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

[Mark]

Bring back Howard Hinesley!LOL. Then again,no, becuase he was part of the GOB network. But he DID have that rainy day fund, to help make budget crunches easier. CW did not do that-he spent, spent, spent. And now he wants to run when are facing massive cuts.Leaders ride the storms out-they do not run. Leaders put projects in place, then see them through-they do not move on before it starts. You figure where CW fits in on those points.

[twiceeliminated]

Now maybe we can get back to some DATA-based decision making.

[Love my Job]

Tom - What salary for a teacher? According to an article I read in a magazine today, teachers are paid 13.2% below the average of other "women" is similar careers. (They clarified this to mean careers that require the same level of education.) I would be happy for the 13.2%. I would like MY children to be able to get the same things as yours; enjoy a vacation, braces, college funding, without scrimping and robbing Peter to pay Paul. After all, I have dedicated my life (and gladly, I might add) to everyones child, to everyones future.

As a teacher in Pinellas County, THANK GOD he's gone. "Clayt" has done nothing for this county, especially teachers, but give us ulcers. Leaving in the middle of the clusterf*ck that he has (ie School Choice, DROP, budget)shouldn't be a shocker. Wouldn't want you to have to work too hard, fella. You buttoning your shirts all the way to the top button already makes you look like your head is going to pop off your body-don't wanna make it any worse! Peace out, Weeble Man.

[R U Kidding me???]

Tom, my comment wasn't to you, it was to the person that responded to you. I actually respect most of the things that you post out here. I understand you "lashing out" at me, but your response seems a bit too defensive. As to your question, it is a valid one. Based on the incomes in my field, I would expect teachers to make anywhere from 50K to 75K, STARTING salary. As for benefits, the standard, Medical, Dental, etc. Where I probably differ with most is that I believe everyone should pay for a portion of their health insurance, not have "company paid" health insurance. So, even though I am strictly shooting from the hip, as I have not done any surveys or analysis on this, that is what I think. As for your comments about my post, I will take this as you misunderstanding where my accusations were aimed.

[Principal]

It is a happy day for Pinellas County Schools!! I wonder if in the private sector, if he tells his upper level staff members that they are "road kill", how long he will keep the job? He should have been gone long ago. Now would all of the highly qualified people that Mr. Arrogant ran out of the county, please return?

[Principal]

It is a happy day for Pinellas County Schools!! I wonder if in the private sector, if he tells his upper level staff members that they are "road kill", how long he will keep the job? He should have been gone long ago. Now would all of the highly qualified people that Mr. Arrogant ran out of the county, please return?

[Nancy]

Pay me what a college grad with my work experience would get, no more 1 to 2% raises. Also, pay me for the time I work out of school. You want me to take training? Learning to fill out stupid paperwork is not training nor is it beneficial to my students. And why do we always work 9 months; it's actually 10. Do you realize that the pacing guides say "go home and make this tonight." Who is going to pay for that. I also bought school supplies, books, food and clothes for the kids. Perhaps "Tom" can throw in a few bucks to improve the lives of some low SES kids; how about volunteering or mentoring. It's easy to throw stones at the teachers in the trenches if you've never visited.

[BBMOM]

I believe he did more, or attempted to, in his short time then the previous supers we've had. He did not stick us with any life insurance policies or anything else. If I had to work with the board as it is now I would have left a long time ago. Constant arguing, rehashing topics for endless hours, etc. Nothing ever gets done and they want it their way or no way. I graduated from Pinellas schools and I believed in his vision for what we need to do in this county. Unfortunately he was up against many roadblocks. As far as holding people accountable, I believe those that didn't like him had a problem with being held accountable. I am more afraid of who we will replace him with then having had him for the few years that he was here. Watch out what you wish for.

[Tired Teacher]

Thank you for your comment about the bottom of the barrel. If I'm not that important or influential, stop looking to me to "fix" your child's laziness, atrocious behavior, or stupidity. I'm here to deliver a curriculum. Take it or leave it.

[Hey Tom]

50k to start topping out at 100k. Then you could say teachers were not underpaid!

[C Willy]

I forgot to ask, can I take my booster seat with me?

[Kathleen]

I have lived here for more than 35 years. In that time, we have not had a single superintendent that was liked by the most vocal teachers. Why?

[Matt]

With the space cadets on the school board I would no doubt leave too.

Good luck - thanks for great service.

I think the big thing is, if our success isn't based on what teachers do, then STOP blaming teachers for your children's lack of success. The main reason teachers think they're underpaid is because they have to put up with so much nonsense. Parents blame teachers if their kid doesn't do their work or gets in trouble for hitting somebody. We're required to spend SO much time bringing the VERY bottom of the barrel up that the top is suffering.

