What the HECK is Happening with Public Education in Florida?

A rundown for beginners

Dear Bubbie was given a homework assignment with less than 24 hours to complete it. A local beloved figure, who is nationally recognized, wants to become involved as an advocate for public education. She has the most basic of questions that she would like to have answered:

We just don’t know what the status of everything is right now. I mean, we got one more board member who is great, but the voice of reason still seems to be in the minority. Are they eliminating the department of education in the state of Florida? My brain is exploding.

She asked for the “cliff notes” version, so let’s see what kind of grade I can get.

First, you are absolutely correct in that we have a couple of excellent board members in Sarasota who were recently voted in to their positions this past August. Tom Edwards is serving his second term on the board and is probably the best-known board member to the teachers, staff and students. He shows up and they adore him.

If you had emailed Edwards with the same questions at tom.edwards@sarasotacountyschools.net, he’d not only answer you immediately, but probably give you a phone call.

Liz Barker is the newest board member, and her voice truly represents the public. She asks the hard questions and demands answers and action. Her children attend public school and she has had hands-on involvement. She answers emails lickety-split and even has set up one-on-one meetings with constituents. Liz would adore you. She can be reached via email at liz.barker@sarasotacountyschools.net

The three other board members were not up for reelection, and we can pretty much guarantee that one of them would have been voted out. Bridget Ziegler not only went all culture wars out against the LGBTQ+ community, but her hypocrisy was revealed when it was discovered through a police investigation against her husband that she had relations with other women. We emphasize the hypocrisy and harm she caused, not what she does behind closed doors.

However, the nail in Ziegler’s credibility coffin and a mark against her newly-elected cohorts Tim Enos and Robyn Marinelli was blindsiding a capable superintendent and getting him fired. On his way out of the boardroom, he passionately advised them to “Get the politics out of the schools!” Later, Ziegler unsuccessfully attempted to get an inexperienced consultant representing Christian nationalism into the school district.

At the end of last year, she wrote a motion that wasn’t workshopped in advance. The district’s attorney advised board members not to sign it as an attorney didn’t look at it first.

Due to her hubris, she said that she had learned a thing or two by being on the board. The bill was to buck the Federal Department of Education and Title IX, which could have cost the district fines in the area of $50 million. Marinelli and Enos signed it.

The superintendent was forced to sign the document (to fulfill his constitutional duty) that could have led to lawsuits. This motion stated - with no scientific basis - there are only two sexes. No politics there, right?

The Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) plays a large role in taking chunks of funds and power out of the local district’s hands. It is not being dismantled. Think Governor DeSantis and his banning words like “climate change”. Books are watered down - from history to science - that dumbs down the kids, unfortunately. Schoolbooks were banned, because they included diversity, inclusion and equity. This is why the Governor even banned math books. (Yes, you read that right.)

We can get into the weeds about school choice, vouchers and charter schools, but that can be part of the learning curve. Just know that the goal by Republicans has been to privatize schools. Education is a billion dollar business and cronies have their hands out for a piece of the lucrative education pie.

The next meeting is February 18, and it’s a way to introduce yourself to the machinations of the school district and the people who run it. Advocates who come to the meetings are among the most amazing people I’ve ever met during my over 40 years in Sarasota. I still don’t possess half of their knowledge on public education, yet I’m treated with kindness and even respect. I have learned so much - not only about education, but about the kids and adults who fight for each other and the marginalized communities.

You’ll meet Jules, Christy, Dick, Mike, Deb, Lisa, Robin, Julie, Zander, India, Sebastian, Kennedy, Avery, Cas and their sibling (can’t remember their name!), Anya, Carol - and everyone’s favorite, Rhana Bazzini. Hopefully, you’ll possibly also meet Jessica, Paulina, Cindy, Mary and her sweet daughter, Jenna, Maryann, Tamara and Wendy. There’s Elizabeth (head band lady!), Susan, Theoni, Catherine and Sonia, too. Oh my Gawd, Sonia! Even with recent health challenges, Leila does what it takes to show up. When she’s not there, she’s glued to the YouTube channel and never misses a beat.

These are brilliant and compassionate people. They are indefatigable and undefeatable. They never give up the fight for an equal education for all.

A tiny bit more food for thought. Information is power, as you know. The more we learn, the more we can endorse the next round of candidates and the importance of getting the right person to serve on the board.

Public education, under this administration, will be hanging on by a hair. If people start to care and know who to vote for, they will show up to the polls. Hopefully, they will vote up the ballot Democratic all the way. Showing up helps all candidates. Community is where we can make the greatest difference.

Here’s three organizations you can join as you advance your knowledge and power. You will most likely be welcomed with a sincere embrace that will make you understand that you were meant to be exactly where you are - in the fight, making a difference.

Support Our Schools (SOS)

SEE Alliance

Pen America

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Coming later today on Dear Bubbie. . what we learned a little more specifically on how the district is protecting immigrant students. Student Kennedy Cole gives the assist.

Congratulations to the newly wedded couple John Thomas Priar and Jorge Santiago Nicolai, along with best dog, Millie. Love is the answer.