We introduce the six candidates for Hillsborough County School Board District 7, a countywide seat.
The candidates include Joseph W. Jordan-Robinson Jr., Terry Kemple, Carl Francis “Captain Carl’’ Kosierowski, Carol Kurdell, Robert McElheny and Michael Weston.
Because this is a non-partisan seat, the winner of the primary will win the election. All registered voters, regardless of party affiliation, can vote in non-partisan races.
‘JOE’ JORDAN-ROBINSON JR.
AGE: 58
FAMILY: Mother, Thelma A. Robinson (retired educator of 44 years); daughter Aeriell B.J. Robinson; two sisters; one brother
HOMETOWN: Tampa
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree, mechanical engineering, University of Iowa, 1977
EXPERIENCE: Professional engineer since 1982; President and CEO, RHC and Associates Inc.
WEBSITE: Votehillsborough.org
What’s the biggest challenge the School Board faces, and what are your solutions?
Increasing student learning has to be the biggest challenge the School Board faces. It is unacceptable that when spelling, grammar and composition were graded that the numbers of students passing Florida Writes flipped. The high numbers of students unable to pass FCAT further demonstrates the lack. We must stop teaching to the test and encourage learning for its own sake.
To directly address this issue, I would recommend the district go back to teaching the basics: reading, writing, and arithmetic in kindergarten through grade three. Focus on these subjects should be an integral part of each school day. Only when students can read to learn should their academics broaden.
A second tactic would be to increase cultural competency of all district employees so each student feels both valued and capable of achieving.
Finally, I would increase the relevancy of course material; interest promotes learning.
Are teachers paid adequately? Why or why not?
When one considers that teachers are the shapers of our children and help to provide this country with doctors, lawyers, physicists, engineers and all other workers, one cannot honestly say that teachers are adequately paid.
The real issue is how much we value the job that we have assigned them to do. We are asking teachers to take young minds and help mold them into the thinkers, planners, and shapers of our future. We entrust teachers with our most precious resource, our children.
One of the more important lessons in business is that you get what you pay for. Paying teachers a salary that shows them their value in our society may be the first step towards improving our academic standing in the world.
What is your position on the FCAT and accountability testing?
FCAT testing is on the way out in terms of its singular impact on promotion and graduation. With the coming Common Core State Standards, schools will have end-of-course exams designed by one of the two consortiums to which the states belong.
Apart from the make-or-break nature of the FCAT, accountability testing is not necessarily bad. It allows teachers, parents, students and administrators to evaluate a child’s performance as compared to a national or start average or norm. With the mobility of Americans, it is important that students be able to transfer their education to another location as needed; hence, the introduction of CCSS.
I do believe there are too many tests given in a single school year. The district should reduce the number to one standardized test per year, alternating between those that are considered the most informative.
I will research all tests given to students and make a recommendation on which three we should adopt in Hillsborough County Public Schools.
What skills and experiences make you the best candidate for School Board?
Engineering taught me to study problems, search for and analyze potential solutions, and then apply a given process to achieve the best possible results for my clients.
In education, the parents and students are my clients and it would be my responsibility to make sure that I listen to their concerns, research how others are achieving success and then apply the correct processes to ensure the best possible outcomes for the children of Hillsborough County.
A further skill that is very appropriate and transferable is my understanding of costs and valuation. As an engineer, I had to learn how to cost out my work to meet the clients’ needs and still make a profit. On the School Board, I will take these same talents to ascertain that the district is getting the best value for dollars spent.
A final skill is the understanding that you get what you pay for. In engineering, lives are at stake based on my decisions; you cannot afford to play cheap and you do not want to run out of money and have to improvise. In education, lives are at stake, as well. The decisions we make as School Board members affect the ability of our students to succeed now and later on in life.
What are some of the issues facing schools in Plant City, and what are your proposed solutions?
It has been recently reported that the diversity at Plant City High School has changed as well as its academics. Plant City was known for agriculture, but because to the change in students over the years, an emphasis on both agriculture and academics can be offered and achieved simultaneously.
