The focus of my blog has changed a bit since its creation. I meant for it to be strictly a place for employees, students, and taxpayers to voice their opinions and concerns. I wanted to allow employees to post from district computers and have since been told by the school board attorney that employees are not allowed to access my blog while at work.
All of that being said the direction of this blog has shifted and I can do what I want without worrying about any of the school district rules. Hence this post about politics.
As you may already know the St. Pete times published an article in today’s paper formally announcing my endorsement of Stephen Gorham’s campaign against incumbent Carol Kurdell. And The SP Time's Sue Carlton's take on the race. I know this is going to sound trite, but I must say it. It is nothing personal against Carol Kurdell or the other candidate Jason Mims whom I consider a friend. As I was quoted in the Times article "This is not anything personal against Carol Kurdell, but just my belief in Stephen Gorham as someone who can help move this culture change forward… It's very difficult for people who have been there for a long time and have close relationships to be change agents."
Stephen Gorham is an astute candidate who be another voice for the people and will maintain a separation between himself and the administration we are bound by law to oversee. He understands the issues and the needs of this community and people are recognizing this. He has secured the endorsements of the Hillsborough Classroom Teacher’s Association, the Hillsborough School Employee Federation, and the West Central Florida Federation of Labor AFL-CIO. For the informed observer that Stephen has earned the endorsement of both represented employee unions speaks volumes. One would have never expected that these unions would not endorse a 16 year incumbent.
Since elected I have come to realize there is only so much that can be done to bring about real change given the prevalence of the insider mentality on the current board. When I was told by the superintendent after her 2007 evaluation “That’s fine you are only one of seven” it was evident to me she had not taken my evaluation in the spirit it was given and after experiencing the subsequent backlash from her allies on the board as they rallied around their superintendent, I knew I had nothing to lose by going against the grain and endorsing against an incumbent I am serving with.
Rumors abound and I have been told Carol is aware of my support of Stephen Gorham. I refuse to play the game by their rules. True to form administration rules require that everything be done in a hushed manor behind the scenes so they may have plausible deniability. I don’t want to be hypocrite and have prided myself on openness and accountability and after great deliberation decided to publicly endorse Stephen Gorham.
Contrary to rumors within the administration I did not recruit Stephen Gorham to run against Carol Kurdell. I actually tried to convince him not to run, but he has since convinced me that he is the right person to serve this community to help bring true accountability that I have been working so hard for. Together Susan Valdes, Stephen Gorham, and I will be able to continue to bring about the change that this community wants.
12 comments:
Brave and necessary move April. You never cease to amaze (and inspire)!
You can do what you want with YOUR blog without worrying about school district rules. I love that. There ought to be an amendment to the Constitution that addresses that concern. Well, maybe someday freedom will truly ring from every mountain top, through every valley, and from sea to shining sea. All I can say is, “Hoo-rah!” I have waited for the day you when you feel you can say what you want. BTW, It's not a matter of school employees cannot access your blog, rather the administration chooses not to make your blog accessible.
Goader,
I was trying not to use it for anything other than a tool for my constituents to communicate their concerns with me. I did not want use it for politics. But since they choose not to make my blog accessible the focus has changed. Thank you for your input. At your service, April
You have every right to endorse Stephen Gorham over Carol Kurdell. He'll be a much better member than she has been for a lot of reasons, but mainly because of his personality. Stephen has no "side", and you won't have to worry about him hiding a secret mean streak the way she does. He won't be rude or dismissive to parents and voters, and he'll be straightforward with his colleagues instead of putting on that "lil' ole grandma" act like she does when it suits her.
For the 1st time in my 37 years I have donated money to a campaign. Mr. Gorham is exactly what we need. I am lucky enough to also live in my school district area, so you can be sure I will be letting my neighbors know that we need a change.
Your endorsement made a lot of sense. The current board has too many people on it who are in cahoots with a district administration that tries to take care of itself first and students later. You and Susan are moving to change that, but you need more (and better) members.
April,
As I said in my most recent audio podcast, you're a bright light in an exceedingly dim room. Hopefully Mr. Gorham will get the opportunity to shine, too.
HCPS Grade Inflation Felt in New York
I wish I could do more. I live out of the county, but I am a teacher and specialist in Hillsborough. I support your perspective, wish I could vote.
Hello April,
Thanks for this blog post. Too many folks don't realize how critically important that educated voting in local elections is to our quality of life.
We hear plenty of talk about the federal government and presidential administration, but we don't have as much information on local politics, officials, issues and elections, all of which have much greater relevance to our lives, especially considering the relative impact of your vote and voice in local elections (which is not to understate the setbacks we've suffered under the current presidential administration and the importance of getting them out of office).
If people like you don't step up and leverage valuable tools like this blog, then people like me (who didn't realize how important these local elections are until my thirties) may not know whom to vote for.
I had actually met Stephen at NWB recently and my impression from talking with him for a little while resonates with your opinion in this post. I am voting for him and Susan and look forward to reading about positive developments to come with the school board.
Thanks for blogging and helping me make my decisions in the upcoming race.
Darren Wilson
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