[Clay T Wilcox]

When I live in the Big Apple, will my kids still get to attend Palm Harbor University High School? Does the zone stretch to the north just a tad up that way? If not, can I make it that way?

[FINALLY!]

I won't miss him one bit. I am furious over what he has done to the zoning, schedules, bus routes, etc. I'm glad he's getting out of here before he has a chance to rattle the lives and education of more children and families. Who cares if he got a sweet deal under the table with the publishing company; he's leaving because of it..let him go.

[Snuggles]

If you can read this, thank a teacher.

[Tom]

R U Kidding Me BTW...Please I hope you don't talk to the PTA like your response to me reads. You have no clue about my background, your response is so elementary, so distasteful, foolish really. I probably been to more Pinellas County schools than you can name. For years I been wondering what it will take to stop hearing Teachers are under-paid and all I hear are people running off like you just did.........all rhetoric...no substance....nothing well thought out.

[veteran teacher]

"Our success or failure as an individual isn't based on what teachers do on a daily basis."

What a sad, sad, day to see such commentary. Well, guess what, our success or failure as a teacher, with test scores, is partly based on parents that do not discipline their children, feed them properly, monitor their video games, bedtimes, and homework, and provide good examples at home. We revere the too few good parents out there today.

Now Bostock and Gallucci can run for the BOCC on the record of chasing out another administrator while accomplishing a 53% drop-out rate!

Whoooo hoooooo! This is gonna be fun!

Good Riddance!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[to RU Kidding me ?]

Thank you. Your support of the teachers, schools, and students is truly appreciated.

[Tom]

R U Kidding Me, so please answer my question....How much money in annual salary and benefits will it take to pay a Teacher so we can stop hearing "Teachers are under-paid"? That is all I would like to know.

the teachers are happy to get Wilcox out because he wanted them to be held accountable for children learning!! Oh my, how awful of him!! Our schools suck because of our lazy teacher who want all the bennies and none of the accountability.

[Nikki]

Great timing...you put us through misery with a poorly conceived new assignment plan then leave. He won't last long in the private sector if his conduct as superintendent is any indication. New York can have him!

[R U Kidding me???]

To "Response to Response to Tom". What planet do you live on? Have you ever set foot in a public school and truly seen what our teachers do? Do you even have a clue? When you do decide to get a reality check and actually go visit a school, try going to one that has a high percentage of kids with free lunches, not one of the more blessed schools that has the parents that have the ability to make their school better. I have a child in public school, I work full time and I am on the school's PTA. I help in the class when I can and I go on as many field trips as I can. I happen to be in one of the "blessed" schools and my son's school doesn't have a lot of the issues that some do. However, I know many that work in the schools that are "at need" (IMO) and have been a corporate mentor in those schools as well. It is amazing what our teachers and administrators are expected to do. Make sure kids have the medicines they need, make sure they have the clothes and school supplies they need, help them read, write, etc. when there isn't anyone at home who will, just to name a vew. NO, the teachers aren't even close to paid enough. The professionals I know in the public sector who have thought about going into teaching would take a 50% to 60% pay cut to do so. Oh, and the "you can't excel anywhere else", please!! The fact that they can excel in their current jobs proves that they can handle much more than most professionals!

[Tom]

I beg your pardon Teacher(s), I have a degree with as many college credits or more than you and my profession calls for me to get continuing education. Many professions demand continuing education. You are not in an exclusive club.

[Tom]

Wilcox was determined enough to get the administrators out of their fine offices in Largo and out in the field, did he not?

[Mcnanny]

Re:tom
I am a teacher not complaining about my salary. The residents of Pinellas County respect me enough to have voted
teachers raises (twice). I thank them very much.
I believe you misread the post. Wilcox expects secondary teachers to increase the length of their teaching day without pay. Would you work an extra hour with no pay?

[blue]

The problem is not the Superintendent. It is the School Board. Until we stop getting incompetents on that body, there will be no difference.

[response to Tom]

It is more about respect as professional. A baby sitter will make a higher wage per hour than a teacher.The work does not stop when you leave the school, you have to take it home so counting those hours also, we might make about $9 per hour. How, would you feel if you spent many years in college and have to continue to do so to keep your teaching certificate updated. Your the typical person who shows no respect, for the people who listen, comfort, instruct, help, mold, advise, care and trust with your most valuable possession your children for 5 and 1/2 hours per day. This is a lot more time then some parents do, so you cannot say we do not have an influence upon thier lives.
Respectfully

[Tom]

I agree with the person that said Dr. Wilcox did a lot of things right. What about when Dr. Wilcox determined Pinellas paid $10 to $20 thousand more per school building than Hillsborough County (comparing apples to apples)? Why did Dr. Wilcox have to bring in outsiders to determine bus routes and scheduling? The list can go on and on. To the teacher that wants to take tomorrow off because Dr. Wilcox is resigning, why not take the rest of the year off? You got it coming to you right? Great attitude teach. I bet you are the right person for the job.

