The money race for Pasco superintendent

They don't come close to some of the big ticket races on the Pasco County ballot. (Sheriff Bob White, up for reelection, has raised nearly $140,000 for his campaign.) But the two likely candidates for Pasco schools superintendent have raised some cash, and their latest financial reports give some insight into the race.

Incumbent Heather Fiorentino (left) has collected $20,685 - $7,550 in the most recent quarter - from a variety of sources ranging from businesses and PACs to district employees and folks in the community. Steve Donaldson (right), a Gulf High teacher, has received $5,825, including some local donations but primarily a $5,000 loan to himself.

Donaldson's campaign manager, Christopher Lee, tries to put the Donaldson report in the best possible light. In a press release, Lee calls the fund raising effort "signficant for a first-time candidate" and notes that Donaldson is nearing the total number of petition signatures needed to qualify for the ballot.

Fiorentino also is nearing the petition qualifying level. Petitions are due in late May. Pasco County is the largest school district in the country to elect its superintendent.

Comments

[Randy]

Donaldson raised $825. That is significant? Was C. Lee Saddam's press spokesman during the last Gulf War?

[Tom]

Randy, let's be civil with the comments and the negative analogies. Rather, let's look at the records of the existing Superintendent and what Mr. Donaldson has to offer. I, for one, am intrigued by Mr. Donaldson's offer of transparency and willingness to work with all educational decision makers and advocates, including, most importantly, parents. Yes, I am concerned that our current Superintendent wouldn't even qualify for an administrative position because she doesn't have an advanced degree as Mr. Donaldson does. Let's also look at how much administrative spending has increased since the current Superintendent took office. For those of you who do not know, there have been huge increases to the top levels of the Pasco School District. There are advisors to advisors put in place. Each new high level administrator's salary could pay for more than 3 new teachers to teach our children in the classrooms. As you can see I am leaning away from voting for the current Superintendent. Not because I don't think she's a pleasant person, but because I think our School District could do much better.

[Randy]

I dont care who is elected. I just thought the comment was insane that by raising $825, that was significant

[Mary W]

Pasco has one of the lowest admin cost of any district in Florida. I am a teacher and I like the school district. I don't like the union, which looks like Donaldson is the shill for. The union membership is a minority of Pasco's teachers - there is a reason for that

[Christopher Lee]

The full quote from the press release hyperlinked above is, "Donaldson’s fundraising efforts are significant for a first-time candidate."

Considering that 1) Donaldson entered the race on Feb. 7, a full month after the beginning of the reporting period, 2) he has never run for political office previously, thus having far fewer political resources to call upon compared to more entrenched politicians, and 3) the total amount contributed to his campaign, regardless of its sources, nearly equaled his opponent's fundraising efforts in the same reporting period (AND with a month's headstart, mind you)...well, yes, I'd call that a "significant" effort.

Context is important.

[Randy]

Hey Chris

You are Baghdad Bob!

[Margaret C.]

Mary, why does the Union who represents all instructional teachers, a majority of which are members, always being brought into the mix. The last figures I've seen brings instructional union membership to between 55% to 60% of total Pasco teachers as members. Matter of fact, instructional union membership is up for several years in a row now. For those who have knowledge of how the USEP works, USEP does not endorse candidates for political office, never has and never will. USEP has a PAC, Tiger Pride, which union members are not automatically members. Those members who wish to become Tiger Pride members, must do so separately and in addition to their union membership. Periodically, Tiger Pride will go through a laborious process, which includes interviews and other screening methods, to see "if" any candidates deserve endorsement. In the past, Tiger Pride has endorsed candidates from both major parties, and in several cases failed to endorse candidates for failing to meet its qualifications as being best qualified. USEP members are made up of Republicans, Democrats, Independents and I'm sure various other left and right wing ideological parties. The one common thing about Pasco union members is their love and devotion to educating children and furthering Public Education in this great state.

[Michele B.]

There have been huge increases in upper level administrative spending in Pasco. Yet, Mary's reply only tries to compare Pasco to other bloated school districts in the state. The facts are, Pasco went from 1 Superintendent and 2 Assistant Superintendents to 1 Superintendent with expensive contractors for her support and 6 Assistant Superintendents and their support staffs. Keep in mind, each Assistant Superintendent can easily get well over $100,000. in salary. In comparison, the beginning teacher salary is $37,000. The end result is that our children, regrettably, get an ever diminishing piece of the pie.

[Steve S.]

I had the opportunity to personally meet Mr. Donaldson today. His passion about education, education credentials, teaching and coaching experience, military career experience, and business ownership experience makes him the absolute best choice to lead my childrens' school district. He is my candidate!

Michele B- check your facts- the same assistant superintendent's that are now working at the district office have been there under previous administrations- with the exception of one new one. What you are saying simply isn't true.