Pinellas superintendent Wilcox resigns

LARGO - Pinellas school district superintendent Clayton Wilcox announced his resignation this afternoon.

Wilcox, 53, will ask the School Board for the resignation to be effective June 1.

Wilcox said he is taking a job in New York City with Scholastic Corp., the world's largest publisher of children's books. According to a news release from the school district, Wilcox has been named vice president, education and corporate relations. He will be responsible for "building relationships with district administrators, state departments of education and education organizations," according to the release.

Wilcox has been at the helm since Nov. 1, 2004, when he replaced longtime superintendent Howard Hinesley. Wilcox was the first superintendent hired from outside the county in almost four decades. Before coming to Pinellas, he was superintendent of the East Baton Rouge Parish school system in Louisiana.

With 106,000 students, Pinellas is the 22nd largest school district in the country and seventh largest in the state. It has more than 140 schools and an annual budget of about $1.5-billion.

Wilcox's salary this year is $204,509.

"I have loved my time working with the students, parents and educators of Pinellas and we have made real progress toward our goals," Wilcox said in the release. "Now, I am taking another step in my career and toward my dream of helping to improve the literacy of students all across the country."

Stay tuned to the Gradebook for more coverage.

Comments

[John Schmidt]

Good Riddance. I have not seen a more inept leader in my lifetime. We are very, very fortunate to have the teachers that we have, and this individual had zero respect for them, or anyone else.

It's unfortunate that he was rewarded with excessive compensation.

[Another Disgusted Teacher]

Now maybe Pinellas County School Faculty and staff will see professionalism return. June 1st can't get here soon enough! Let us all hope the school board will challenge candidates this time and we will see real, professional leadership return to the county. It is way overdue!

Mr. Willcox said he about the children.
What kind of o jay would cancel a 50th mlk day at kings highway and keep saying I am for the children.
The back stabber cant even go out in style, but opps this is his style.
good bye, get in the wind Mr.......
to the curb......

[former teacher]

Glad to hear that Stumpy is leaving--no doubt the dirt will out and there will be a pile of it--he has a trail of lies and tricks--it is a shame the community and the school board doesn't know or doesn't want to know all that we have known about him---now maybe we can look for a real educator who understands that tearing people down and running up the bills doesn't get the job done--this county has and did have (before he brought morale so low), many excellent teachers who go beyond the job description to help the children learn and succeed, but Stumpy didn't get it--look locally is what I would say to the board--and look for someone who understands what drop-out prevention can do for the county--he was tearing it apart piece by piece raping and pillaging programs as he went--there are many productive tax-paying young citizens in this county who were saved from a life of poverty and worse by drop-out prevention programs--and I would say look to repair the adult-vocational programs that Stumpy actively harmed by lack of attention to the real problems and by assigning a Jocque of all trades and master of none (especially vocational education)--Dennis answered only to Stumpy and quickly set about hiring his neighbors to teach without certification (only way to get accepted in the neighborhood???)---abused the staff and teachers at the PTECS--both verbally and as professionals--now that his mentor is gone he needs to take his other pensions and leave before all the lawsuits and grievances against him get publicized----not that PCTA has done a lot to help---they are much quicker on scare tactics and taking your money than they are on doing anything to actually help when they are needed---shame on you Jade and PCTA--some wrong decisions and directions were made and taken even before Stumpy came, but he set a new low for dismemberment of what does work--don't blame Bush for education woes--there is nothing wrong with expecting students to have the skills that go with their level of education--the fault lies at a much lower level when administration doesn't listen to the local experts in the trenches and then they spend millions on bringing in the flavor of the day training BS that quickly goes by the wayside when it doesn't work---teachers know how and what to teach, but they need the time and the support to be allowed to do it---and for those teachers that are the bad apples, the administration at the schools need to be given the backing to get rid of them--Pinellas County needs to praise its teachers and school staff at all levels--they are the only thing holding the line between your children and a life of crime and dispair--people who listen and care and try to make a difference--there are those of us who know how to fix the problems we just need someone to care and listen to us---Put teen parenting programs and some drop-out prevention students back at the PTECs and make them feel welcome to learn what we have to teach--they will bring many other students of all ages if you do it right--Dennis also thinks that handicapped students don't have a place at vocational education--wrong again and very biased--Dennis takes a large salary for destroying what could be such a positive for the county--get rid of him if he won't go on his own--save education in Pinellas by getting the right person for the top spot and turn the ship in the right direction--and you can be sure Stumpy is cat wood and m&m--it matches him closing his blog for the community to write to him when he didn't like what they said, but on the speaking circuits to other places bragged on what an innovative person he was to have a blog for the community!!
Former teacher

