choosing betrayal at the behest of advisors.

He will obsess about the fabricated reality the PSYOP-wise Superintendent controls and his self-destruction cannot be anything but the teacher's own fault. Take down one or two teachers this way. Other teachers will see the cost of being an outspoken enemy of so powerful a man and will retreat into their safely silent holes.

But be careful of doing it in a building named for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

I have a great cousin that has 4 wonderful,intelligent children. She solved this issue with a lot of thought and leaving a good job.She focused herself on learning the material they needed to learn and started teaching it to them herself. If enough parents start pulling their kids out of public schools it might put enough of a dent in Thompsons' funding to send up some serious red flags. Home schooling is hard and many parents don't have the time or energy to deal with their childrens education. It all depends on how important your childs education and future are to you. In middle class American most homes have two working fulltime parents provided if they even have both parents. This is a tough situation. I've never met Thompson, just what I've read in the NDN and elsewhere,but from what i've seen so far I'm not liking the way things are headed. He took on a tough job especially with dwindling tax money, this coming year is going to make or break the man, I think. Taxes are going to be a hotbed the whole rest of the year into next year. Taxes play right into those school funds with 40-45% of our property taxes going to state and local school coffers.

I find it very interesting Nekayah brings up military programs like the US Gov't PSYOP program. Psychological warfare has been around for hundreds of years and is quite effective.
Very interesting comparison Nekayah. If everything you and leonidas1 has stated is true and correct, things are going to get a lot worse. Heaven help us all...

Nekayah, you have been reading too many Tom Clancy novels. The key to the whole story is Dr. Thompson's quote,“I have an obligation to those students.” I admire that statement and it goes to show what his priorities are. He was hired to do a job and he is doing a great one at that.

Good heavens, the "gloom and doom" people are at it mightly early this morning. And, it seems that whatever medications that Nekayah is on apparently aren't working like they're supposed to. That's one of the most entertaining posts I've seen in a while.

I have to agree with RadioNews. The public school system of this community is horribly broken, and Dr. Thompson was brought in by the School Board to fix it. And, fixing it requires that changes, some of them probably significant, be made. A large part of the problem with the current system is that a large part of the public and the teachers' union don't want it to change. But, without change it's not going to get better. The very definition of "futility" is "doing the same thing the same way every time, and expecting a different result."

So, which tactic is going to get the results that the School Board is looking for: Someone who comes in and does exactly what the teachers and the public want them to do, regardless of what may or may not be best for the School District? Or, someone who comes in does exactly what is best for the School District regardless of what others around him are saying?

The best choices are often the most difficult ones, and they are rarely popular at the time they are being made. And, it takes significantly more leadership to make the right decisions under intense scrutiny and criticism than it does to kowtow and do merely what is popular with the majority.

Keep up the good work, Dr. T.

There will be no moving forward if School Board micromanages daily operational details and keeps revisiting its past decisions.

Radionews I think you are Thompson's press agent -

Leonidas - excellent post and right on the money - and Nekayah, for once, I agree with you....

This move was a stick-it-to-em tactic - and a complete Thompson/Chick manipulation of the system and the staff - His impassioned speech was canned, and Donovan is a donkey's butt....

Curatolo hit the nail on the head - its lack of communication - the only one communicating is thompson's press agent - abbott - I threw up twice in my mouth while listening to her praise her denny-boy.

GatorHater07-Definitely the devil himself in disguise--Mr. Thompson,right? Good thing we all get to remain anonymous on this board.

I agree with you, though, the sup. should definitely be allowed to make some decisions, even if they are not the most popular ones.

HOWEVER, the schedule change is NOT something to jump into so suddenly.

Take students first... A number of seniors will have to take and pass a foreign language course online this summer, to be able to take the second course in sequence in order to get the required credits for graduation. A number of seniors who failed a sequential math course will need to do the same. Next year's senior class will have had their schedule changed three times in four years. Allow the guidance counselors some NOTICE so that the same does not happen to future classes/generations.

