PCTA Action April 22, 2008

DR. WILCOX TO RESIGN JUNE 1 

Dr. Clayton Wilcox has announced plans to leave Pinellas County and join Scholastic Corporation. Subject to School Board approval, his last day will be June 1. The School Board will meet this Friday to determine what course of action to take. Possibilities range from a full national search to promotion from within and any variation. “The Association does not have an official position yet,” said PCTA President Kim Black. “What we’re interested in is getting the best person to lead us through some very difficult times.”

Wilcox’s departure comes as the district faces a wide series of challenges. Probably the most important is the budget crisis which has the real possibility of a budget cut for the first time in 37 years. Add to that the new student assignment plan and possible redesign of middle schools and the magnitude of issues becomes clear. “We need someone who will remember that the strength of the District remains in the classroom,” Black added.

Wilcox was hired just four years ago following a nation-wide search. He presided over the transition from court ordered busing to “close to home” schools. With the help of a voter-approved referendum, salaries eclipsed neighboring districts. “Confronted with a deeply divided School Board, there was a little too much compromising as seen by the ‘grandfathering’ of students in the choice plan,” Black said. “We cannot afford to spend money on luxuries when we can’t afford the basics.”

Pinellas County has three individuals who have expressed interest in the job: Dr. Julie Janssen, Deputy Superintendent; Dr. Harry Brown, Deputy Superintendent and Dr. Leon Hobbs, Associate Superintendent. Both Drs. Brown and Janssen have worked their way through the ranks of Pinellas schools. Dr. Hobbs has Superintendent experience having worked in both Alabama and Florida.

“It is important to remember that no one person ‘runs’ the school system,” Black concluded. “But only one person can lead it. We are ready to work with whomever the Board selects to continue our efforts to restore Pinellas to the kind of place that’s great for students and teachers. Most importantly, we need stability in a time of tremendous change.”

 LEGISLATURE ROLLS INTO FINAL WEEKS 

The Florida legislature will adjourn May 2. Between now and then, decisions will be made that could have a profound impact on you and your job. Presently, the ‘worst case’ scenario is the Senate budget which cuts per pupil funding over $100 below the holdback rate (roughly $125 per student). This would mean funding for next year would be about $25 million below this year’s. “Faced with increases in insurance of over $10 million dollars, you can see why Wilcox left!” said PCTA Executive Director Jade Moore.

However, there are rays of hope. The House budget cuts are closer to $80 per student and flexibility is provided to allow us to use two mil money (normally reserved for capital projects) to provide for casualty insurance (about a $7 million issue.) In addition, the state could tap into the ‘rainy day’ fund and cover the entire shortfall. This is the message that FEA is promoting this week. “In the final analysis, there’s lots the legislature can do,” said Moore. “Our job is to convince them to do it being mindful of the fact that you can’t keep spending reserves. Fundamentally, the state has a deeply flawed tax policy which must be fixed.”

 ON THE BACK – ONLY 6 WEEKS TO GO!KRAF-CUSTER TO RECOGNIZE OUTSTANDING TEACHERS 

Time is drawing near for the second annual Kraf-Custer recognition dinner. The dinner, held this year at the Kapok Pavilion on May 6^th, is named for Anastasia Kraf and Lillian Custer who left PCTA over $200,000 with a provision that the funds be used to recognize “teachers outstanding in the field.” Each school selects two teachers, one less than five years, one with more, from among the members. These teachers are not to include those chosen last year.

“Last year’s event was a huge success and this year’s promises to honor these two ladies in the same way,” said PCTA President Kim Black. Each school establishes its own criteria and selection process. A number of community businesses have donated prizes this year. “We really think this is what these women wanted. Teachers, young and experienced, selected by their peers. It will be a great evening.”

 NEW TEACHERS CELEBRATION MAY 14 

Don’t forget to reserve your spot for the “First Year Teacher Survivor” barbeque on May 14 at the PCTA office. This event is open to the 600 new teacher members who made it through their first year. “We want to say thank you as these teachers have been through so much and have succeeded,” said President Black. Reservations are required. Call 585-6518.

 DISTRICT 5 DIRECTOR TO BE CHOSEN 

At the next Faculty Rep. Council meeting Reps will be asked to select a Director from District 5, schools located south of 5^th Avenue North.

 THE TIME TO JOIN IS NOW! 

Join us as a part of “Spring Fling.” There are gifts for you and your Faculty Rep. Complete this form and send it to PCTA, today!