Becky has done an outstanding job!
The parents and teachers could have gotten this referendum passed.
Thompson should have kept his poison out of it.
As a voter, I must now decide-----
do I love the children, the parents, the teachers and my community more than I hate Thompson.

With no regulation nor oversight mechanism, there's absolutely no way anyone can be assured that additional operating funds put into the hands of Colonel Thompson and this school board would go to the children, to the programs they and the teachers want, or to the classrooms in any way other than that already selected--which we didn't want in the first place.

The referendum made sense until we saw people being ridden over roughshod for the sake of immediate expediency. There's no mercy nor kindness nor softness of heart anywhere. Only vicious stinginess.

The people have no power and no voice that can penetrate the bullet-proofed bubble around these rockheads from Tennessee (and Texas). But people can say no to Colonel Thompson's plea for their votes for the referendum. Why should we believe that he'll use the money for children's "non-mandated programs"? All I hear are threats and fear-mongering.

In every other way I say NO to Thompson and the other Rockheads, but I will not say no to the kids, parents, community, and teachers on this one. I'll vote yes on the referendum.

We do a great disservice to the military every time we refer to him as Colonel. Even good military leaders do not like his 'sort'.
He leads(?) by fear and intimidation.
However, WE, the community, will be here long after he is gone. If the referendum does not pass WE will have an even bigger mess to clean up.

The school board must give us airtight assurances that the money will be spent responsibly.
They must do better than what they did with the block schedule. We were promised that the block would be preserved, at least for one more year, and Thompson butchered it.
That one is vicious, and I can't blame anyone for not trusting him. He threatened at the immokalee town hall meeting that he "could destroy this school district," but he won't?
He already has done enormous damage!
Just look at the number of people who are ready to condemn the district by denying this referendum because HE is the one who will be in charge of the money.
Dump Thompson, save the district!

This community needs to be asking Thompson:

If we pass this ballot issue, WILL YOU RESIGN?

If we vote NO, Will the School Board FIRE YOU?

Either way we WIN....

I also can't say no to the students of this county... I will be voting YES.. eventhough I DO NOT support THOMPSON in any way.

#4:

Who are you to judge what military leaders think? Have you served a day of your life in the United States Armed Forces? You illustrate your severe lack of understanding because you do not even understand proper military rank. Dr. Thompson was a Lieutenant Colonel (O-5), not a "full bird" Colonel (O-6). Dr. Thompson has a superb military service record. Your attempt to degrade that is deplorable, despite your political views or opinions of him.

Fear and Intimidation?? Niccolo Machiavelli's theory on leadership - somehow I doubt you read "The Prince." Stop the political bickering - Your community needs to pass this referendum. Not for you, but for those kids. It's about the kids.........it's always been about the kids.....

This borders on "out of this world", not just unbelieveable.

If I came to any of you and said, I could burn your house to the ground tonight, but I probably won't if you give me 19 million dollars you call the cops.

And I'd be arrested for extorsion/black mail.

See last Saturday's (the 4th) letters to the editor. That was a quote from Thompson..."I could demolish this district", but I won't if I get the money from this referendum.

No oversight of the money, not info or requirements to where the money will be spent.

Now he threatens to get rid of all electives, or football, or might have to CUT teacher salaries.

All the while administrators get paid more, with guaranteed 5 and 6 percent raises each year.

How can any body vote for this or trust this guy? Give me the money or else. WOW.

And these teachers and parents are running scared and actually trying to help him get this money so hopefully they won't be the ones cut.

UNBELIEVABLE.

So many great points have been made - many say they will vote YES - but again, what assurances are there that HE will put the money to "good and proper" use - Just as stated above - The Board voted with the intent to leave the block schedule for one more year - but he pulled a fast one - bait and switch tactic - DON'T THINK FOR A MOMENT THAT THE SAME THING WON'T HAPPEN - The vote for the custodians could have been held off until after the NOvember vote so that 250 people wouldn't be hsitcanned before the holidays - and don't even tell me that they are okay because they are afforded a job with Tennessee-based GCA -

If this doesn't pass, it will give him a reason to say "I told you so" and if it does he has millions to squander - CATCH 22 - this is a no win situation as long as he's piloting the ship.

What about the extension to his contract????

What about Calabrese????

Inquiring minds....

The referendum will pass, although not with my vote.

When he starts making the cuts he had planned on making anyway, at least I have a clean conscience that I didn't help him.

It's a win-win for him: if it doesn't pass, he'll make cuts and say "I told you so" ; if it does pass, he'll say, "Gee, it's worse than I thought. Gotta make the cuts. I tried."