Then take teachers--Teachers need to know well in advance that their job is on the line and that they need to start searching. HR should start altering their hiring practices to lessen the dent as well... I am sure there are ways to prevent the firing of HALF of those 90 teachers. And the process needs to get rid of the teachers who are not doing a good job, not just the seniority approach that the current board recommended. This year, the final year of the block (and not the block as we know it), every teacher should be on their toes and display good teaching skills... It should be an evaluation year for all of us, and those veteran teachers with poor teaching skills should be just at risk as those new teachers with underdeveloped skills. (I'm in between, and I am an excellent teacher, so I'm not worried about my job...)

We definitely need to consider getting rid of some of our administrators... I could name three in the Ad Center whose jobs are very ineffective and a great waste of money.

Dr. T, though I really don't think you're taking the right approach, maybe you have some good ideas. BUT, you need to remember the human aspect before you get all caught up with the money issues. Change is good, but not in a whirlwind. You need to prove yourself before you gain our trust--consider yourself a new stepfather of a dysfunctional family. Nobody is going to respect you until you show yourself worthy of our respect.

stupifried, I am just a guy that does my homework and research so I know what I am talking about. I don't let my emotions factor into the truth. I might not like everything thats happening to the schools, but I am smart enough to know what is fact and what is fiction.

Justme - Thompson wasn't brought here by donoidiot to communicate - he was brought here to talk to the board like insolent little children - which 3/4 of the time, they appear to be - so, in essence, Thompson is just being Thompson, he will carry out his dastardly deeds at the direction of his two dixie chicks, disguised as women - and sooner or later, he will be gone, hopefully sooner having completed Actress Abbotts agenda to dismantle this school system....... GED Boy needs to get a grip he is a total embarassment to himself everytime he opens his mouth .....

justme - I agree that schedule changes are not something to be done without forethought and planning. But, if you wait until it is "convenient" for everyone it might affect, it will never happen.

The School Board agreed to stick with the block schedule, so this year's seniors are unaffected. But, if they change to a 7-period day in '08-'09, that will affect those seniors. Or, if they wait until the year after that, if will affect those seniors. It's a never ending cycle. A schedule change will always affect some senior class, it's unavoidable. The students just need to make the adjustment and deal with it. (A good "real life lesson" if I've ever seen one.)

As for the teachers, they are employed by Collier County Public Schools, and their employer (by state law) is entitled to establish whatever class schedule it chooses, as long as it meets State Department of Education requirements. It's the teachers' job to deal with it and figure out a way to do their job within those parameters.

I like your idea about this being an evaluation year for everyone, especially with cuts looming. It would be a good way to weed out the "coasters" and identify the teachers who are truly doing a good job. I'm just curious about the evaluation process, though, because the argument the teachers keep making is that what they do is too "subjective" to be measured. (Hence, why they turned down the MAP money earlier this school year.)

As for "the seniority approach" to avoid firing, that's just one of the joys of being a teacher. I'm familiar enough with "tenure" from talking to the school teachers in my own family to know that "the longer you've been there, the safer you are". Fair? No, not really. Because longevity breeds complacency, and complacency breeds laziness. And, what this School District certainly does not need is laziness if any changes are going to be effective for the students.

Change is never easy. But, it is inevitable and, in the case of Collier County Public Schools, very necessary.

Stupifried, you are stupidfried! you forgot the "d" - my husband does not have a GED, he has a diploma. Give me your name and address and I will mail it to you. Despite your opinion, he does a great job on the Board. You are allowed to disagree with him, but the insults must stop. I was not able to watch the meeting, but I will this weekend, but many of our associates said he spoke very well at the meeting. Stop the insults, it is getting sickening at this point. If you think you can do better, why don't you run for the Board? Dont have the time? It is a huge committment of time and energy. Again, until you can walk in his shoes, stop the insulting filth already. It's getting really old.

I think everyone is overstating the importance of the schedule to a child's education. A student gets out of an education what he puts into it. As long as there is time in the day and an environment conducive to education, the student will learn at his level of willingness to learn. I don't care if it is at home, at the church school, at the public school, with seven periods per day or four.

This schedule issue is overblown by parents wanting to micro-manage the school. If you really want to be that involved, home school your kid. Otherwise shut up and tell your kid to do his homework!

Bless you, my dear
Stand by your man

HOWEVER, don't expect the rest of this community to line up to be shot by the fear and intimadation tactics of a less than adequate ex- military man who will take that next hill no matter how many soldiers are lost along the way.