College-level Advanced Placement classes at Plant City High is at 47%. By having a district-wide approach on academics, Plant City schools were able to adapt.
It is necessary that these types of solutions to ever-changing demographics serve both our children and our community at large. It is important that School Board members remember what works when it becomes planning and budget time. The parents are becoming engaged in the education of their children, and the School Board needs to maintain the success and find ways to help all of our children and families countywide.
What immediate steps or actions do you feel are critical to take to improve education in Hillsborough County?
The first thing that the School Board can do to improve performance at schools is to ensure all of their policies are followed. The district needs to have written procedures that are clear, fair and well-publicized.
A second step is to have a substantial portion of board meetings focus on student academic performance. Currently, there is only one small item, called “Teaching and Learning,” and that is mostly used to highlight special programs to which the district wants to call attention. The business of any district must be the education of its students; therefore student learning and achievement should be a focal point. All other items on an agenda should describe how the implementation will positively promote student learning.
Another important step is to properly assess how the district is doing. The School Board should implement a time study/work analysis of its entire administration. Next, we should review all existing program expenditures for performance and effectiveness. Any duplication or inefficiency should be eliminated. The district is not in the business of providing busywork for friends, family and relatives; it is in the business of educating children and, to a certain extent, adults. We must ensure it can and does its job effectively, efficiently and equitably by reducing unnecessary expenditures and ensuring proper training of all employees in cultural competence and job performance.
Any other thoughts/comments?
Education is on the cusp of a game-changer. The Common Core State Standards will change how children are taught and what they are expected to know at the end of each school year. Current education is considered an inch deep and a mile wide, students skim through many topics in each subject. With the CCSS, education will be a mile deep and an inch wide, emphasizing an in-depth analysis of relatively few topics.
Add to this the requirement for critical analysis, the ability to explain what one is learning in one’s own words and a more rigorous course structure and you have students who will be stretched, sometimes beyond their limits.
With the projected implementation of CCSS in 2013, Hillsborough County needs to reach out to parents, students and teachers to make sure all are adequately prepared for the coming changes. The difficulties experienced with this year’s FCAT demonstrates it is not too early to start communicating with the affected population; the more we stress preparation, the less likely we are to have major disruptions in the education of our children.
TERRY KEMPLE
AGE: 65
FAMILY: Married, five daughters, 17 grandchildren
HOMETOWN: Brandon
EDUCATION: Attended U.S. Naval Academy and Newark College of Engineering
EXPERIENCE: Twenty-five years of business management and ownership, 17 years advocating for parents, children and families. Community service includes Boards of LifeCare of Brandon, Brandon ‘86 Rotary, Faith Tampa Bay, Hillsborough Human Relations Board, Community Issues Council.
WEBSITE: www.Vote4TerryKemple.com
What’s the biggest challenge the School Board faces, and what are your solutions?
The biggest challenge is to implement policies that will improve our students’ educational outcomes. The “bullet points” of the solutions I’m suggesting (details are available on my website) are:
1. Protect parents’ rights to make decisions regarding their children’s educational priorities and practices.
2. Establish active accountability for everyone involved in the education process: School Board, staff, teachers, parents, students and the community.
3. Encourage budget transparency, so parents and other taxpayers know where and how their tax dollars are being spent.
4. Promote community collaboration to involve community groups in supporting struggling students and schools.
Are teachers paid adequately? Why or why not?
Teachers aren’t paid enough for what they do. Theirs is one of the most important jobs that exists. Teachers are in the position to help parents form children’s ability to succeed in life, to establish a sense of right and wrong, and to set basic values in place that will be the foundation for their future.
What is your position on the FCAT and accountability testing?
I think accountability (standardized) testing is important. There are two sides to the FCAT. It was initiated for two purposes:
1. Reduce the disparity between the educational outcomes of white and minority students; and
2. Increase the number of students who are performing at grade level.
On the good side, the FCAT has been and is being successful in fulfilling these two purposes. On the bad side, the tremendous focus on the test creates a high-stress environment (in which) the need for a robust education gets displaced by the need to “teach to the test.”