[Keepin it real]

All of you out there that think teachers cry too much about being underpaid, please for one week or one day just try it. Put up with some snot nosed, foul mouthed, stain of a student telling you to f off. Kids saying they'll sue you then threaten to swing on you. Administrators reluctant to punish anyone to keep racial quotas reasonable. In many cases the teachers are raising these kids because mom and dad have checked out. Teachers are underpaid, at least in Florida. Don't let it hit you C. Willy! I meant Napoleon.

[Fladuhgirl]

Former superintendents got into trouble for inappropriate relations with publishing companies. How did this job offer come about?

[A Teacher]

Cat Wood, you must learn to spell before you get on a blog. There is only one "e" in children. Also, he wanted everyone to to be proud of THEIR schools!

[Ruthie Gix]

He came in, stirred things up, and left. Typical behavior from troublemakers. Good by and good luck!

[response to response to catwood]

"Your right"

And we wonder what's wrong with our schools. Get a command of the language loser.

[response to response to tom 2]

"No one else can do your job?"

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

You're kidding, right? Newsflash - you're not a surgeon. You have this job because you didn't excel in your own studies!

Loser

[McNanny]

Re: cat wood
You must be related to him, or get paid by him.

I would love to know what good he did. He promised much and delivered nothing but confusion, despair, distrust.

Do you work for the system?

[response to cat wood]

Your right cat, we should be more positive. I will if you please identify at least 5 great things Wilcox did during his 3 and 1/2 years of tenure. I do more for my students in one day, than he did as the clip board police.

[Response to Response to Tom]

LOL! Six Figure Salary?? Paperwork of a Fortune 500! You're a glorified babysitter who takes his job too seriously.

Our success or failure as an individual isn't based on what teachers do on a daily basis. You're a joke.

[Tom]

Another teacher that will not answer a simple question. Again I ask, What salary and benefit(s) level will it take so we can stop hearing "Teachers are underpaid"? Everyone has problems at work, that is not what I am asking about. I just want to know the answer to the question posed.

[McNanny]

What a relief.
Too bad it took so long.
I just hope we can undo the damage he caused.
Perhaps the board will hire a superintendant who thinks before he/she speaks, plans before he/she acts, and respects all his/her employees.

[cat wood]

Wow, you people never seem to stop complaining. Are you some of the 17 disgruntled people that ruined the classroom blog too? Wilcox has done some great things. Why cant you embrace the good that he's accomplished? I would like the Times to do an article on what he did achieve while being superintendent which, with some of the board members to achieve anything is huge.
He worked almost 24-7 to try to make things better for the school district. He worked all the time. He had kids in the district, you think he wanted to have his kids in underachieving schools? NO! He wanted everyone to be proud of there schools. He really wanted what was best for the childeren. So, some teachers and principals didnt like his style.. why because he held people accountable?? Good luck on finding a superintendent as dedicated as Dr. Wilcox with a salary of only $204,509 ...22nd largest school district. Stop being so negative people. Its embarrassing.
Try to be postive.. there are a lot of us out here that are tired of seeing/hearing the bitching. It only takes a few bad apples to ruin everything. .. I blame the negative people. I am sorry to See Dr Wilcox go. We wish him the best of luck!!!

[Response to Tom]

If you would like to come spend a month teaching high school, please by all means--give it a try. Teachers are underpaid because no one else can actually do our jobs--no matter how many substitutes you can try to hire, teachers deserve to be paid for the jobS they do, parent, teacher, counselor, babysitter, the paperwork of a Fortune 500 company and bosses that write and manage schools worse than Bush. Promised a 6 figure salary for the last 10 years, and given pittance as raises (avg $26 a paycheck last year) how would you feel?

[Educator II]

Christina--you are right! Now--can we have a holiday tomorrow? I think a lot of us will be taking it off to celebrate! Please?

[Tom]

What annual salary and benefit(s) level would it take so we can stop hearing "Teachers are underpaid"?

[Christina]

Is that why I saw teachers dancing in the streets in Pinellas? Good riddance.

[Mark]

You can always see a person's true character in stressful times. Now we know his. The district is facing a big budget shortfall,and neighborhood schools will be starting next year, and he hightails it out. Small wonder.