Maybe all the stupid phone calls to our home will stop now!!

Lennie Briscoe

[New York here I come]

Have fun in the Big Apple! A few things: Have a frozen hot chocolate for me at Serendipity 3, and tell Harry Potter I said Hi. Don't ever take the 6 train until the end of the line, and thanks for leaving the district before school even gets out. Bring back Zambito!!!

[Vince]

The fault is the school board. They make a big project in hiring and they let the best people locally move on. The number 2 when Wilcox was hired should have moved up. We lost her and our lost was somebody else's gain

so teachers are threatening to leave for jobs in the private sector, huh?

News flash -- there AREN'T any jobs in the private sector right now.

At least y'all have job security and benefits.

Watch out or the eighty gazillion of us who are unemployed might take that job that you are so ungrateful for.

who is dennis jock

[Another Disgusted Teacher]

Hey Wilcocks! Don't forget to take your "mini-me", Dennis Jock with you!

[district schedule]

Flag football district 13 at Dunedin on campus Semis: Tue. 4/22 @ 6 & 7:30 p.m.; Finals: Wed. 4/23 @ 7 p.m.

district 14 at Clearwater on campus Semis: Tue. 4/22 @ 6:30 & 7:30 p.m.; Finals: Wed. 4/23 @ 7 p.m.

district 15 at Northeast (St. Petersburg) on campus Semis: Mon. 4/21 @ 6 & 8 p.m.; Finals: Tue. 4/22 @ 8 p.m.

[Finally]

NOW, can the computer people start working for the teachers and not the other way around? Can we have a decent Student Information System? Can we have PLACES back? Can we choose between Windows and Macintosh.. whatever is the best for the kids??

[12:50 is dumb]

11:46 was naming a superintendent named Bob Leiby from another school district. A good man, and a great educator.

11:13 was probably a high school student/.

11:13 and 11:46 Racist stereotypes. Always a nice touch. Or a sign of Neanderthal-like ignorance.

Hire bob libey! The man cares about kids, and has many years of experience.

[shcoolum stubent!]

Wha is he leebin we'ins? Mr. Philcox helped dem boad membus git to da next polimatics lebel, wha we'ins git some learnin... sombaday butta axe him what be up!

[Pinellas School Parent]

Dr. Wilcox isn't God. He can't make parents parent, which is the majority of the problem. He can't make policy - that's the school board's job. He can hold educators accountable for teaching even the toughest to teach, most unprepared students for the benefit of our community as a whole. That is what he did, in my opinion.

[Pinellas Student]

When I read through the comment section here, I see a lot of misguided opinons. I'll be the first one to rejoice Wilcox's resignation, but I'll be the last to lay all blame on him. It's undeniable that he *completely* failed to achieve the goals of his position (bus routes, the School Choice mess, underpayment, etc.), but it appears (teachers correct me if I'm wrong) that the majority of the school faculties does not understand that Clayton Wilcox was hardly interested in the schools, unless there is some hidden plot here. He's shown himself to be a self-interested businessman, not a chartible individual interested in public service.

A "cat wood" claimed that his having children in the Pinellas school system is good reason to actually have good motive. Hardly. Every action of Wilcox shows is concerned with money. His kids are getting the benefits of his earnings. It seems that that is enough for him to call it caring for his children.

To the teachers, don't call Wilcox an idiot. He wasn't stupid, he just didn't have the same interests. Everyone wants him out, and so does he. He's done here, and got what he came for - money, without responsibility. He was able to get away with plenty of cash with almost none of the liability he'd wind up with in private employment.