What skills and experiences make you the best candidate for School Board?
I’ve been active in the community for years, successfully advocating on issues that many would consider controversial. The only way to achieve success on controversial issues is to find points of commonality and build on those areas of agreement.
A School Board member needs to gather four votes to move any policy initiative forward. My advocacy experience puts me in a unique position to be able to do that.
What are some of the issues facing schools in Plant City, and what are your proposed solutions?
The issues facing schools throughout the county are similar. One of the key areas of need to improve students’ educational outcomes is to get more parental involvement. This can be done by reaching out to parents and by making it easier for parents who do want to be more involved to find the correct “path” to get to the answer (for which) they are looking.
What immediate steps or actions do you feel are critical to take to improve education in Hillsborough County?
Repeat the answer on “the biggest challenge.”
Any other thoughts/comments?
The incumbent in District 7 has been there for 20 years. The one question voters should ask themselves is, “Are the educational outcomes of our students better now than they were 20 years ago?”
If voters agree that the answer is, “No,” then the solution is clear: “Vote for Terry Kemple, Hillsborough County School Board countywide District 7.”
CARL FRANCIS ‘CAPTAIN CARL’ KOSIEROWSKI
AGE: 62
FAMILY: Single
HOMETOWN: Chicago
EDUCATION: MBA, 1982, Southern Illinois University in Carbondale; bachelor’s degree, 1981; eight years as a school bus driver for Hillsborough County; five years at Brandon Family YMCA
EMAIL: captaincarl-district7@live.com
What’s the biggest challenge the School Board faces, and what are your solutions?
Safety of our school children and teachers is of paramount importance. I would like to have the school district implement a fingerprint-identification system for our students on all our school buses, later to be expanded to all school sites as well. Parents want to know where their children are and that they are safe.
On our school buses, we also need to put an end to the practice of trying to cram three high school students into a seat in which three elementary students can barely fit. Not only is this unsafe for our high school students, but also (this) can lead to inappropriate behavior when students sit on each others’ laps during the ride to conserve space. School Board members saying that high school students are not being forced to sit three to a seat doesn’t mean that it isn’t happening.
Are teachers paid adequately? Why or why not?
Teachers as well as school bus drivers, custodial workers, kitchen workers, school security personnel and all our education support personnel are underpaid. It seems the only individuals being paid at or above a respectable salary are the superintendent and school administrators. Given the economic challenges presented at the local, state and federal levels, providing pay increases for those deserving it will not be an easy task for the School Board, but (it) must be addressed.
What is your position on the FCAT and accountability testing?
If not FCAT, then what standard will be used to measure how our students are progressing in school? No Child Left Behind also has a measuring standard, but that seems to be raised and lowered arbitrarily. This issue dictates constant monitoring by the School Board.
What skills and experiences make you the best candidate for School Board?
As far as I can determine, never before in the history of Hillsborough County has a education support person, especially one with a bachelor’s degree (decision analysis concentration) and a MBA (specialization in leadership and organizational behavior), been a candidate for the School Board. I am bringing a unique perspective based on my eight years of being on the inside of the system as a school bus driver.
Additionally, because of my level of education, I’m comfortable dealing with large dollar amounts, complex issues and divergent personalities. Once elected, I am ready to be effective, immediately.
What are some of the issues facing schools in Plant City, and what are your proposed solutions?
Overall, the challenge for schools in Plant City is the same for all our schools in the Hillsborough County school system — leadership. I will bring leadership to the School Board, specifically, leadership in three areas: Christian values, accountability and bully intolerance. Through leadership of my Christian values by example, I hope to demonstrate a high dosage of the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit on a daily basis and expect to be held accountable for my actions.
I expect myself and the other School Board members to account for every penny of taxpayers’ money (for which) we are responsible. Our fiscal accountability does not begin at the $1,000 mark.
In addition, School Board members must be held accountable for something I call performance effectiveness — or how well are we doing our jobs, both as individuals and as the unit of the School Board. It is unacceptable for any person sitting on or with the School Board to utter the words, “Yes, I made a mistake, and I will make more mistakes.” I feel this is the result of complacency sitting on the board, as well.