And to have Becky doing his job for him. Pathetic. He's the one who cut funds for her own ESE child, and she's out stumping with him? That's a slap in the face to all those ESE parents who were at the meeting begging the board (remember that dad who CRIED) to not cut assistants.

#10 - I honestly believe it is the chance we must take. There are no guarantees, it is the lesser of the two evils.

The situation is basic. Deny the referendum and bad things will happen. It will effect the children, our first priority and then we will lose jobs. If it passes, the money maybe spent appropriately and we may protect the children and save jobs. The choice then is simple. Protect the children and save jobs

He'll make the cuts even if it passes. The money will not go to the teachers & students. He's a liar. I will vote no & that does not make me a bad parent. He threatened to fire assistants from the schools if the board did not fire the custodians, they did & he's told the level A assistants he'll probably have to fire 1 per school anyways in December because the board waited too long to fire the custodians. Why wait till December could it be he wants to see if he gets this money first. If he fires them before the election it would never pass. He can't be trusted. I'm telling all my friends & family to vote NO.

I have heard it being said by others, bag,sun,homey, the children must be protected first, then the employees. Without the referendum, all will suffer. If is passes there is good chance it will help.

Toesmom, I hear you.....to me, it is like needing an operation. The Dr tells you you will not make it without the operation. You are terminal. The operation increases your chances by 50%.....what do you do? The referendum is the operation.

As a teacher I don't trust our super as far as I can throw him. But I'm tired of hearing the excuse of lack of funds. I'm tired of looking and reading about schools that are working their butts off to go beyond what is expected of them (GGHS), but are being held back because Labute refuses to redistrict schools, thus making schools in the city of Naples title 1, and essentially practicing racism because she feels certain schools are a little over crowded but no redistricting is neccesary. I have worked for this district for almost 10 years and I make as much as a teacher who just walks into the door with no experience. I am sick and tired of Dr. T and his tactics, fear and tryanny do not work. Teachers teach cause they love it, the custodians do a thankless job but are treated as equals because they are part of the school's family, and they deserve it.

We need to pass this measure, and put the board on notice, tell them that this money is meant for the good of the students, not for Dr. T to run even more roughshed over us. Grow a _____ and show some backbone school board, you are the control measure for our super not his rubber stamp. Do what you said you were going to do when we voted for your worthless positions, stand up for the kids, give them what they need to succeed, that means keep our accreditation and work together for god's sake. Whatever schemes that you have going on under the table, take a look at our district, look at the low morale from the teachers as well as the students, be original take a chance, be your own person not puppets to Lt. Colonel Combover.

VOTE YES

The Florida State economy is bad and will just get worse. Whether or not we agree with Thompson, this economy went south before he got here. The referendum, if used correctly, would stave off a worse budget shortfall for the next school year. For this and this reason only, I'll vote Yes.

Right on LT Transporter... I like your thinking.. most of these Knuckleheads down here don't do enough of that!

VOTE YES,

Don't punish our children.

Dr. Thompson is not the Villan, we have had a disfunctional School Board dating back to Nelson Faerber and as a result a string of ineffective Superintendents.

Dr. Thompson has the potential to make Collier schools great by National standards not just OK by Florida standards if given the chance.

The bottom line is VOTE YES! (Go Becky --- Becky for School Board)

As I reads these blogs over and over about the referendum it suddenly occurred to me.

Where is the school board members? I haven't heard anything out of them pushing this.

Would it be an inconvenience of their personal time to do a little stumping for this?

Julie Sprague and Joe Paterno, you want to be on the board but don't have the time to give to this? NDN would publish your comments on this.

Curatolo, I guess your done now that you have been re-elected?

Carrol, quit sucking on those lemons and start pushing this thing.

Donovan, a referendum is not one those guys in striped shirts on the field at football games. Those are referees, big difference.

Calabrese, make a statement through somebody if your not well enough to do it in person.

If , as you all like to say, it's about the students, where are you people??????