This to just about everyone: none of us are innocent. The adminstrators don't know how to work with students. Teachers think there's some sort of war between them and their students, but they simply know nothing about human relations, or can't apply it. They and the administrators are both more concerned about being the "authority" and their own pride, so much that they'll dishonestly abuse that authority to protect the esteem of themselves and fellow faculty. They've taken so far as to claim helpless and inability to improve, do nothing themselves and place the blame on everyone else. No, your job isn't easy, it's one of the hardest, I'm not going to dispute that. But, yes you're complaining when you should be solving the problem. Don't play that card, it's made of paper. You want to improve things? No you can't do much about the school board. But you sure can do something about what goes on in the classroom. So step it up, then try and fix the probelms of others, or at least don't ignore you own problems.

And the students aren't much help either! They make themselves the targets the teachers think they are, half of the time, making stands of defiance when there's not reason to back it up, entertaining a lifestyle that's often even worse than what they were born into, provoking the anger of the teachers, just to wonder why the faculty stereotypes them as touble causing kids. Neither side is right, both sides are wrong, bias, and selfish.

The parents have probably as much fault as all the other problems here. They allow their students to take a view of life that is superficial and supports the actions they take, that is their greatest failing. The worst actions (Hitler is a good example of this) are only done because the one who takes action believes his choice to be the right thing to do. Rarely do people actually do things out of malicious intent knowing that such things are wrong, barring the mental insane.

These are the problems that the school system faces. We've got every reason to celebrate the removal of Wilcox, he's one problem out of the picture. But if anyone wants get some work done, then I would have everyone stop bickering over who's to blame, and stop worrying about being blamed for what you think isn't your fault, the pride of the people is NOT important. It doesn't even matter who the problem is, stop defending yourselves and fix it.

Take it from a student. I'm at the bottom of the food chain, and I'm looking at the effects of all of your choices here where it matters most. Each person has a role in my day at school each and every day, it's not hard for me to look up, and see where it came from.

[dan kroepsch]

Thank the stars! Speaking from a student perspective, that man caused nothing but trouble for the educators, the educated, and anyone who had the misfortune of associating with him. We can only hope that the new superintendent of PCS can remedy the problems wilcox has left us with.

[Teacher]

re: BBMOM

Yes, I really am a teacher and no, I don't talk to my students like that. THEY talk to me like that though. Why? Because our county doesn't hold our students accountable for anything, including their behavior. That was Wilcox's way...blame it on the teachers, let the kids and their parents off the hook.

[Violin Suzy]

If these posts are reprentative of Pinellas teachers (and I don't believe that they are), then Clayton's departure was a no brainer. What a bunch of whining elitists. So Clayton held you accountable for actually educating students - what a freaking concept!

[Florida Educator]

I suppose these are they types of comments Hernando County teachers will have to endure after the new super runs those schools into the ground, makes his changes with admin, spends all the money, and runs teachers out of the county! I wonder...do they know each other??

[x]

give away a million bucks, then resign a few weeks later.....

[tired of it all]

how about him taking the Devil Rays and their plans to build a new stadium for the losingest team ever on the taxpayers' dime to NYC with him?

Who else do we want to put on that plane?

[Tired of nonsense]

To the post of 11:14 pm,

Have you ever attempted to perform the tasks we ask our teachers to complete. The lack of compensation, and the lack of discipline parents instill cause many to wonder why a person would even think of teaching.

Wilcox had many fine plans, but FAILED to produce the necessary results. The incident with the attorney was a pathetic display of ego.

We have to hope that the board does a better job in finding his replacement.

That being said, if you don't attend the meetings and offer your input to the subject, then you are a waste who should simply SHUT UP and DEAL WITH IT! How does it go?? As you sow, so shall you reap.