Finally, by encountering bullying on a one-to-one basis if necessary, I will put an end to that practice. Bullying is intolerable in Hillsborough County, whether at the School Board, administrative, teaching, support staff or student levels.
What immediate steps or actions do you feel are critical to take to improve education in Hillsborough County?
My top priority after taking office as a School Board member is to determine the status of a situation the School Board has been dealing with since last October.
At that time, Mrs. Momz (not her real name) appeared before the School Board pleading on behalf of her special needs daughter. Mrs. Momz has appeared before the School Board at every regular meeting between October and the present, sometimes almost in tears, begging for a resolution to her situation. It seemed to me that, at times, a mutually agreed upon settlement was on hand, but it never occurred. I need to know what’s going on here, especially because Mrs. Momz’ husband is an active duty commander in the U.S. Navy stationed at MacDill Air Force Base.
Any other thoughts/comments?
Thank you for this opportunity to express my views and share these views with the great folks of Plant City and Hillsborough County. God Bless America!
CAROL WILLIAMS KURDELL
AGE: 67
FAMILY: Husband, son (deceased), stepson, brothers, nieces
HOMETOWN: Tampa
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree, human development
EXPERIENCE: Lifetime
WEBSITE: carolkurdell.com
What’s the biggest challenge the School Board faces, and what are your solutions?
Finance, evaluations and technology are some challenges for the next four years. It is going to take a clarity of purpose, data and communication skills to pull the School Board toward reasonable solutions for our employees.
Are teachers paid adequately? Why or why not?
Compensation comes in many forms, but in Florida, the salaries need to improve.
What is your position on the FCAT and accountability testing?
The issue of testing needs to be addressed as a whole. Accountability is essential, but assessment is what will carry a student/teacher forward.
What skills and experiences make you the best candidate for School Board?
I am knowledgeable, nonpartisan, dedicated, independent, inclusive, innovative and insightful. Ten years as a volunteer and five terms as a board member make me the best candidate for the District 7 (at-large) seat.
What are some of the issues facing schools in Plant City, and what are your proposed solutions?
We must protect the agricultural programs for our future farmers. Agriculture is an essential part of who we are.
The continued cooperation with police on gang activities.
Attracting teachers to some areas remains a challenge. Stipends for distance, etc., to remote locations would help.
What immediate steps or actions do you feel are critical to take to improve education in Hillsborough County?
Communication continues to be a challenge. Getting the correct facts to many groups is essential for people to support and improve education.
Any other thoughts/comments?
Thanks.
ROBERT MCELHENY
AGE: 64
FAMILY: Married to Bonny, 44 years; two grown daughters (both teachers); five grandchildren
HOMETOWN: Miami
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree, education, University of Tennessee
EXPERIENCE: Taught school out of college then entered the business world. Have been in the automotive field for 37 years; currently vice president at Gator Ford; served as city commissioner and vice mayor for Anna Maria Island
WEBSITE: www.robertmcelhenycampaign.com
What’s the biggest challenge the School Board faces, and what are your solutions?
Biggest challenge is adequate funding. Make sure all budget items are evaluated completely to see if there is any room for saving dollars.
Are teachers paid adequately? Why or why not?
We are moving in the right direction with teachers’ pay. In this economic crisis, we are trying to survive.
This has been a difficult time for all. If we can survive this downturn, I would expect to see some change to teachers’ pay and be more performance based in the future.
What is your position on the FCAT and accountability testing?
FCAT is going to be with us in some shape or form. We are all accountable to doing better in our jobs. We need a measuring system to gauge our progress. FCAT has presented some problems, which will evolve over time and eventually become a workable testing system for teachers, students and parents. Possibly renamed to eliminate the negative feeling with FCAT.
What skills and experiences make you the best candidate for School Board?
I have an education background and a family of educators. I have business experience in dealing with large million dollar budgets and payroll. I have a common-sense approach, which seems to be elusive with our decisions today.
I feel I am the most qualified of the candidates to set policies for the Hillsborough County School District.
