Six candidates for the Hillsborough County School Board – District 7 seat visited Plant City on Thursday, July 14, to address the public.
The Plant City Area Democrats and Improvement League of Plant City hosted the second in a three-forum series at the 1914 Plant City High School Community Building, 605 N. Collins St. Candidates Alan Clendenin, Cathy James, Stanley Gray, Lynn Gray, Norene Copeland Miller and Randy Toler were present; Joseph Caetano and Carlos Frontela, the other two candidates in the race, had seats reserved but did not attend. Lynn Gray arrived shortly after the panelists asked their second question.
The candidates were each given two minutes to answer prompts from the panel, which consisted of Roderick Henderson, Sherri Gay and Mark Nash. After the panelists finished their line of questioning, the floor was opened for the public to address the candidates directly. The forum closed with each candidate giving a one-minute summary of their campaigns.
Another public forum with candidates for District 6 commissioner will be held Thursday, July 21, at the Glover School, 5110 Horton Rd. Polls open on August 30.
Prompt 1: How does your educational background influence what you want to do?
Randy Toler – Toler stated that he wants to use his business connections to boost community involvement among county schools, and also to "make education fun."
Norene Copeland Miller – Miller recounted her educational background, specifically noting her involvement with Hillsborough County's Head Start program, which specializes in early childhood education.
Stanley Gray – Gray reflected on his time in both the United States Marine Corps and the corporate world, where he worked partly as an instructor, and also noted that he has worked as a substitute teacher for the past three years.
Cathy James – James noted that, as a longtime accountant, she does not have a background in education.
Alan Clendenin – Clendenin discussed his roles as an instructor while working as an air traffic controller and manager, and noted that he has taken several trips overseas to donate school supplies and help improve education quality in locations such as Taiwan and east Africa.
Prompt 2: What is your position on charter schools, and how much oversight should the school board have over them?
James – "I believe that charter schools are an interesting proposal … however, our GOP-led legislature has changed them from not-for-profit organizations into for-profit organizations."
James said that this has hurt students' ability to learn, calling such legislature "terrible" for the students.
Clendenin – "The school board can either approve or disapprove. If the school board decides it doesn't want a charter school, Tallahassee can overturn that."
Agreeing with James, Clendenin voiced his displeasure with the state government converting taxpayer dollars into "for-profit enterprises."
Stanley Gray – "As a parent, you only have one chance to get your child ready for life."
Stanley Gray stated that, though he is in favor of charter schools, he would like to see the county "embrace" them and work to wipe out any internal corruption.
Miller – "It's not about education anymore."
Miller, who believes that all parents should have alternative options available to them, said that charter schools should be monitored to ensure that their students do not regress academically.
Toler – Toler, who has an autistic child, stated that a charter school is the "only place" children like his "can be safe." He stated he would be willing to advocate to "fix" charter schools, and also voiced his displeasure with the school board in the area of special needs programs.
Lynn Gray – "Are we robbing Peter to pay Paul?"
Lynn Gray fears that funds from public schools that need them could be transferred over to for-profit charter schools, and that the school board should be mindful of where the money is coming from and where it is going.
Prompt 3: What programs would you support to increase graduation rates?
Stanley Gray – "I think we need to validate what the actual graduation rate is."
Stanley Gray said that the actual number of children that do not get a high school diploma is closer to 40% than 20%, and that the Early Childhood Intervention program would help shrink that percentage. He also supported a three to four-year minimum tenure for faculty members.
Lynn Gray – "There are three major things to emphasize."
Lynn Gray said that literacy must be taught before VPK and that mentoring programs must be supported, and closed by stating the need for "effective teachers."
Miller – "A lot of kids like to work on automobiles … A lot of kids like to build things."
Miller advocated for the inclusion of more vocational classes and programs in schools, stating that playing to students' interests will help them stay motivated enough to finish school.
Toler – "We've got to make learning fun to keep the graduation rates from going down."