By the way, it's MOOT point not MUTE point. Just an FYI for anyone who even remotely cares

[Kathleen]

Regarding the 'happy' salary suggested for teachers, I generally agree with RU Kidding me?. Increase the salaries of teachers to the fair private sector level for professionals of equivalent qualifications and responsibility. Bring benefits in line with the private sector averages. I would like to interject that with the 'private' industry salary scale suggested, teachers should work on a year-round contract as most professionals do. Eliminate tenure and apply the employment standards generally used for professionals in the private sector. Establish performance measurements as generally used in the private sector at the professional level. I have heard many teachers correctly complain that they are not treated or paid as professionals in the private sector. Some feel that less respect is given to them by the public than to other professionals. (I am not sure I agree.) Private sector salaried professionals at the wage level being discussed here are given performance goals and are required to achieve those goals as the terms of their employment. This management environment is designed to allow industry to make necessary adjustments to increase efficiency and productivity and to assure that their expectations are being met. This makes good sense and teachers and their union have made a sound case that more money will attract better qualified individuals to the teaching profession. I'm all for that! This would benefit our children by allowing us to increase the classroom days/hours that children spend in school. While the salaries are a dramatic increase in expenses, economies could be realized by eliminating some administration level jobs and spreading these responsibilities across a year-round workforce. It is possible that with the dramatic increase in work hours there would be more scheduling flexibility and efficiency that could reduce the number of facilities and staff needed. Something to think about.

[Does Wilcox really matter?]

The same a**hole kids will show up tomorrow, disrespect everyone, not care about their future and expect it all be handed to them. Our concern should be all this dumb DNA getting together over a couple cases of Busch and a few packs of Marlboro reds. These breeders are the root of our schools problem. Idiots spawning dumber idiots. Not that they could ever read this let alone own a computer. Parents need more accountability for their own mess. Scores are in denial about their own. It is getting worse every year!

[Me]

How slimy. I can't believe he isn't even finishing out the school year.

m&m or cat wood must be Mrs. Wilcox!

Sorry, I did not realize I had written so much.

Hey disgruntled teachers and union reps you could solve a lot of your personal problems by finding another job where you FEEL you are paid what you THINK you are worth.

Many ordinary folks are getting sick of hearing teachers complain about their pay etc. Please, just please leave your socialist bastion and compete in the free market. Please.

Wilcox did not do well, the teachers union has not done well, many teachers have not done well, the naacp has not done well, but most of all too many parents have not done well. All of you are the reason so many parents who are doing well are sending their children to private schools or are homeschooling them.

The well meaning amongst us must come together and create a positive force to serve the majority. The self absorbed fringe in the teachers union, the naacp crowd, the parents of discipline problem children and those who do not truly appreciate the educational opportunities available in our community need to be taken to task with no quarter given for interferring with the mission.

The mission should be to learn and work in a safe and productive environment where all are enriched by the experience. Children should graduate from our schools and have an education to show for it. Teachers should be able to afford to live in a manner representative of a junior level professional (50k to 75k).

Seriously, lets encourage those in leadership positions to cut to the chase and get focused on the mission. All these programs for this and that pet peave or special interest is not getting it done for anyone except those who do not believe that excellence is worth striving for.

[m&m]

I suppose this forum could be considered a proxy for the type of angry and misguided people we have in society. Wilcox is an incredibly talented and gifted individual, who had a progressive vision for the school district. The board, through unforgivable childishness, mismanagement and micromanagement, ran him out of this community. Now two of them want to run the county through service on the County Commission. Please, give me a break. We don't need more of the same old tired old politicians running for other offices. I am very pleased that he landed a great job in New York, which he richly deserves. Our tragic loss is their gain. This is a great example of why many good people have no interest in public service. - m&m

[Cochran]

Nancy Zambito - Get her to replace Wilcox!!!!! Bring her home!

[Jim]

When he was first hired, I knew this guy wasn't going to stick around very long. The school system has declined so much in the past four years. He couldn't handle criticism.

I think Clayton is hot!

[absolutely...priorities]

Fixing the schools MUST be the priority. But understanding the true cause isn't a mute point...unless we want to risk repeating history. Our kids can't afford that.

We now interupt this blog...

cat wood @ 6:11pm IS Wilcox! He writing style is easily identifiable.

