Comments on: TS Gordon: Thomas Discusses Decision To Open Escambia Schools Wednesday

By: We turned out okay

We turned out okay — Sat, 08 Sep 2018 00:05:15 +0000

Well said Granny, clap, clap. Kids today are missing out on the days when we had to walk to school in a Tropical Storm and walk home in a Hurricane. We seem to be getting a little too soft as a society.

By: Tabby

Tabby — Thu, 06 Sep 2018 23:44:35 +0000

@Granny–best comment by far. Love you. God bless.

By: Kane

Kane — Thu, 06 Sep 2018 17:28:48 +0000

I get it that it was a bad call on the school boards part but what I like seeing here is that the Commissioner is not trying to point fingers or place blame elsewhere. I see that a lot in the government these days with “he said she said” and of course the wildly popular “I did this but what about so-and-so they did this” it is refreshing to see and elected official owning up to their mistake and giving an honest apology.

By: H. Tripp

H. Tripp — Thu, 06 Sep 2018 17:25:12 +0000

It is my hope that the sixty plus comments come from parents who are involved daily in their child’s education. The days that your children were not at school begs a question. Did you spend that missed “day” working with, assigning educational activities, such as reading and math, for your child and are you the one compIaining? I know some parents don’t want to hear that. My experience though is that some children spent time on the phone, watching tv, or playing video games, Only you know.
Thanks to the parents who offered something educational on those missed days!

By: Hoosier Daddy

Hoosier Daddy — Thu, 06 Sep 2018 16:18:27 +0000

I will allude to a comment made in another newspaper (Louisiana.) Mr. Thomas’s decision was not one that could be made as if he was sitting around the dining table discussing family business. There are a lot of logistics involved in many departments. Sort of like turning an ocean liner. Everything does not happen in a split second. There is an old military saying concerning trying to disseminate information….2 percent of the people involved will not get the info.

By: anne 1of2

anne 1of2 — Thu, 06 Sep 2018 15:51:07 +0000

OK, OK, so we will make him take a weather predicting course Weather reporting isn’t what he does for a living.. He admitted he was wrong and excused the students for the day. What else do you want?

By: granny

granny — Thu, 06 Sep 2018 13:32:54 +0000

If we stand back from this situation, look at it from a different perspective…we will see all the dynamics that led to Mr. Thomas’ decision. He did not make it lightly, nor alone. If we take away the named storm, turn off the media sources, this would have been just a strong thunderstorm with a lot of rain. Very similar in nature to what we experienced this past Spring. We had winds, copious amounts of rain, some wind, and flooding in low lying areas. We all managed to navigate our schedules of getting to work, our children off to school, and we are none the worse for wear. Let it become teachable moments in our lives, moments of giving the “benefit of the doubt” and letting our children see honor, respect toward authority, grace given to others in the midst of our examples of integrity. And really, are there any serious horror stories of our children being injured.damaged by one day of attending school in the rain? Count your blessings, forgive mistakes, and move on!!

By: northofI10

northofI10 — Thu, 06 Sep 2018 13:00:18 +0000

It’s not second guessing it’s having been through storms before–there are free weather apps for phones that were showing heavy rains and winds on Wednesday. There was nothing to gain by opening but there sure was a lot that could have been lost and that should have been in the front of the decision making process. Superintendent Thomas rolled the dice and this time there were no consequences but is this the process going forward? Applaud all the parents that did what they [with their best information] did to protect their children. It’s easier and less tragic to make and/or explain a decision with safety first. Again, not second guessing but been through this and will go through more in the future.

By: Gman

Gman — Thu, 06 Sep 2018 10:11:13 +0000

At least you manned up and admitted it.

By: Sherry vinton

Sherry vinton — Thu, 06 Sep 2018 01:57:59 +0000

Glad its my daughters last year in this awful school system