;-)

I have worked in Collier County for 11 years as a Teacher...bloggers can bad mouth the Teachers all they want; it is within their Constituional Right to speak freely...that is another subject for another day...The budget crisis in the County is real, teachers have not seen an increase in pay in over two years...yes contracts are "ratified" by both paries, the union and the school board, but if the school board chooses not to hold their end of the bargain, there is no recourse...even though teachers agreed to a contract a few years ago it has yet to be implemented or followed by the district...I'm sure there will be many people that say I should be thankful that I have a job, and I am, but I'm not sure how much longer I can work in this County or in FL. I have a 4-year college degree, plus a Masters, plus experience, yet, we are treated as the enemy for asking for a decent wage and increases as the cost of living increases...I have yet to see an negative article, or hear negative comments about other service personnel, such as police, fire, emt, when they request a raise...this referendum must pass...not just for teachers, but for the quality of education hat the kids will receive...I understand that many of you feel that teachers do not work hard, or that we get a 3 month vacation(haven't ever seen that!)...and do not deserve a raise because we have it easy...please pass the referendum to put money where it is needed...back into education, back into the classroom!

Trn2stone you should be thankful you have a job and a salary, and health care, Not all collier countians can say that, I've seen my wages slashed in half and pay my own health care. Times have changed and times Are REALLY Tough

Thank-you for all you do for our children, but please focus on teaching NOT blogging, I find it amazing when my kids come home telling me about all the joke e-mails their teachers post on the overhead each day... Please don't tell me anymore that teachers don't have enough time to do what is asked of them when they have time to blog and share junk e-mail!

Believe it or not, and whether the people like it or not, I am entitled to a little break during the day...and now I'm sorry that I wasted it here...it will never happen again

#7, I would disagree that Thompson has an "superb military service record." To be a West Point grad and not retire with Chickens on your shoulders says something happened to make him fall out of favor with someone.

#15, you are right, the referendum is the operation. Without it, the survival rate is near zero

trn2stone: You are RIGHT ON, and as a Collier County citizen with NO children in the public school system, I CARE -- I CARE about not only you, but all of the teachers, who are working harder than ever and are more dedicated than ever. I will probably vote FOR the referendum, even though it will be Very, Very difficult to do so...but, I will pray that the School Board will take over the leadership and responsibility for the students and teachers by watching carefully to see that Thompson (doesn't deserve a title)spends the money PROPERLY!!! With all of the bloggers who HATE him, who represent the silent majority, perhaps the Board should also revisit his contract and FIRE him ASAP!!!! That would be a great start following the November election!!!!

Re:#22...agreed, we do need the money in the classrooms, and for the students and teachers. I don't agree with handing the board and Thompson a blank check with this money though! We need to have some sort of restrictions on how this money is used, and some oversight to make sure it is used for the students, staff, and for the actual furtherance of education in Collier County. I think we have all seen how wasteful the board and Thompson has been in the past! We don't need any more of Thompsons friends from Rockford. Let's promote the good people we already have working in this district. So many have been waiting for years for a promotion, but Thompson brings his friends here instead. This is a real shame!

Ranger, I agree...no blank checks. I too have issue with people being brought in from Tennessee and Illinois. The good employees who have been here should get first crack at career advancement They can argue all the ywant about looking natiowide for the best....it is just BS. You know it, I know it they know it....

HarrietGrandison,
#2
Why should we believe that he'll use the money for children's "non-mandated programs"?
Very simple.
We can defeat the proposal and know that the non-mandated programs will be cut, or we can pass the resolution and hope that he spends the money on these programs. It is really that simple. Put the money in an account where someday we may want it to build more schools, or legally move it to an account where we can use it now to reduce the effect we are seeing in a shrinking budget. What is more important to you, Astro-turf or education?

Re: Post #25 - Actually, that's not true.

For one, every West Point grad doesn't wind up with eagles or stars on their shoulders (the vast majority of academy-graduate officers leave the service once their mandatory 7-year commitment is up, typically at the rank of captain). For another, even using the "standard" Army promotion rates, Thompson wasn't in long enough to have made full colonel (it typically takes approximately 25 years to make full colonel). Finally, there may not have been an O-6 slot available for Thompson to be promoted into, which may have contributed to his leaving the service. (As with any organization, the farther up you go the fewer spots there are available, and someone has to vacate one before you can move up.)

Your statement is not only an unfair characterization, it's very likely untrue, as well.

Maybe people would be more in favor of the measure if the Super would put forth an explanation of EXACTLY how the money will be used, not vague budget lines. Seems like most of the questions revolve around this issue. How do we taxpayers know that it won't end up like the AIG bailout funds that sent people to a resort in California? Specifically, what will it be used for? Crank up the gerbils in the Taj, crunch some numbers, and get to the people with a plan. Without this, many people may not trust the administration to put the money in the right place.