Looks like your husband has been walking in Abbott's shoes for a long time.

Funny how many dead weight administrators still have their jobs. Ray Baker (and I was not a fan) must be cringing to see how fast those worms turned.

I imagine it is as frustrating for Dr Thompson to deal with this board as it is for everyone else. Having all the facts up front, getting input from all parties involved and then making decisions that represent the interests of the entire school community (not just the small minority affected by transfers...some small group of students is always impacted by any schedule) IS THE BOARD'S JOB. This board has shown time and again they can't do it.

But, seriously, other than being a politically stupid move, what's the difference between firing teachers now or three weeks ago? Please don't expect us to believe that Dr T has suddenly grown compassionate toward his employees!

And since when did he become the spokesperson for block? He left out one of the most important reasons for 4x4: reducing the number of courses students take AT ONE TIME to allow them to focus on those and not juggle eight classes AT ONE TIME.

But time will tell. When grades and GPAs drop, when test scores go down and the dropout and failure rates rise, will all the superintendent's cheerleaders still be there to jump in and offer more excuses?

If I am wrong and we see dramatic improvement under this man, I will be the first to admit I was wrong. But with the tactics he is currently using, I don't see how he can make it.

I really don't give a chit any more!
Yes, I do!
Dam!

Jodied:

This it the kind of attitude that has caused you/your husband to be sued by BAKER...

Where is Steve while you are writing on the bolgs.

Hopefully BAKER will win the case, DEMAND his job back and TAKE IT..

I am so disappointed in our elected board..

CHANGE IS COMING.. Abbott's days are numbered.. FIRST TUESDAY IN NOVEMBER...

Donovan, Carrol, and CALOB. will be 2 years later.. This community CAN NOT forget this mess in such a short period of time..

THOMPSON will be gone when there is a new board sat in November.

Many students don't have the developed attention span for block scheduling and there's a lot of time wasted in block classes trying to keep students on task while working/socializing in groups. If a student has to miss a couple of classes, he/she's missed equivalent to week's worth of instuction. If students are wanting/demanding block scheduling, that should be a clue that something is wrong and school is much too easy.

Check out this link.

http://www.virginia.edu/insideuva/200...

gatorhater I am addressing these comments to you as you are either a dixie chick, Thompson, or abbott. Anyway, it is funny to me that Thompson is now facing the exact same "issues" that were so frustrating to the prior superintendent. The board is all over the place and they are already accusing Thompson of miscommunication. I don't imagine that it will be long before they are going to argue that he is hiding information etc....just wait till a few parents really begin to complain about class rank or some other issue and he will too....soon be gone!

homeboy.. I wouldn't count on Dr. Thompson being gone in Nov. You probably have never even met the man. You should be so lucky!

These comments are for JODIED.......You saying the Donovan is doing a great jobs is hilarious!!! I could say with great confidence that a vast majority of the community is greatly embarassed at his butchering of the english language and his tirades that often end up making no sense. Anyway, you saying that someone must walk in his shoes before commenting....well...I am suggesting that this would be very difficult because I am pretty sure that he often is wearing his own shoes on the wrong feet.

If it walks like a GED and talks like a GED, well then, what else could it be?

As I understand it GED boy did not finish high school and joined the Marines. A noble cause not to be diminished.

While in the Corps he attended an adult education facility near base and obtained what he calls his diploma. Call it what you will, when you quit high school and attend an adult institution you get a GED. I can pull a weed from the dirt and call it a rose but it is still a weed. And if the institution that gave him his GED wants to put the word "diploma" on a piece of paper, fine. It is still a GED.

I recall this being an issue when Donovan ran for office and he was asked to provide his "diploma", he never did.

May I suggest that the so called "diploma" be sent to the NDN and that a release from the privacy act be signed by GED boy so that his records from the learning institution can be released.

If that were done then the issue would be finally settled. But don't bet on that ever happening.

Word is that GED boy gets diposed for the Baker case early next month. Without his handlers and Thompson or his fellow travellers loading his lips he will be on his own. I wonder what will prevail, truth or a loss of memory? What a read that will be!