What are some of the issues facing schools in Plant City, and what are your proposed solutions?
Certain schools within Plant City have challenges with ELL students (English Language Learners). This requires some adjusting within the schools to make sure the learning process is effective.
The FFA programs need to be reinforced and improved to create more participation, because Plant City is in the farming area.
What immediate steps or actions do you feel are critical to take to improve education in Hillsborough County?
We should focus in on the testing and evaluation going on currently in our schools. We should determine which tests are necessary and required and which are not.
The confusion that surrounds the testing creates more issues for teachers, anxiety for our students and gives the appearance our district is in disarray.
Any other thoughts/comments?
I feel I can bring a fresh face to the School Board — with a great deal of business experience and decision making. I have a background in education at the teaching level and a family of teachers.
MICHAEL WESTON
AGE: 56
FAMILY: Wife, Jennifer; children Joanna, Rees and Erin
HOMETOWN: Washington, D.C.
EDUCATION: Master’s degree in oceanography
EXPERIENCE: College instructor; 25-year career in information technology, mathematics and special-education teacher
WEBSITE: michaelweston.org
What’s the biggest challenge the School Board faces, and what are your solutions?
The School Board has become largely ineffective and ceremonial. (Board members) are supposed to dictate policy to the district administration, yet it is the district who dictates policy to the board. The challenge faced by the School Board is to get out of its own way. This cannot be accomplished with incumbents who have occupied their seats for as long as 20 years. The School Board cannot fix its problems; only the public can do so, and this at the ballot box.
Are teachers paid adequately? Why or why not?
Teachers are not paid enough. More is demanded of teachers every year, yet salaries have been flat and expenses continue to rise. Unfortunately, this is the case for many Americans today. I understand that district expenses must drop before salaries can increase. We should aggressively look for these cuts; primarily to be found in administration and unnecessary programs.
What is your position on the FCAT and accountability testing?
The focus on FCAT, FCAT II and school grades has created an overwhelming culture where teach-to-the-test is not only expected, it is demanded. We are denying our students the means by which to develop creativity, innovation and critical-thinking skills.
The solution cannot be implemented at just the county level. However, Hillsborough County should be taking the lead in speaking out against Tallahassee’s ideas of education reform. Hillsborough County must cease to award any administrative bonuses based on attainment of FCAT scores or school grades. Hillsborough County must endorse the National Resolution on High-Stakes Testing.
As a state, we need to start over; only this time let educators, not politicians and the education industry, determine the minimum amount of testing necessary to provide accountability and guidance.
What skills and experiences make you the best candidate for School Board?
I have experience on all sides of the education picture: parent, taxpayer and teacher. Most of my career has not been in public education, so I carry no institutional baggage such as “because that’s just the way we do things.” I am a problem-solver. I believe in total transparency; the kind of corporate self-deception practiced on the School Board today does not acknowledge problems, much less seek solutions.
What are some of the issues facing schools in Plant City, and what are your proposed solutions?
Much of the county, Plant City included, must deal with a large percentage of students who are not prepared for high school work. Many of these students are not going to graduate; they will drop-out long before acquiring the skills necessary for employment.
We must increase the availability and accessibility of career and vocational-training opportunities for these students, without regard for what this may do to our school grade or official drop-out rates.
What immediate steps or actions do you feel are critical to take to improve education in Hillsborough County?
• Stop creating new administrative positions funded by temporary grant money.
• Drop non-producing programs even if 100% funded by outside sources.
• Initiate reforms to the very unpopular and unsustainably expensive Gates teacher-evaluation process.
Hillsborough County needs to take a leadership role in uniting other school districts to fight testing mandates from Washington and Tallahassee.
• We must create more technical and career options for the non-college bound student. We can rescue these kids from the drop-out pipeline and give them job skills that can turn them into employable, taxpaying citizens.
Any other thoughts/comments?
There is a sense in this district of the tail wagging the dog. Administration should exist to provide support for those in daily contact with students. The culture should be one where the predominant conversation is employees with student contact, telling administration what they need, rather than administration dictating how they do their jobs.