The cash campaign for Pasco superintendent

In the race for Pasco schools superintendent, Heather Fiorentino has all the benefits of incumbency.

Her name appears often in the paper as a news maker. Folks know her from years of public service. She makes decisions that give her more face time with the county's leadership structure.

Yet there's a flip side to that coin. Fiorentino is a Republican in an anti-GOP year. She's an office holder in a year when people seem fed up with the status quo. She makes decisions that just as easily can anger as please.

Observers say her Democratic opponent, Stephen Donaldson, has a chance to up-end Fiorentino in November. But to overcome her name recognition (usually the key to a down-ticket race like this), the Gulf High social studies teacher probably needs to raise $100,000, political insiders tell the Gradebook.

On that front, Donaldson's not there yet.

His most recent campaign contribution report shows that he's brought in $21,776, of which $12,627 was cash and checks. The rest came in the form of loans and in-kind donations, mostly from himself. His total cash for the campaign: $23,452. Fiorentino, on the other hand, reported receiving $5,095 in contributions, bringing her cash total to $25,780. Just $410 of her account has come as in-kind support.

The bottom line: Donaldson is bringing in cash, but the question remains whether staying close to the incumbent is good enough. There's no primary in this race, so things could heat up before November rolls around. Stay tuned.

Comments

[Karl]

Yawn!

[Heidi]

Thanks, patcon. I gathered Another Teacher was referring to having a job (as opposed to contributing funds). The example following the definition was the example directly from the dictionary, not one I came up with on my own. I was more concerned with the part of the entry that said "established by...commitment." Thanks for clearing that up (and backing me up!). I thought the word "tenure" was outdated.

[Teacher]

Mr. Connolly, I also thought she meant employment. She should have used tenured; inturn Heidi would not have posted that definition.

Early start, Karl??!??! No disrespect, (as you so hypocritically say) but it looks like you're on the Gradebook blogs quite often trying to start something much MORE than any of those you criticize for reading/refreshing pages on the blogs. Keep going, buddy - you reinforce your pathetic, sorry lack of a life every time you hit the post button. Didn't I read another post of yours somewhere about spelling? Can you spell hypocrite? Thank goodness we have you to "teach" us. I'm sure we'll all put a lot of faith in the wisdom you impart to all of the teachers who you can't believe are so stupid.

[patcon]

Karl, you call people stupid and claim respect while trying to interpet other people's comments to suit your peceptions. How do you know that "she" is female or Heidi didn't understand that "Another Teacher" was referring to having a job?

Another Teacher seemed to be using the word vested to describe the condition which used to be called "tenure". After receiving three annual contracts (the exact situation related by Another Teacher) a teacher is given a "professional services" or "continuing" contract which gives that teacher a certain measure of security against unwarranted dismissal. There is thus an establishment of certain rights and protections.

The use of the word "vested" in this case clearly is not being used by Another Teacher in the sense of "vested in a pension plan", as in Florida a person is not vested in the Florida Retirement System until after 5 years, not 3. As different states have different retirement systems, and clearly your sister's state has a different system, please do not condescend and "teach" us about our benefits.

[Karl]

With all due respect Heidi, she was referring to having a job and NOT money placed by an employer in a fund i.e. the second definition.

I can't believe teachers do not know about their benefits. So, please let me teach you. In simple lay terms, you contribute to your retirement fund and your employer may or may not match you. After x-time you are vested. This means you own those funds (your and your employers matched contributions). For example, my sister works in education in another state and she contributes, her employer contributes and the state contributes. She had to work 2 years and on the first day of her 3rd year, she became vested. So, whenever she wants to leave the field she can take all contributions with her. Nice, huh?

[Heidi]

vest·ed [ves-tid] –adjective
1.held completely, permanently, and inalienably: vested rights.
2.protected or established by law, commitment, tradition, ownership, etc.: vested contributions to a fund.
3.clothed or robed, esp. in ecclesiastical vestments: a vested priest.
4.having a vest; sold with a vest: a vested suit.