Gatorhater -

You seem to think that we should just freely give respect to Dr. Thompson because of the position he is in. I disagree. Respect is earned, and not just by making difficult decisions that people don't want to hear. The public, parents, students and teachers might be more willingly led to trust him had he made ANY effort to build concensus within the community instead of arbitrarily imposing it. This article is the first one that even hints that Dr. Thompson is concerned for anyone other than his hand-picked assistants and himself, and I certainly don't trust a word of it. Amazing how all of a sudden we are hearing about how he is concerned about the students and teachers when the board is willing to have a backbone and not bend to his every suggestion.

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

Jodied -

I respect that you see a side of your husband that we do not and are fighting for him.

As a parent who has attended many board meetings, I have a suggestion for Mr. Donovan - don't swivel your chair around so your back is facing the person at the podium speaking. At every meeting I have attended, once the public comments start, he has done this. When I see it, I think he could care less what that person has to say. It is quite disrespectful and rude.

So, does IHS get the 7/8 period day? What Principals were transferred?

teacher123 "Anyway, you saying that someone must walk in his shoes before commenting....well...I am suggesting that this would be very difficult because I am pretty sure that he often is wearing his own shoes on the wrong feet."

Now that is funny teacher123!! Sadly, it's probably true.

For Donovan to push for the 7 day period to return yet NOT give the savings of approx. $4mil. for teacher raises is absurd. What does he plan to do with the additional monies that would be saved?

My thoughts exactly tchrparent. I agree Thompson will have to make some tough decisions with regards to the budget the next year or two.

My biggest problem with his management style is that he is not willing to communicate or listen to the community. Public buy in on his ideas will become very important if he has any hopes of getting the community at accept him or his proposals.

This latest action on the block schedule is nothing more than payback to the parents, students and teachers that questioned his motives.

I have heard Thompson speak at a school meeting not long ago. After hearing his ideas I can understand where his thinking may be coming from on a few issues. It was brought up that he should seek more input from the community on his ideas. It was obvious that he is not interested in that.

Just the fact the way he was brought here in the first place puts him in a bad position to start off with. But his continues style of management will be his undoing in the long run.

He must learn to communicate with the board, teachers, parents and yes even the students if he is to have any chance of survival here.

Since everyone seems to be so fond of bringing up Dr. Thompson's military background, let me share something with you the I learned during my time in the military regarding respect and position: "You salute the rank, not the man wearing it."

I could care less whether or not you respect Dr. Thompson, and I'm not suggesting that you blindly give him respect he hasn't earned. Some forms of respect do need to be earned, particularly between a supervisor and his subordinates. I am suggesting, however, that you respect the position he holds within the community. And, for the record, I would be saying this regardless of who holds the position.

The Superintendent has a job to do, which he was tasked with by the School Board. They expect him to achieve certain results and that is the standard he is measured by. If he fails, they will replace him with someone who can do better (just ask Ray Baker).

If you are a teacher, he is your boss. Whether you agree with his tactics or with him personally doesn't matter. While he is your boss, he gets to make the rules. Your choices are to do your job within those parameters, or to find a different job. Period.

If you are a teacher, the principals are your immediate supervisors and they are responsible for implementing Dr. Thompson's policies. Whether you or they agree with his tactics or with him personally doesn't matter. While he is your boss, he gets to make the rules. Your choices (and theirs) are to do the job within those parameters, or to find a different job. Period.

You don't have to respect the man, but you should respect the position. It's not an easy job. I can't do it. (I wouldn't want to, but that's besides the point.) I'm pretty sure most of you can't do it, either.

He may be a little rough around the edges, but what this School District needs right now is decisive action and change. If that means a few sore toes or hurt feelings, and a few less employees along the way, so be it.

teacher123 - Not that it matters to you one way or the other (which I'm sure it doesn't), but I'm not associated with Collier County Public Schools in any way, shape, or form. (Thank goodness for small miracles.)

However, if I were, I would be asking you why you're here blogging instead of teaching. Or, if this is your prep period, why you're here blogging instead of prepping.

RadioNews:

It is obvious by your detached comments that you are not personally involved in the school system.