...now commencing happy dance.

[PRIORITIES]

Love him,hate him..WHO CARES...it is a MUTE point!The state of our schools in Pinellas county is HORRIBLE...and it does not MATTER who is at fault(and I dare say there is PLENTY of blame to go around.)What will REALLY matter in the long run is WHAT we DO to FIX our schools!!

[principal]

Ha! Wilcox's new position will be "to build relationships with district administrators". What a joke!!!

[andrea]

i wish dr. wilcox and his family all the best in their move to new york.

[teacher]

Who in their right mind would be willing to come in and try to undo the mess he has made? I am scared for our future.

Yes to the Grasso being sent home

You put Grasso in has AD please remove him before you leave. You were sending him to the buses now send him home.

[Upper Level Administration]

Cat Wood must be a relative of Clayton's. No one who has a clue about what has been going on in our district could support him. The board members should be ashamed of themselves for falling for his lies in the first place and hiring him. All you have to do is listen to the man talk once and you quickly understand that everything is all about him. He promised much and delivered none of it. The teachers and administrative staff in New Orleans warned Pinellas that he would leave our district in a mess and he is certainly doing that. The really sad thing is the way he has pushed intelligent, professional people who cared about the system for years out the door. There has been no sense of pride in Pinellas County Schools since Dr Hinesley left. The only good news is that Clayton is gone and the sooner the better! Hopefully the board will tell him to leave immediately. I only wish the St Pete Times would print an honest article about how he is viewed by employees at every level.

[mark d ( a concerned parent )]

Well it took way too much time to get rid of the "pompous A" I was on a flight and sat next to him in first class and I asked him point blank how can the county pay for your first class seat with all the budget cuts and he laughed, they will never find out because I am leaving. Good rid-dens and I hope we can find someone who cares about children and wants to make our county #1 in the state. Too bad we were stuck with hime for 4 years (wasted a lot of time on a person who did not care about Pinellas County only himself). When it came to his needs (which were always first) he made sure his kids got what they wanted and now that they are going out this year It was no surprise he would leave, and now we have a BLACK-EYE and Problems with a new assignment program that he left us with. I that's right his plan was going to reduce transportation cost, well the jokes on us, we will spend more busing kids all over the place and never solve any budget problems. I hope the SB Attorney has a big smile on his face, it was an embarrassment to have have 2 high paid officials fight and sling mud on each other. Well I hope the board will take a long time a get the best person for the job.............................................................................

[BBMOM]

8:38 pm. You're a Teacher? Hopefully not for my kids. Do you use that language around your students too? This is a public blog and you have just shown that not all teachers live up to what most parents think teachers should be. Again accountability. I'm not saying you shouldn't use that kind of language; it just makes me wonder where else you use it at?

[Brett Taylor]

Teaching is an art. The problem with not just Dr. Wilcox, but with a lot of adminstrators also, is that they want to dictate what needs to be taught, when to teach it, how to teach it, and they want all that documented in a particular fashion. They want teachers to make lesson plans a certain way and to include certain "Essential Learnings" and they even want certain things on the board and walls, etc.

The reason for this micro-management trend is that they don't feel teachers can be trusted as competent professionals to educate students.

Certainly, there have been abuses of trust by teachers in the past, but dictating method, content, and reporting formats has created a very unhealthy climate in schools.

Teachers in middle schools regularly work well beyond the confines of an 8 hour day. They need to be trusted to educate the students and they deserve fair compensation.

[Maggie]

To those who look at this as another opportunity to discredit teachers...get a grip! Students enter my classroom unable to wipe themselves, wash their hands,or eat with utensils. They don't know how to hold a book, but they can play a video game. They don't know the meaning of the words "no", "please" or "thank you"...because they've been talked at and not to...kind of what is going on here. DO I teach special needs children? NO!!! I teach Kindergarten! You have the summer to salvage your kids (grandkids). WORK ON IT!

[julie]

janson

[Dan]

When I saw the headline for this article, I immediately recalled the Wizard of Oz, "Ding dong the witch is..."