published: Wednesday, October 03, 2012

Surprised at attack on Fleck

Editor:

I was appalled to read the extremely negative letter written by George Hensley (a relative of Wally Cox) accusing Becky Fleck, candidate for superintendent of schools, of being negative in a recent forum. I have heard Becky Fleck speak numerous times regarding the issues that face the school district and her solutions for addressing them. She speaks with passion, because she cares about the future and safety of our children and employees.

She never attacks Wally Cox. She attacks the lack of action by the current administration in addressing such issues as: 314 weapons incidents on our campuses since Cox was elected, lack of training for administrators in crisis management, low student achievement, lack of leadership succession plan, and the need to use technology for efficiency. She provides examples and facts and most importantly solutions.

Hensley has the nerve to question Becky Fleck's ability to provide leadership - when she has a proven track record of outstanding, award winning leadership.

We need a leader who is passionate about our children's future. We need a leader who will take action to correct what is lacking in our school system. We need a leader who will be on the job fighting for our children, not one who just wants four more years of a paid vacation. We need Becky Fleck for our next superintendent of schools.

Finally, professional behaviors can be measured in many ways. When I consider voting for a solid representative who supports public education, I do not consider someone, like Wally Cox, who has been appointed by Florida's current Governor Rick Scott to cut the "red tape" in the public school system, as someone I could trust. Our Governor's history in devastating Florida's public education, coupled with our Governor's apparent approval of Wally Cox, makes my vote and support for Becky Fleck even stronger, and Wally Cox's professionalism suspect.

Maureen McKenna

Avon Park