Do you really believe Superintendent Thompson when he says that his obligation is to "those students," i.e., the eleven percent that he says transfer from high school to high school? What about the other eighty-nine percent? Do the math. If he is changing the schedule for eleven percent of the students he does not have the majority in mind. If he is so concerned with consistency why doesn't he have Lely adopt the schedule of all of the other high schools? If the superintendent felt "obligated" to students he would not force any schedule on anyone right now since the board voted to keep the schedule the same for next year. He has found a loophole and is exploiting it. Leonidas1 is right. Thompson is using the principals, and I would add, the supposed eleven percent of students that transfer as political cover. If you are not one of his lackeys, or even Thompson himself, he is using you as well because you cannot parse what he is saying.

tchrparent & swfl_ff -

I'm curious to hear your response to this post. This is not meant as a personal attack, so please don't take it that way.

If Dr. Thompson had listened to what the public opinion regarding his proposals and decisions has been thus far during his tenure (some of it very overwhelming) instead of simply doing what he feels must be done to improve the School District, would the School District be in a better position or a worse position then when he started?

I don't disagree that he has run somewhat roughshod over both the administration staff and the instructional staff, but he wasn't brought here to appease THEM. Nor was he brought here to appease the PUBLIC. He was brought here at the behest of the School Board. And, since they are the people who decide whether he has a job tomorrow or next week or next month or next year, then THEY are the only people that he has to worry about appeasing (at least, for the time being).

There will come a time, probably sooner than later, when Dr. Thompson will need to change his attitude towards and his handling of the people that work for him. But, for now, it's probably good that he's handling things the way that he is.

There's an old saying that goes something like "If everyone hates you, then you must be doing right."

Gatorhater -

I happen to agree that his position alone does require a certain level of respect be given. I'm willing to do that.

However, in order to retain that respect - especially when your job is one with a vested public interest - it behooves one to act with a certain amount of reciprocal respect.

The best leaders not only make the hard decisions, they make the people who disagree with those decisions understand and support them. And they do it not through force and intimidation, but with education, understanding and a willingness to listen and weigh both sides of the issue. So far Dr. Thompson has failed that test, in my opinion. I have no doubt he is an intelligent man, capable of the job bestowed upon him.

His arrogance may be his eventual downfall. Where does that then leave this community?

wethepeople34102 - So, it's NOT OKAY for Dr. Thompson to make decisions based upon an 11% minority of students, but it IS OKAY for an even smaller minority of AP students (and their wannabe rich parents) to try to dictate the school schedule to Dr. Thompson to benefit just their kids?

wasn't one of thompson's arguments for changing the schedules from block to traditional that it didn't meet the needs of all students? and that the ap kids made up only a small percentage of the student body? i was led to believe that just because the block helped the ap kids,then it wasn't really worth keeping because they only made up a small percentage.

but now, this 11% of students that move from place to place, (which is not the schools' fault) is worth changing everyone's schedules.
interesting if you ask me. he just wants to get his way.

tchrparent - You seem willing to listen to Dr. Thompson and his ideas if he were to approach you "with education, understanding and a willingness to listen and weigh both sides of the issue."

But, honestly, how many of your colleagues feel the same, let alone have given Dr. Thompson the opportunity (or the incentive) to do so?

Gator:

School is out today for students and teachers.

Leonidas, Nekayah, tchrparent:

Excellent posts, and right on the money.

Gatorhator and RadioNews:
I would never criticize your workplace without first going there to observe for quite a while.

RadioNews, your hatred and sarcasm extend to many other forums, what is your real issue? I have a feeling it has nothing to do with the CCPS.

There's a LOT more going on than what is posted in this paper.
and teachers, be VERY careful when you post, there is monitoring going on.

Teachers, enjoy your long weekend, we live in a beautiful area, we love our kids, and there's a lot of positive things going on, despite the problem at hand.

I am an honest believer in what goes around, comes around, if you are giving 100% you will win, no matter how long it takes.

capt1black: Not having kids of my own (which means I am not aware of the school schedule), I was not aware of that. Thank you.