Much more will be lost then just jobs if we don't vote yes for this referendum. I too worry and are concerned about the trust level and will the money be spent where it should be but it is a chance I will take and vote yes. We as a community need to support our students and our teachers now and in the future
Vote Yes

Re:#33...That would be a step in the right direction. There needs to be some accountability in all this. The board seems to have a difficult time holding Thompson accountable for anything. I have mixed emotions about voting for this proposal, but I am leaning toward voting for it. The schools need the money. What concerns me is the high probability of mis-managment of these funds. You're right, I think their are a great number of people who cannot trust the board and Thompson to do the right thing with this money. If it is defeated, that will be the root cause! Many think, "why give these people more money, when they can't handle what they have already been entrusted with". This will be the reason this referendum fails if indeed it does.

There should be accountablity. Like most of us, we spent money never realizing in our life time things would become as they are. We "all" got a wake up call. Now, each one of us must be careful and prudent with our resources. I want to believe that the administration of the District is on top of their game. To vote NO will mean more hardship for children and employee. Thompson came at a bad time. Everyone is looking to blame someone for the mess, yet it is just another near depression era, no one person is to blame. Blame greed in the financial sector and our inability to become energy independant..and the outsourcing of American jobs and industry.....it has all trickled down. Want a laugh...I campaigned for Ross Perot, he actually predicted all this.

At our school there is a music teacher who has a first rate program because of the parents support and the thousands & thousands of dollars that his family has personally put in to make it what it is. Our district was headed to being a "world class" school system, cut these programs and you will never attain that status. Please vote yes & stand up and get rid of the real problem......Dr. Thompson. Can't the people of Collier County have him removed or something?

From Post # 12

"If it (the referendum) passes, the money maybe spent appropriately..."

That might be the single dumbest thing ever written on the NDN Blogs.

In all the stuff this guy has done, what in God's name makes you think that the money will be spent appropriately??????

ESE students aides fired.

More administrators not less as he stated in his one school board meeting here before being hired.

Administrators get raises teachers do not.

The Super. gets $25,000 dollars a years for "lunch money and meeting expenses" on top of his bloated salary. Check the public records on that.

Custodians fired so they can all be re-hired at 2 -5 dollars less an hour.

Yeah I'll bet it will be spent appropriately.

I too would like to see a plan put forth to the voters on just how this money will be spent in the future. People need to know that this money will truly be spent where it should be, in the classroom and for the good of the students and not be spent on more programs or administrators at the Taj. This would go a long way in easing the voters minds with this issue.

I will vote for this referendum only because I do not want to see the students hurt or lose important programs even if they are not state mandated. Things like band and other activities are all an important part of a good education.

As much as I do not care for Thompson and his management style and ideas it would not be fair to blame most of the budget issue on him. Most of this problem was brewing before he arrived.

What I would like to see from him is some leadership. Is he willing to not take any raises or maybe even cut his pay if need be? Is he willing to sacrifice along with everyone else?

It is time to see him and the board members step up and help explain and campaign for this issue. The voters are waiting for you to be leaders!

On a somewhat related topic, did anyone else see that the Florida Retirement System fund (i.e. the investment system that funds the pensions of all public employees in the state) lost $9B in September due to the financial crunch?

If the referendum passes, when will the money be available? I thought I read somewhere that there would be a delay?

Remember what happened when thousands turned out to beg for the retention of the block schedule in out high schools?
The school board said it would be retained, at least for one more year.
Then Thompson, in an in-your-face move if ever I saw one, CHANGED it to the present alternating-day schedule.

Remember when Thompson said he was not in favor of this referendum?
He said there was "too much negativity" from the union. The negativity very obviously flows from him!
Now he threatens to declare a fiscal emergency so he can void the union contracts, CUT teacher pay, and fire whoever he wants.

DEMAND accountability!

CAN Thompson!

THEN, and only then, pass this referendum.

The money will be available for the 09-10 school year if the referendum passes.

A no vote simply lets money that is not needed for capital expenditures sit in that account. The referendum would allow the equivalent to transfering money from savings to checking.

I heard Thompson speak last night. He pulled no punches about what would happen if it doesn't pass. And I was surprised that it didn't come across as much like the threat it seems to be.

go to the website, it is by parents not the school board or Thompson. Read the points. At least consider it as dispassionately as possible.