Toler supported the use of mentoring programs, Early Childhood Intervention and vocational courses.
Clendenin – "Everybody's not going to Yale. Not even everybody can afford to go to the University of South Florida."
Clendenin says that this problem is one that can only be solved when America's poverty problems are solved, but that building community relationships can help "put a Band-Aid on the wound."
James – "What works in Wimauma might not work at Middleton High."
James, who agreed with the other candidates' talking points, added that current high school students also must not be overlooked, and that teachers can start by not locking their classroom doors after the period bell rings.
Prompt 4: Are the Head Start and VPK programs currently effective?
Clendenin – "There will never be enough money in the schools to solve all our problems. We have to tackle this as a community."
Clendenin stressed the importance of making sure that children are cared for both in and out of the classroom.
James – "I think that we definitely need to spend more money on early education."
James said that children must also be taught more practical skills, such as being able to read an apartment lease.
Stanley Gray – "When I see someone else getting preferential treatment, I'm like, 'What's wrong with me?'"
Stanley Gray stated that he has seen preferential treatment in the Head Start program as recently as a year ago, and added that 30% of those involved in the program are not certified instructors.
Lynn Gray – "That is so key, that (children) have the basic skills before they get to kindergarten."
Lynn Gray said that children need good management in the classroom to progress, as well as be up to their proper reading levels.
Miller – "Research shows that children in the (Head Start) program tend to do well in the classroom."
Miller stated that all Head Start teachers are required to at least have a bachelor's degree in early childhood education, and that the program is currently adequate.
Toler – "Invest in our children at an early age, so that they don't have to pay down the road."
Toler wants the county to better vet its programs, especially given the amount of money spent at that level. He also wants to find more money to strengthen the Head Start and VPK programs.
Prompt 5: Is state testing a benefit to education, or a barrier?
Toler – "It's the 'industrial testing complex.'"
Toler said that state testing is "destroying" teaching and learning, and that the school board must take charge and find ways to reduce the amount of tests students are required to take.
Miller – "They're teaching to the test."
Miller said that state testing is a barrier for students, and that the system affects the dropout rate. She also stated that teachers she has spoken to are against Common Core.
Lynn Gray – "It's the cornerstone … of taking the creativity right out of the child's brain."
Lynn Gray called the state testing system a "business model" and a "nightmare" for students.
Stanley Gray – "We're teaching our kids to systemically lose hope."
Stanley Gray said that research shows state testing is more problematic than it is helpful, and that he is "appalled" that teachers in the Best and Brightest program can get bonuses for providing their own SAT scores.
James – "As a mom of an 11th grader … I believe that we have too much testing in our schools."
James added that state testing prevents teachers and students from using creativity in the classroom, and that it limits other programs in schools – including art, music and physical education.
Clendenin – "For God's sake, let's put some common sense back into our education."
Clendenin blamed the system introduced by former governor Jeb Bush for getting the state's testing and Common Core programs to where they currently are, and also added that it has caused guidance counselors to become test proctors rather than follow their traditional job descriptions.
Prompt 6: How will you impact the district's budget process?
Toler – "We need to have software to help us go in and manage budgets."
Toler, who has worked in the technology sector for 12 years, wants to introduce programs that will help the school board better keep track of its budgeting and ensure that money is spent properly.
Miller – "I would be very active in making sure I follow the money."
Miller called for monthly meetings with the CFO and staff to go through the budgets and ensure that everything is done correctly. She also called for said meetings to be transparent, with information available to the public.
Lynn Gray – "For a school board to not know how to read a budget … it's very worrisome."
Lynn Gray said that classes should be available for board members, so that they may learn how to read and balance a budget. She backed up Miller's idea to have monthly meetings, and added that money should only be spent based on data for the area it's to be used in.
Stanley Gray – "It concerns me greatly that we dipped into our reserves for an extended period of time, and that nobody noticed."