I may not agree with a lot of Thompsons reasonings and decsisions but I do defend the block schedule as it is at Lely. Having 8 classes all year long on alternating days is ideal. First, I would not want my child to have an important subject such as math for 4 months then not take the subject for anther 4 to 8 months. They lose some of what they have learned and it is harder to build on PLUS harder to take SATs and College Entrance exams when you are out of practice. My other reason for supporting Lely structure is that so many high schoolers these days work, play sports or have other responsibilites - this format allows them to have 2 nights to complete homework assignments if they are busy. It also gives them to get help in between classes if they are having problems.

Gatorhater07' With all due respect, you are right in stating that an employee must listen to the boss if they care about their job.

They are many people who should never have become bosses, because they do not know how to direct their employees.

I have always had the deepest respect for bosses who spoke to me and my colleagues with respect, and really LISTENED before passsing judgewment.
As I stated in an earlier post, there is MUCH that is not known to the public, and is not written in the NDN.

Raise or no raise, schedule change or no schedule change, I and many MANY other teachers LOVE our students, and will continue to teach to the best of out abilities.
Thank you.

Some of you people amaze me. You think the only way Dr. Thompson is taking community input is if he does what you want him to do. If that were the case then no school district needs a superintendent. Just let the parents, students and teachers show up to board meetings and voice their minority opinion and then do what they say. You are all idiots. Just because Dr. Thompson does not do what you want him to do, like a puppet, does not mean that he does not listen to the community. His job is to run the school district based on what he feels is best, not by allowing a small percentage of self centered idiots to dictate policy based on their own agenda. The system is broken and the worst thing that any new superintendent could do would be to listen to the very people who had a hand in braking it.

I do not recall seeing teachers complaining about the frills that schools were getting prior to the budget crunch. Where were you when you were getting fancy drop down overhead projectors, new computers etc.? If Dr. Thompson came in here and gave everyone a 10% raise none of you would have a bad thing to say about the man. You are a bunch of hypocrites.

Thinker- Thank you for posting the statistics on block scheduling (or something like it) elsewhere. I went through block scheduling 1999-2002 and I hated it! I would take math the first semester of freshman year, then could possibly not see it again until the second semester of my sophomore year. It was ridiculous, and we spent most of our block doing homework and being lectured. As a 15 year old, try to sit through 1 1/2 hours of your tear talking.....you tend to stop listening. I feel like my high school education was robbed because of the wonderful block scheduling you all preach so highly of.

If it wasn't for teachers losing their jobs, I would want it gone in a heartbeat. As a fellow middle school teacher, I feel it is unfair how much planning high school teachers get compared to me, and I do not see the need for so much. I haven’t quite figured out why students like block schedule yet, more time to sleep without interruption? Less books to carry?

Oh Gatorhator, teachers have days off too. I found it awkward that you were attacking a teacher for “blogging while at work” when you know everything about being a teacher in Collier County already. Every time I read your blogs, it makes me realize why I am leaving this town in the summer for a new district. Try supporting the educators, where would you be without your teachers?

It seems to me that some people on here who claim to be fighting for the children and their best interests are really just doing a disservice to these children. The alternating block schedule will provide these kids with the best example of what college is really like. If these kids are as hard- working as everyone claims them to be, which I am sure that they are, then they will step up to the plate and learn to prioritize their responsibilites. Eight classes in nothing in comparison to what they will experience in college. Stop trying to shelter these children and let them learn that a little bit of hard work and discipline never hurt anyone.

As Pink Floyd's Song "Another Brick in The Wall" goes.... (There are a few changes....)

We don't need no education
We dont need no thought control
No dark sarcasm in the classroom
School Board leave them kids alone
Hey! Donovan! leave them kids alone!
All in all it's just another brick in the wall.
All in all you're just another brick in the wall.

We don't need no education
We dont need no thought control
No dark sarcasm in the classroom
School Board leave them kids alone
Hey! Donovan! leave us kids alone!
All in all it's just another brick in the wall.
All in all you're just another brick in the wall.

"wrong, do it again!"
"wrong, do it again!"
"if you don't eat yer meat, you can't have any pudding. how can you
Have any pudding if you don't eat yer meat?"
"you! yes, you behind the bikesheds, stand still laddy!"

I just heard it on the radio and thought how ironic that it came on as I was reading the article. LOL!

goldengatenative - I don't begrudge teachers their days off. I just wish I had as many as they do. (By the way, I'm at work today, and probably tomorrow, too.)