Naplesborn... to state that whisper blogged the most stupid thing you ever read on the blog because she said if the money is spent appropriately, is stupid on your part. Who are you to call anyone stupid? You forget she said "if". If you hate Thompson, don;t spill it on others who are simply expressing a thought

I know we need the money to be transferred, but where is the guarantee that it will be spent in the right places? From experience with this administration, I think we could almost bet it won't.
Teacher raises? Didn't Thompson already give himself a raise in July? How much was it again? What is the amount of the COLA? Teachers haven't had a raise in 2 years! They're making us work harder for what amounts to less money. Do you see admin following suit?
Man is it hard for me to advocate handing that money over!

Goodsense, what is the alternative? It will take time to change the board, although it has started.

As much as I dislike most of the school board members along with Thompson I am going to have to vote yes! But, trust them to do the right thing with taxpayer money NO! It will be up to us the taxpayers to try and keep the school board and Thompson straight on how the money is spent!

If Colonel Thompson is for it, I'm against it. If he's in charge of how it is spent, all the wrong people will suffer. People have written that we shouldn't cut our noses off to spite our faces. I say shooting ourselves in the foot may prevent our serving in an illegal and immoral war.

The students have already been hurt. The classrooms have already been denuded. Our best programs have already been gutted. The "hope" that he spends the money on music, bands, arts, and sports is foolish fantasy. That Colonel Thompson would put this money toward operational costs such as "teacher salaries" is absurd. And educational programs he would spend it on are his own pet projects: reading coaches, freshmen nation, and teacher humiliation.

Do not give this man more power. He's only after our $1 billion school budget.

Sometimes it's more heroic to shoot one's self in the foot than to submit to tyrannical orders that would earn one eternal punishment. This doesn't have to be forever. All we have to do is rid ourselves of the tyrant in the throne.

Close your eyes, pull the trigger; it won't hurt forever. Vote NO for the referendum. It cannot hurt any more than all the evil wrought upon us this past year.

too bad i have a job and couldnt be here to read about , apparently, collier citizens, who want to give this district more unregulated control of their tax money!

this district has spent BILLIONS over the last few years! borrowed hundreds of millions more! has unregulated management running amuck and you want to help them?

maybe the teachers will get a raise.....maybe the dance class wont get cut....my child will be better off.. fools!! go ahead like it means anything to me other than discust that more taxpayer money will be squandered. the socialist beat goes on. ya all are probably voting for the socialist/communist Obama too. just be careful what you wish for.....

the same people that voted for the "bullet train" and "class size amendment". pleze!

I have one question for everyone that reads this:

Is education TRULY a priority in Collier County?

Never, in my 15 years of teaching have I seen such disregard for education by the District itself, the community, the parents and the children (even many teachers). I'm am saddened at the drop out rate. I am saddened that education isn't celebrated. I know I am generalizing, but if you visited ALL of the schools in the District (instead of just PME or SGE et al rich areas) you will see what I'm referring to. I met a young woman the other that I knew while teaching her brother in middle school. He dropped out in the 9th grade and she left 12th grade because she m issed too much of the year and would have had to come back the next semester, so she dropped out. It saddens me. What will become of our future if education isn't a priority all around the country?

I will only vote yes because of the kids, but let's, as a community, monitor the hell out of thompson.

ya to bad we couldnt vote on the mega bailout of the foolish spending of our banking system. all over paid fools. so lets give more money to the wild and crazy guys(and girls)of CCPS.

[insert funny comment here]. sorry i am in shock. i just hope you all are smarter than you look.

FreshFace challenge me on this. tell me why you may think education has EVER been about children?

it's a money making scam forced on the parents.

if you are a teacher and you ran your own school with a hundred kids you would have a $2.5 mil budget in Collier County. how would you ever make ends meet?

well thats with out the loans that no one knows about including me.

Thompson will use this to line his pockets, as his wife teaches here, too.

Together, they make well over $300,000 a year.
$300,000 per year
$300,000 PER YEAR
$300,000 per year
PERKS
BENNIES
CARS
TRAVEL EXPENSES
INSURANCE

Elmer Fudd actually thinks it's okay for his wifey to work for him!!!!!
So it is clear this vote is meaningful only to his misappropriations to budget shortfalls in the first place.

Where's his common sense?

Where's all his buddies coming from?

Illinois.

Where are CC taxpayer's monies going to?

Certainly not to music Ms. Newell, and certainly not to your son's education.

Doesn't matter how this vote goes, Collier County is at a total LOSS with Thompson.

When accreditation is teetering at the edge of going over, and he has the audaucity to hire anyone who is his WIFE or his buddy, there's a real problem with his lack of leadership.