Stanley Gray called for accountability throughout the school board.
James – "I think that we need to look all the way down to the school level."
James said that assistance must be available for school principals and assistant principals, so that they do not mishandle their own budgets.
Clendenin – "Our responsibility is to provide oversight."
Clendenin said that oversight is a constitutional responsibility of the school board, and that it got overlooked due to the board's "secretive culture." He added that Superintendent Jeff Eakins has been working to change that culture.
Prompt 7: Would you support the loss of a year of eligibility for "Choice in Sports" transfer students?
Clendenin – Clendenin stated that he did not know enough about the topic to answer, and that he would have to research it.
James – "I think that they're students first and athletes second."
James disagreed with the bill, but also stated that it may not be possible for the school board to impose such a penalty, depending on what is covered in the legislature.
Stanley Gray – "How is (the bill) fair to the other schools?"
Stanley Gray said that, while a board member's opinion would not matter, his personal opinion of the bill is negative.
Lynn Gray – "As a principal, how do we order textbooks? How do we divvy up teachers?"
Lynn Gray said that the bill causes too much discord in the schools, specifically when they have to plan ahead for the start of school.
Miller – "If you're not going to have open transfer for all students, you shouldn't have it."
Miller, whose child was unable to switch schools, said that all students must be treated equally.
Toler – "Lowest graduation rate in the county, and people want to transfer there (Armwood High) to play football?"
Toler citing "special favoritism" created by the bill, disapproved of its existence.
Prompt 8: Should there be one standard evaluation for all teachers?
Lynn Gray – "There's no such thing as a 'one size fits all.'"
Lynn Gray said that diversty among schools makes it impossible to grade all teachers with the same evaluation, and that doing so gives evaluations a "negative" reputation.
Stanley Gray – "Emphasize a development plan."
Stanley Gray said that evaluations should be tailored to show teachers where they can improve, and help them identify areas to work on.
James – "If someone is determined … try to provide them all the tools we can muster to help with their development to become a great teacher."
James also said that, if teachers are underperforming and principals do not believe they are cut out to teach, then they should be guided to different roles.
Clendenin – "As an employer, we need to provide every benefit to those employees … get them up to speed."
Clendenin said that the school district's evaluation procedures are "10 years behind" where he was while with the Federal Aviation Administration, and that higher-ups must also be evaluated.
Toler – "I think the principals can also play a role in the evaluation process."
Toler said that principals could help by going from classroom to classroom to observe, guide and coach teachers when they need it.
Miller – "(Alternative school) teachers have a big responsibility, and many of them are in danger."
Miller said that teachers should be evaluated based on their skill sets, and that teachers at alternative schools must be treated differently. She said that alternative school teachers, due to their tougher work environments, need different evaluations, more support and higher pay.
Prompt 9: What is your position on protecting students from bullying?
Miller – "I believe that all children deserve a safe environment."
Miller said that, as the mother of a bullied child, she knows firsthand what bullying does to its victims. She said that teachers must be made aware of bullying when it is present, that students must not be penalized or picked on, and that diversity classes should be added to school curriculums.
Lynn Gray – "The principals have to know what is true of their schools."
Lynn Gray said that the school board has not been "proactive" with diversity. She added that schools must embrace diversity and have zero-tolerance policies for bullying.
James – "What I would like to see happen is that each school has an active anti-bullying program."
James said that serving for four years on the county's anti-bullying committee made her "frustrated" with its policies and procedures. She also said that schools need to have cultural competency training for everyone on their payrolls.
Clendenin – "We need to make sure that we take every measure possible … that that child is safe."
Clendenin stated that the county has a problem with disparities in discipline, particularly showing racial preferences. He called for an end to "systemic discrimination."
Stanley Gray – "If you're going to have diversity training, it should only happen after efficacy training."