I don't claim to know everything there is to know about being a school teacher. There's quite a bit I dont' know. Thankfully, I have three school teachers in my own family who generously "educate" me in that regrad. But, I wish that the teachers here would quit pretending that theirs is the only occupation that matters, or that requires hard work or an education. Because, it's not...not by a long shot.

And, for the record, I do support teachers. They have a very noble, very important profession.

What I don't support are the teachers that insist on blaming this Superintendent and this School Board for their woes that were created by the previous Superintendent and the previous School Board.

What I don't support are the teachers that insist, at the questionable leadership of their ridiculous union, in pursuing a matter that has been legally decided against them.

What I don't support are the teachers who continue to claim overwork and poverty in a community full of both, while the parents of the kids they claim to care so much about are themselves unemployed and having their hours cut back.

SHEENBELLA:

I think I am going to take you up on your suggestion.... I am thinking very hard about RUNNING for ABBOTT'S SEAT.

This is out of control... It is time for one of the idiots to CALL for "Status of the Superintendent" FIRE THOMPSON.. NOW

This district is going to be devistated before November.

Outoftowner: Not only have I met Thompson. I have spoken to him and a majority of the board as recent as this week, and one board member more than once.

Just to add I was NOT at the board meeting last night.. but heard all about it by phone.. as I was out of town

I might just run for Abbott's seat as well. That would fun homeboy. What do you think?

HOMEBOY:
GO FOR IT.
I will be your personal manager and promoter for free!

umleed,
With your name calling, insults, and putdowns, I doubt you'd get many votes.

NaplesCracker: too funny!

sheenabella,

Maybe not but I sure would have fun trying. The candidate that is truly honest about the situation and has the courage to say the things that the people don't want to hear never gets elected, to any position. It's the candidate that blows smoke up peoples butts and gives in to the mob that gets elected.

sheena, you are so way off base. I have not one iota of hate, but I do have a very high distain for people that do not take responsiblity for their actions and choices. ie: teachers. Add the fact that I am so well informed on every major issue in this county. When was the last time you spent an hour talking with Dennis Thompson, any memeber of the CCSB, County Commission, or the Mayor of Naples? I do this on a daily basis. Plus I spent hours a day talking with the good citizens of this county. The ones that don't whine or expect a handout just because they made poor choices of a profession or location to live. I live in the real world with real people. Feel free to join us sometime instead of spending Sunday waiting for the Easter Bunny!

Thanks once again for proving my point.

Gatorhater07--I do not know if someone told you or not already, because I don't have time to read through all of this, but Collier County Schools are closed today. It is a religious holiday, but I don't suppose someone with a screen name such as Gatorhater07 would know such things. Teachers can "blog" on their days off can't they? Or do you suppose that the general public should be able to rule over them on those days too?

I am a teacher in Collier and a parent of 3 children who attend Lee County Schools. For years, people have asked me why I don't transfer my kids to Collier schools, which have a better reputation and better opportunities than "lowly" Lee schools. Well, after weeks of reading the garbage that I have seen and months of dealing with the clowns that are the school board and the Hitler that is the superintendent, I am very happy that I held to my convictions and left my kids in the very good Lee Schools that they are attending. For some in Collier, it seems that the only places that exist in Lee are Cape Coral an Lehigh. Well, you are very sadly mistaken. And to my fellow teachers in Collier who teach at the high school level and the parents of those at that level, let me remind you that the majority of students in the district are elementary and middle school students. Your "stupid" decisions and constant whining this year have hurt the children and teachers at the other levels. We are the losers in your self centered fight. And you are not very smart. When you went after the issue of scheduling being changed to 7 periods, I told everyone that I knew Thompson would put you on an alternating day schedule. You are also not being honest. You are furious because you will only have a planning period every other day now and not every day! Please, that is the reason for your anger, not the fact that the students will have classes every other day! And don't tell me otherwise; the lowly middle and elementary teachers in the district know that is the truth. No argument you make will make us believe otherwise. Keep up your ridiculous blogging putting down the teachers and schools folks. You're making those of us who own property in Lee County very happy; our property values will increase because no one in their right mind will send their children to Collier schools after this year is over!

you are pointless sheena

Post #53? The Easter bunny statement was so mature, as was the bunching teachers into one hateful, lazy group.

