Comments on: Rep. Michelle Salzman Calls For Resignation Of School Superintendent Tim Smith

By: Steve

Steve — Sat, 04 Mar 2023 12:30:54 +0000

I work out of town a lot. So, I’m hoping someone here can help me understand a couple of things;
1. What problems have suddenly arisen in the past two years? It seemed to me that, when the Previous Superintendent retired, all was well in the school district, save for a few concerns that seemed to have nothing to do with the overall management of the school district. So, what’s suddenly gone wrong?

2. Are the school district problems of the Superintendent’s making or were they there before and are only now being exposed?

Thanks.

By: R C

R C — Fri, 03 Mar 2023 01:32:20 +0000

Why do we elect a school board? They are elected by us to manage the school system. They hire the superintendent, if he isn’t performing as promised then fire him and hire someone else. The board should stop blaming others and do their jobs. The citizens voted to hire a competent, experienced superintendent to improve our educational system. The board is the problem! Step up and do your job!

By: William Reynolds

William Reynolds — Thu, 02 Mar 2023 23:28:48 +0000

“I wonder how many folks realize the the school district is a private business and not owned by the county at all. It’s nothing more than a money machine and your tax dollars pay a private business to run your “education” system. Now who’s interest is being served?”

That is absolutely wrong. The Escambia County School District is a governmental entity. It is NOT a private business.

By: Hmmmmmmmm

Hmmmmmmmm — Thu, 02 Mar 2023 22:31:05 +0000

I wonder how many folks realize the the school district is a private business and not owned by the county at all. It’s nothing more than a money machine and your tax dollars pay a private business to run your “education” system. Now who’s interest is being served?

By: Christy

Christy — Thu, 02 Mar 2023 22:05:49 +0000

Have her resign!

By: Steve

Steve — Thu, 02 Mar 2023 16:43:36 +0000

Results matter . Let’s give someone else the chance to fail .

By: Solange

Solange — Thu, 02 Mar 2023 16:39:20 +0000

The spectacle of Salzman using her office to threaten another public official she has no chain of command authority over exactly underscores the argument for an elected superintendent.

p.s., guessing “CRT” and other inflammatory issues have far less to do with Salzman and friends’ hostility than, perhaps, certain spending choices. The School District has the largest budget in the County. Many, many potential handout contracts for special friends and relatives with expensive, jargon-infused “master plans” for “pathways to success.” Salzman’s mention of Triumph raises numerous red flags.

By: Concerned citizen

Concerned citizen — Thu, 02 Mar 2023 16:28:05 +0000

I voted against appointing the superintendent and am still against it, however, that being said, this man has only been this position a little more than 2 years, dealing with a myriad of issues, none of which were created during his time in office. The cause of the problem is obvious, as it is the same inefficiency that currently stifles the BOCC. Each member is elected to represent a particular district, and in doing so, is beholding to that district if they desire to be re-elected, leaving the entire county with 5 kingdoms that greedily look after their own needs and desires, with very little concern for the county as a whole. Somehow, we must find a way to overcome this error in design by creating at least 2 or more positions where the county’s interests are paramount. Until we do, we will continue to see our county government and educational system degrade to the point that it cannot be repaired.

By: Klem

Klem — Thu, 02 Mar 2023 16:11:33 +0000

Why is Saltzman involved? This is a school board matter. Stop angling for free publicity and angering up your base. Resign from the legislature and run for school board.
Comments have lots of opinions and anecdotes, but really low on facts.

By: Mike J.

Mike J. — Thu, 02 Mar 2023 15:57:26 +0000

@Teacher on March 2nd, 2023 10:30 am
Excellent comment.
Political pandering and attention getting.
My Mom was an elementary teacher for 40 years, so I understand how the school system has been required to deal with a declining quality of student behavior over the years. I think Dr. Smith has been doing what he can in these difficult times. He has made some improvements, so give the guy a chance to make more improvements. Rep. Salzman might be quitting on him too soon. It’s not her jurisdiction anyway.