Karl, seems like he/she was using the 2nd definition, so that's not incorrect. Yes, we can still lose our jobs if we are low enough on the totem pole, but it pretty much takes a Lafave-esque scandal to remove a teacher these days.

[A 3rd teacher]

I am a seasoned teacher and I have to say that young teachers need to shut their mouths before speaking. Just because you are a teacher doesn't mean you can walk on water.

We are public workers...realize it and move on...

[Karl]

To "Another teacher" you obviously don't know what "vested" means. Look it up before you shoot your mouth off and show your stupidity. (It is no wonder why those who can't do....teach.) Psst, yes, you can lose your job even though you are "vested".

Hey Joe, here is another loud, mouth teacher who is showing how stupid she is. Even though I like Kurt, I wouldn't be surprised if she is going to vote for him too. (Maybe I should re-evaluate my voting position?)

[Teacher]

No one is saying people didn't EARN their position. What I am saying is that times are tough and we should appreciate what we have.

By the way, if by chance Florida has a mass exodus and you are the least experienced, you too can lose your job. Then you will be like a very qualified friend of mine tying to get hired but told she is over qualified to work in Pasco.

[Another teacher]

I worked hard, studied, earned a degree, interviewed, worked my tush off during my 1st 3 years of annual contacts, and continue to work it off now that I am a vested employee. I don't have to be "thankful" I have a job. I EARNED IT!

How long I will be able to keep this roof over my head is debatable, however, if the district cannot honor my contract.

[Another teacher]

I worked hard, studied, earned a degree, interviewed, worked my tush off during my 1st 3 years of annual contacts, and continue to work it off now that I am a vested employee. I don't have to be "thankful" I have a job. I EARNED IT!

How long I will be able to keep this roof over my head is debatable, however, if the district cannot honor my contract.

[Teacher]

Mr. Connolly, could it be the future is here?

Think about it...outsourcing American jobs = higher unemployment....economic recession, which may turn into the modern depression....cost of goods constantly increasing....the list could go on and on....Others have invested a lot of time and money into their homes too, and at times like this we all should be thankful we have a job and a roof over our head.

Well said patcon!

[patcon]

Mary S #3, It is a shame that you went 2 years without a raise and feared about losing your job, while caring for a special needs son. If you work in many sectors of our economy, things are tough, because of decreasing demand (e.g., real estate and automobiles), outsourcing of jobs (manufacturing and customer service), and increased competition for the jobs that are available.

Teachers have been lucky in that those factors haven't hit education as hard as most other sectors of our economy. School enrollments are still generally increasing (although not in all areas and not as fast as a few years ago) and class size reduction has kept demand for teachers at high levels. Outsourcing isn't really an option, although the movement toward unregulated tax-supported voucher schools is a big step in that direction. The shortage of teachers has lessened somewhat lately due to the increase in alternative-track certification and layoffs putting some (typically limited experience) teachers back out in the job-seeking market.

But since times are tough, people need to cut back. You're stuck with rising prices for food, fuel, medicine since there's not much you can do about that - try telling Publix that since bread cost $1.29 last year that's all you're going to pay now. So you cut corners where you can, trying to minimize the negative impact on your life. Voting to cut your taxes, calling for layoffs and pay freezes or cuts for teachers, police officers, firefighters, social workers, and other public employees, delaying needed infrastructure improvements SEEMS to be a way to cut corners without negative impact because somehow public needs will still be taken care of without any decrease in services. Maybe it will for a while, I and many of my colleagues in all the public service areas have too much invested in our careers and homes to walk away and too much pride and professionalism to do anything less than our best regardless of our pay and the scorn heaped upon us when we stand up for ourselves and the needs of our families. But, just as using the cheapest paint may come back to haunt you in the end, eventually, inevitably, the true cost of false economizing will be paid.

[Mary S #3]

Holy $##%^&:

You got a 2% pay raise, I thought I was going to lose my job after 2 years without a raise. I have a special needs son??? Be happy for what you have - a job.

Come one, stop treating yourself like your special?