It's amazing to blog with a legend in his own mind.
No one knows everything about everything.

But, believe whatever you wish, everyone here is entitled to their own opinions, whether you like it or not.

You seem to forget that people read your other statements on the other blogs, and the same insults and nastiness come through.

We agree to disagree, that is fine with me.

If they are all so concerned about the school budget WHY in God's name are they planning to spend $2.7 on football fields???????

OMG - this school board makes NO SENSE!

Radio-
I call your bluff, name yourself.

proudesteromom - My screenname notwithstanding, I don't have kids in school so I'm not aware of the school schedule, and the copious number of "off days" included therein.

The last time I checked, Easter SUNDAY was the religious part of this holiday weekend. (And, as the son of a minister, I'm pretty sure I'm right about this one.) "Good Friday" was added by municipal and state governments to justify yet another 3-day weekend at taxpayer expense.

I'm a single, professional, college-educated adult with a job that requires me to work at least 6 days a week, for at least 14 hours a day, 12 months a year.

I'm sorry if I offended you. Please, enjoy your 3-day weekend.

Hey Sheenabella, you know the old saying that "opinions are like _______'s, everybody's got one" And and a few of these bloggers sure do act like them, huge one's at that!!

Steven Johnson, bluff that!

Next knucklehead please! laughing!

Very classy Zippy

Calling Mr. Scott LePore to run for School Board and defeat Linda Abbott. LePore is a neo-Republican who would help the Collier School District.

Jodied,

Your tirade against opponents of your husband's indiscretions is hypocritical to say the least. You forgot the vicious and slanderous comments that you made under several aliases? You attacked his opponent, a man of the Cloth without decency or knowledge of the man's education, compassion and desire to serve. It was the most one sided and dirtiest campaign that election year. Would your husband relish the time and effort if he were not being paid $43,000.00/yr, with full benefits? As for his campaign slogan "Education Thru Experience," what message does that send to our kids in school? As a teacher of GED in the evening for military personnel and their spouses - no-one was given a failing grade. Flounting a GED Diploma is a clear indication of his short-comings.

Your blog comment was in very bad taste, totally inappropriate and without merit.

Straightalk

proudesteromom

The teachers will still have planning everyday. The alternating day schedule does not change that, so your argument is moot.

How sad! As parents, my husband and I have taught our children that name calling and making fun of other people is NOT acceptable. Based on the number of comments that appear to be from teachers, that utilize name calling, it concerns me that any of this behavior enters into your classrooms.

Mrs. Donovan~ To give merit to your statement; I remember when your husband ran for office the first time. I remember there was a lot of mudslinging from the Don York camp towards your husband in regards to his education. I also remember, that, in fact, at a press conference, your husband's DIPLOMA was produced, as well as his transcripts from COLLEGE. I also seem to recall, that Mr. York had made claims as to his education which later proved to be false. I believe that what was shown was that Mr. Donovan actually had MORE education than Mr. York.

While I may not always agree with the decisions our board members or our superintendent make, I appreciate the climate of this county that they must try to work through in order to try to improve the education of our children.

Gatorhater -

I, and many other parents and teachers, were very willing to listen and support Dr. Thompson when he first came on board. However, it was he - not us - who wasn't willing to listen. I've seen his condescending manner up close and found it incredibly demeaning. It is as if anyone who isn't a board member, his support staff or family is beneath him, but he will begrudginly give you the time of day.

It is also as if he came here in full attack mode, ready to shoot down the "enemy" (public, parents, teachers and students who don't fully agree with him). Are there people who don't like him because he won't give in to their whims? Sure, won't there always be? The real problem is that the ones, like myself, who have been willing to listen are getting shot down like everyone else.

Zippy, I have nothing to hide, and my only put down of teachers is the fact that THEY are responsible for their problems, not the CCSB. They are adults and have choices. If just one teacher would stand up and say, "This is the fault of our union and the members" I would have a much greater respect for them. Let's not forget, every union teacher AGREED and SIGNED their contract! So who's fault is it that their contract is horrible? I do not disagree th