Stanley Gray stated that efficacy training would help people identify their own beliefs and biases, thus showing them why they think and act the way they do. He believes that understanding self-efficacy is key to understanding and accepting diversity.
Toler – "The teachers need to share power with the parents, and we need an ombudsman's approach to solve this."
Toler called for what he described as a "European" inspired solution, in the form of a school ombudsman.
Audience questions:
Ernest Barefield asked: How do you function with colleagues as board members, deal with working together, so that your policies are put into action?
Lynn Gray – "We can't do tha right now because we have a split in our school board."
Lynn Gray said that the school board is marked by dysfunction, without enough cooperation, and that a five-year plan may be needed to fix things.
Toler – "I promise you, Alicia (Toler) and I will not make it a reality show."
Toler (whose wife, Alicia, is running for the school board seat in District 3) said that he believes in building consensus in the board, and having "good policy prescriptions."
Stanley Gray – "You can work very effectively with someone and not like them."
Stanley Gray said that, if mutual professional respect is present, the school board could come together to work effectively for the county.
James – "By saying that a board's dysfunctional, with a lot of 4-3 votes, I don't believe that's dysfunctional."
James said that, even though she doesn't believe the board is as dysfunctional as other candidates do, every member must have accountability.
Clendenin – "Every individual member … brings everything they've been since day one to the board."
Clendenin agreed with James's talking points, saying that diversity of opinions in the board "creates honest dialogue."
Miller – Miller stated that she wants the board members to examine the policies that are in place, and revise whatever isn't working.
Michelle Richardson asked: In the past five years, what has the board done well? What has it done poorly, and what would you do to fix it?
Stanley Gray – Stanley Gray said that the board members' feelings have imapcted their decision-making too often.
Lynn Gray – Lynn Gray could not identify any positives, and said that the board is "tired, needs refreshing" and must "let someone in who knows how to run the system better."
Miller – "The board became so involved in the political arena that it forgot about education."
Toler – "What they've done to our budget is just terrible. I can't say enough about this."
James – James said that a lack of stability in the district hurts everyone, as teachers will not perform well if they fear losing their jobs.
Clendenin – Clendenin was the only candidate to identify positive things, citing good hires everywhere from the district employees to the bus drivers. He did add that the fact that children have died while using the transportation system is "inexcusable."
Contact Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com.
(Note: an earlier version of this article stated that candidate Stanley Gray was "'appalled' that teachers will be given bonuses for fostering higher SAT scores among their students." This post has since been corrected.)
UPDATE: Candidate Joseph Caetano, when contacted later, shared his stances and answers. Candidate Carlos Frontela did not return calls to the Plant City Times & Observer.
Joseph Caetano, a New York native, is a former United States Marine and police officer who moved to Florida in 1986. He is a former chair of the Florida State Board of Cosmetology and a member of the Tampa City Council, on which he served from 2007 to 2011. He is also currently a member of the Hillsborough Citizens Review Board, and opened two hair salons in Tampa.
Caetano has previous school board experience, having served on a trade school board in Woburn, Massachusetts in the early 1980s.
Caetano has called for increased school board oversight of Hillsborough County charter schools, claiming that too many people are only getting involved in them to make money. He is also a strong supporter of vocational programs.
“We need to teach these kids to work with their hands,” he said.
Caetano stated that, while he does not know much about the Head Start and VPK programs, they need oversight in order to be run properly. He called for improvements to state testing procedures, citing that 330 schools in the state failed, and that doing nothing will result in a $6 million increase to the budget. On the subject of the budget, Caetano said that he wished to examine it further before decided what he would do to impact the district’s budget process.
Carlos Frontela, per his campaign website, is a native Cuban; he moved to Tampa in 2004 and put his children in Hillsborough County schools. He owns a paralegal service business.
Frontela wants to increase graduation rates by working with local businesses to create internships, vows to repudiate any attempt for an expansion on gender expression in schools, supports anti-bullying initiatives and supports higher wages for teachers.