Editor:
Republican Roberta Peck will be best superintendent for six reasons. (1) Peck has a very cost-effective multidimensional truancy plan as part of her platform. Avon Park High School has the highest Afro-Male number of drop-outs in the state of Florida, 18 percent. School dropouts will ultimately cost taxpayers profoundly in local crime, unwed children, and drug use. Sheriff (Susan) Benton has pointed to the lack of a unified procedure, which has been frustrating to officers. (Wally) Cox has yet to follow up in this critical area.
I like Peck's plan because it recognizes the importance of character development and The Arts in teaching the whole child. Disruptive bullies of students and teachers will be dealt with.
(2) Peck will be the best steward of taxpayer money because she will manage facilities like her own home. Example: She has already saved significant tax dollars by relentless e-mailing, letter writing, and follow-up regarding full-tilt, air conditioning 24-7-365 days a year. This has been a silent drain and flagrant taxpayer waste, few, even those in the system, have been aware of. There are other silent drains of taxpayer money to be found on her website: electpeck2012.com.
(2) Peck will be the best steward of taxpayer money because she will manage facilities like her own home. Example: She has already saved significant tax dollars by relentless e-mailing, letter writing, and follow-up regarding full-tilt, air conditioning 24-7-365 days a year. This has been a silent drain and flagrant taxpayer waste, few, even those in the system, have been aware of. There are other silent drains of taxpayer money to be found on her website: electpeck2012.com.
(3) The incumbent is an accountant. Peck an award winning educator, trained in gifted education, who also has a successful business background. In addition, Peck has 33 years of direct experience in what procedures work, having always taught at our highest rated schools. Examples: "Calling students before the school year begins engages kids and should be done at all schools, parent training in accessing grades invites parent involvement. Her solutions are cost-effective. Excellence will be in the refinements and restructuring she has the background to be aware of (not clueless of).
(4) Peck will get the teachers and students off the treadmill of relentless testing.
(5) Peck will not continue Cox's lobbying at state level for more money. The state doesn't have it and what it gets from national government is barrowed from China, putting the whole nation further in debt. Nor will Peck rely on local taxpayers to fund a top heavy system. She will cut at the top, starting with her own salary 25 percent, over $100,000. Peck is donating to our schools.
(6) Peck will motion to restructure school board salaries, which have climbed to $373 for each hour of meeting. Thirty-six years ago these positions were voluntary. Each school board member is costing our county basically what a beginning teacher makes.
I say "Elect Peck".
Vivian Ashby
Wednesday, August 15, 2012 - www.newssun.com/ltr-081512-ashby