VOTE NO Referendum ! WE need to stand up in Collier County. IF Thompson & his Dixie chicks are still working in our school. THEN NO! TO THE REFERENDUM. WE know he can not be trusted with our hard earned tax dollar.
beettlejuice, I couldnt have said it better! Great post!
The referendum can be passed when Thompson is gone... NOT A DAY BEFORE.

I am in total agreement with post #42 - GoodSense - you hit the nail on the head - Thompson has undermined, manipulated and controlled this board and the system itself - we are in shambles and given more money - NO GUARANTEE - not even a hint that the money will be put to good use - someone said the community will have to have tighter reigns and DEMAND more accountability - well HELLLLLLOOOO??? How would you explain the block scheduling manipulation - and then firing of the custodians BEFORE the referendum had a chance to be instituted.... THAT MONEY, IF THIS PASSES - I ASSURE YOU WILL NOT BE USED THE WAY THE PUBLIC INTENDS IT ANY MORE THAN THE BLOCK SCHEDULE WAS UPHELD AS IT WAS INTENDED........

I'm afraid of what will become of this District. Can someone assure me that Thompson won't ruin our schools? Forget raises for EVERYONE and allow teachers to teach without fear and scare tactics.

Everyone who works in this district knows that teachers are afraid to speak up openly. One of the first things Thompson did was to order teachers into his office at even the hint of a negative comment.
How many letters of reprimand has he issued for "insubordination?"
Is this leadership?
Is this the man you want to trust with all this money?
Sorry, I think NOT!
Don't give in to his tactic of backing us into a corner!
Save Our Schools!
FIRE THOMPSON AND ALL HIS LITTLE CHICKIES!

#7 If it's about the kids and always about the kids, then why does Thompson continue to do things that affect the students negatively? It's not about the kids in my opinion, it's about his wanting power over everyone. Perhaps because he never made it to a full Colonel, he's a little bitter. You defend him, and that's fine, as everyone has a right to their opinion. How a person acts and how they handle things is normally a direct indication as to who they are. If he does things this way now, it's easy to believe that he handled his military career the same.
I grew up in a military town, with military family and I have family that still works with the Military. I respect the Military with the highest regard. but this man?
Leaders don't need to use threats and strong arm tactics, they lead and if they are a good leader, then everyone will follow out of respect, not fear.

I can't vote yes. And I think it's very telling that many of my colleagues, who LOVE and CARE about kids, are voting no as well. Art teachers even. Think about it. How little trust do we have in this board, that people will vote themselves out of a job?

I support whatever has a beter chance of keeping the children's education in tact and will prevent more layoffs. Clearly, voting no will hurt education and kill jobs off. What is the option here?

Hope? Faith? Trust?

Not in this Wizard.

Nothing can now "keep the children's education intact." It is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope. We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth, and listen to the song of that siren, till she transforms us into beasts.

Are we disposed to be of the number of those who, having eyes, see not, and having ears hear not, the things which so nearly concern their youth's education?

Whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, be willing to know the whole truth; to know the worst and provide for it.

I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided; and that is the lamp of experience.
I know of no way of judging of the future but by the past.

And judging by the past I wish to know what there has been in the conduct of the CCPS for the last fourteen months to justify those hopes with which gentlemen have been pleased to solace themselves.

Our petitions have been slighted; our complaints have produced additional violence and insult; our supplications have been disregarded; and we have been spurned with contempt from the foot of the throne.

Shall we acquire the means of effectual resistance by lying supinely on our backs, and hugging the delusive phantom of hope? Look what has happened to the custodians.

Vote no. Colonel Thompson is going to destroy us? Let's beat him to it. "Let's roll."

If Dennis Thompson put the same energy into effectively doing his job, as he does blogging here, maybe we wouldn't be in this mess.

OPEN MIC is THIS Monday 10/ 13 from 5:30 PM to 6:00 PM. Call in and ask if the super duper has an etched in stone plan for this money should the referendum pass. In fact, I will try to call in and ask the question myself if I am home. If there is No plan, I am voting NO because I trust this guy about as far as I can throw him and it will be a bunch of military smoke and mirrors! The money will some how get eaten up and distributed and no one will be able to tell you EXACTLY where each penny went!

I was here way before you, Pie. I've got a key to the cockpit. All it takes is four or five.

You are collateral damage. You're going down in the Everglades.

Go home to your mother in Texas before the gators get you.

Pieface, seems I'm not the only 1 that doesn't respect him. There seems to be alot more that don't then do. I was going to vote yes but then decided to vote no. If and when they come up with hard concrete details and signed papers on how this money will be used, I will not vote yes. Donovan states that they have to have the referendum passed, but they don't listen to the taxpayers of this community. They want more money handed to them without proving to us, the taxpayers, how it will be used. It's a simple fix. They need to speak up and tell us where the money will be used and if it is going to be used appropriately, then a lot more people will vote yes.

