Letter to the Editor

In the last few weeks, social media and community comments have gotten my attention about some of the challenges we Jackson Countians face in the immediate future.  Granted, any and all matters related to the schools are of major concern to parents, children, community, and business owners.    School memories are precious and each of us has them.  Most of us enjoy recalling our school days and even as adults we continue to support our schools and student activities.  That support is critical if we are to have the very best schools possible; supporting our local schools results in stronger, closer communities. 

With this in mind, we also need to realize certain other truths about the local school system.  First, schools are BIG business.  In fact, the Jackson County School system is a multi-million-dollar business and is the county’s largest employer.  Operating this large system effectively requires business experience and abilities.  As the system has grown and society has constantly changed, it is clear that those in leadership must have both basic business -and problem-solving skills.  The fact is that the local school district functions as a part of the much larger state Department of Education, the bureaucracy which controls or decides many issues such as teacher salary (at least for beginning teachers), fiscal policy procedures, certain tax revenues, and, of course, curriculum and accountability.

That means that our local board members are responsible for many other decisions which are critical to school operation and, very importantly, credibility.  For one thing, disciplinary processes and decisions should be consistent “across the board” for both students and staff.  Nothing causes doubt in the public mind more than to learn that the punishment or decision handed out to one staff member or student differs from that which is given in another, seemingly similar situation.  Transparency is essential if credibility is the result.  Candid discussion for any incident is necessary and useful, but the “facts on the table” helps to assure the public that the information given out is sound and accurate.

Financial resources must be used carefully considering the present and within a vision for the future.  The fact is that, just like at home or in business, there is only so much money.  We live in a rural community and funds only stretch so far.  Again, the State of Florida is responsible for many aspects of the school programs and the rules by which expenditures are determined.  Every expenditure considered or made by the local school board must be financially sound with the entire system in mind.   We know that talk of closing any school is not popular.  As written, schools are the heart of a community and very few people would choose this option.  Still, the finances of the district and the economy in general must be considered in these decisions.

Through the years, Jackson County has been blessed with dedicated teachers and good leadership.  The county has had its share of committed Board members who worked tirelessly to benefit the schools.  Given the role or the schools, the major economic impact, and its status as the County’s largest employer, it just makes good sense for the voters to check into the business experience and abilities of those seeking to serve on the Board.

Respectfully submitted,

Howard Phipps