#67 Pieface.

There are a lot more than 4 or 5 that are fighting. They may not be commenting in Naples Daily News. That does not mean the public is not getting together. Many are concerned and asking me what can they can do. And I am not stating here what I am telling them.

You are right, there are very few people that post. Wish we could see how many read them.

Here is the organizational chart on the Collier County website for our school system:

http://www.collier.k12.fl.us/OrgChart...

Look who is at the top. Then second and third.

It is our duty to do what is best for the children and teachers. I have stated before that I will vote "yes" for the referendum.

After voting yes, we then need to direct the Board. Not just let them go after voting and hope they do the right thing. There needs to be more public involvement than in the past on an ongoing basis. It is not like it was 2 or 4 years ago. The public needs to have more communication with the board on a regular basis. This is up to us and the board to make this happen.

Possible "no" voters, I cannot fire Dennis Thompson, but that does not mean this referendum should not pass. I have even stated that we should give the board an ultimatum: “Get rid of DT and we will pass the referendum”. I should not have said that a few weeks ago. I was brought down to those tactics and regret it.

Those that are trying to play that card, be careful. Again, I am not backing DT, but he will be a topic for another day (after November 4th). The spending for this referendum will not occur for another year. Sorry for the long post. Been busy talking to other parents and attending meetings the last few days.

#71 Pieface

I am not a teacher so I don't think you can push me around. And I don't know what happened to flcert.

I do know that I care about my children and their education. And that being said I care about the Teachers that are with my children everyday.

Other than that, you can take if from there.

So what happened to flacert? Comments from teachers are not allowed?????

A statement by the Board on how this money will be used would go a long way. I agree. But we will need to follow up often to insure they do the right thing over the next year and beyond.

#74 your statement is reasonable.......many here are so absorbed with DT they seem to miss the reality. Cut off your nose to spite your face? Harriet, you responded to my sentences with some phyisophical dialog that talks of your worldy experience as a guiding light....all well and good, but it does not address the problem. Whether you are a protector of the children or protector of the employees, your light only illuminates a narrow path and not the horizon. The financial climate will brighten, but until then, action needs to be taken, whether you like or trust Thompson.

Pi and Bag: W. H. Auden's poem, September 1, 1939: "I and the public know / What all schoolchildren learn, / Those to whom evil is done / Do evil in return."

Hope and faith in Colonel Thompson--or the financial climate is misplaced. Remember the custodians. Vote NO.

Putting more money in the discretionary fund of a man bent on destruction and self-aggrandisement is folly. No matter how often it is repeated, it's not "for the good of the kids." They're first on everyone's charts but that is mere sugar-coating for the evil plans of this administration.

All in this administration want to lie prostrate before the throne of NCLB. All in this administration believe that FCAT scores will vindicate their subversion of real education. All in this administration believe that they hold all the lightening bolts and can fling them at any of the 5,700 employees and stun them into quivering silence.

Pi writes like a dry alcoholic who hasn't embraced the prayer of St. Francis:

Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace!

That where there is hatred, I may bring love.

That where there is wrong, I may bring the spirit of forgiveness.

That where there is discord, I may bring harmony.

That where there is error, I may bring truth.

That where there is doubt, I may bring faith.

That where there is despair, I may bring hope.

That where there are shadows, I may bring light.

That where there is sadness, I may bring joy.

Lord, grant that I may seek rather to comfort, than to be comforted.

To understand, than to be understood.

To love, than to be loved.

For it is by self-forgetting that one finds.

It is by forgiving that one is forgiven.

It is by dying that one awakens to Eternal Life.

Pieface, I said that about purchasing products many posts ago on some other article referencing the school system here in Collier. Why are they not looking for the best prices for the best products, not only in custodial supplies, but everything. I see so much waste it's ridiculous. Big items to small items. People spending down the funds in grants, budgets, etc because they are afraid they won't have any next year. Wasting dollars on things not needed. Let's get back to educating the children instead of buying useless products. Not enough control over the spending. Does the saying too many chiefs and not enough indians apply here?

Harriet....as you write....it is by forgiving that one is forgiven. Without the referendum, what will happen? I think I can say, no one truly knows. What is known is that there will be suffering. You imply I or we put our faith and trust in Thompson. Read St. Francis again..he laments faith in the Lord. All that happens is his.........

Harriet, there are many folks watching out for the children and teachers. I also care for them. I am also very concerned for the 800 remaining support employees that will be affected should the referendum fail. I have a committment from Donovan that no further privatization shall occurr. He has stated that should the referendum fail, all budget solutions will be on the table. Trust him or not, I think the equation is accurate. Support employees will go down long before education and teachers. For now, this is not about Thompson,Rockford, Chix, or any other personal distractions. I say give them the funds and then hold the Board accountable

PIEFACE:
You lost all credibility when you became insulting.
There are WAY more than 4 or 5, try 4000 or 5000+.
Stop trying to support your "evidence" based on the amount of posters who are on a silly blog.

These are PEOPLE, not PUNCHING BAGS.
Put away your "gloves".

If you put your hope and trust in Colonel Thompson and his minions, you will be disappointed.

He, very obviously, doesn't subscribe to St. Francis. And he is not to be forgiven nor given the benefit of the doubt. He promises nothing. He only threatens to fire more and to get rid of non-mandated programs, band, AP courses, art, sports. To earn forgiveness, one must say, "sorry."

Remember the custodians and vote NO.

PIEFACE obviously works at the Taj, maybe one of the Chix or T himself. The blatant falsities, like T being willing "take time with you one on one," are VERY telling!

There are a lot of us that "live it every day."

How many STUDENTS do you see every day, PIE? None?

Remember the old story about the snake in the road. If you trust T, don't be surprised when he bites you. You knew he was a snake.

That threat about the gloves coming off. You know what that means, right? Thompson will declare a fiscal emergency, void the union contracts, CUT pay for teachers and support staff, (administrators down at the Taj? They already got THEIR raise this year!) and fire anyone he wants.

I can just see him salivating and rubbing his hands together!

81, each department should already be evaluating. Transportation has cut down their budget in the millions. Labor and management have collaborated over six months to minimize the impact of any financial study. If other departments care about the future, they should do likewise.

Excuse ME, PIEFACE:
You know nothing about me or what I do.
"4or 5" isn't a fact either.

Get a life?
Gee, did you make that saying up yourself, or did your mommy help you?

You blog much more than anyone on here, so quit calling the kettle black, POT.

and just a little "fact" about me, I live "it" a lot more than YOU do.

"For mimibuck who wonders about loans, you should demand an actual audit, not the checkbook audit they slid past the taxpayers. People including one board member in particular have much to hide. Relationships with the local business community that have cost taxpayers plenty. No one wants to talk about that though. Can't blame DT for that. You should ask to see the mortgages that the district has on the schools. I thought that impact fees were supposed to pay for that. Can't blame DT for that either.
Have you heard about downsizing and consolidation? Vote your conscience.
#61 Posted by PIEFACE on October 11, 2008 at 11:59 a.m. (Suggest removal){"

thank you as i have never had a response to all the resding i have done. demand an audit? we couldnt even, as a vocal public, stop the outsourcing of our tax money to an out of STATE company. we must now wait to see how GCA makes their profits. keeping Collier money in Collier should be a priority as we all know every dollar spent locally is recycled, and taxed, seven times locally.

the Machiavellian style of monarch management that Thomson apparently adhears to, just from reading these threads, is distroying this district. and yes, it not his fault, but CCPS is a ripe plumb and the buzzards are flocking in to suck the value out of it. the school board is elected to protect the taxpayers.

What an incredibly stupid person you are, PIEFACE. You honestly think that the only people who are against the destruction of our district are the ones who blog?

You're the joke, sweetheart, keep laughing at yourself.

I believe the British started that saying when you were born.

Don't bother responding, I don't have any respect or interest for you or your drivel.

i would also like to say to all that want to vote yes to the referendum is that it is for four years. meaning it CANNOT be used for raises, which would be operational costs that would be permanent.

think about it people.

PIEFACE,
Did I say I doubted it would happen? What I said is basically that only a fool would trust Thompson.
How's your reading comprehension?
You think he won't bite you too? You MUST be a Chick, or T himself. Thing is, those terror tactics are going to backfire, so even the snake will get bit.

I found this on the net today, the last sentence states what the school board needs to do for our referendum!

The Minneapolis Public Schools board has approved a levy referendum for $60 million to help pay for materials and to manage class sizes.
Minneapolis voters will take up the measure in November, deciding whether or not to increase property taxes by an average of $17 per month. If approved, the levy would go into effect for the 2009-2010 school year and last eight years, a release detailed. The current refere