[Are you kidding?]

"Get it right" got it WRONG! Lat year's raise for teachers was only 2% as well. It was a 2% step increase which was stipulated in their contract and then a 2% raise on top of that. Administrators, who negotiate separately, actually received a higher percentage than teachers and SRPs. And the previous administration NEVER withheld a step increase. So, before you go defending that shameless politician (teacher indeed!) get YOUR facts straight!

[In Agreement]

Well said ......and no, I am not part of the adminstration.

[get it right]

Teachers and their union need to get a grip! Heather has given them more raises in the last few years than the previous administration. And the administration raises...hello 2% maybe??? Let's not forget the real problem here. Look to the north. If you want to blame someone, put the blame where it belongs. Tallahassee sold out education again! Quit blaming Heather who is simply trying to not LAY OFF people and save their jobs. She has done a grerat job considering the mess John Long left her! you people need to get it right.

[anonymous pasco teacher]

Jeff, If my "recollection" serves me, there was a link published about this time to the actual DoE data for all counties, listing enrollments, total operating costs, administrative costs per UFTE, etc. Perhaps you could dig up that link so people can see for themselves whether the Superintendent's 3% claim is accurate and how we stack up against the other counties. There were many more counties just a bit less lean than us than there were a bit more lean; meaning we were 10th, but closer to 11th or 12th or worse than to 9th or 8th or better.

Joe, in this case I am using "recollection" to refer to personal memory, which can be faulty. In my previous posting "recollection" refers to "institutional memory". As to my "assumption" about Pasco FCAT results, it was intentionally vague about our actual ranking since I didn't know that, but I do KNOW that we are neither at the top nor at the bottom, based on news reports. I realize your last paragraph is hyperbole, but on what facts do you base YOUR assumptions about me? I am male and happy with my personal and professional life. I am unhappy with what I have seen happen in the educational environment in Pasco County in the past 4 years.

[questionautority]

Be wary of higher ups, no matter what the field..they will "doctor" the numbers to suit their needs.....insurance companies, appraisers, mortgage companies, politicians, and yes district administrators (aka former politicians).....why should the public assume the 3% admin. cost is accurate when the insiders question its validity?

Jeff, something to look into with the "right to info" which you have access to....but the formula is what you need to look at and see if there is "doctoring" of numbers going on.

[Joe]

7:37, I agree "anonymous" posted based upon "recollection" and also an assumption of Pasco's FCAT scores with the other 67 counties. How irresponsible! And she claims to be a teacher??? Look at the lesson is she setting by example?

I bet she is one of those whiny teachers who complain about everything in her personal and professional life. Anonymous, examine every word that comes out of your mouth for the rest of the week, and you will see, what people around you see.

However, now that I think about it (and after I recollected with my friends), we used to walk to school up hill, both ways, barfoot in the snow. Therefore, it must be true and I should slam my parents in public for living at the bottom of the hill in the morning and then moving our house to the top of the hill when school let out. After all, my stats and my recollection is always true.

The district has roughly 3% administrative costs- regardless of whether they are first or tenth out of 67 district- 3% administrative overhead is lean in any business. These anonymous posters ought to get a reality check.

[Pete]

Great link, Jeff. This article shows how Heather's hands are tied and she is doing what she can to get by during these tough times. As an non-educator(but parent), throwing around statistics based upon "recollection" was only done to cause damage to her name and campaign.

[Jeff Solochek]

In hopes of helping the discussion about Pasco's administrative costs, I'm posting here a link to the recent story I wrote on the subject.
http://www.tampabay.com/news/education/k12/article525720.ece
Perhaps it offers some of the details that you are looking for.

[Public Ed]

As I understand it,the District ain't giving up the information to the Union Negotiators either. They have asked for specific numbers and haven't received Diddly Squat from the District.

Under the current Administration the District has consistently over-budgeted and under spent in the areas of classroom instruction (including teacher and SRP salaries) while under budgeting and over spending in administrative areas. See July 23rd's "Make Employees Your 'Pet Project'" and click on the link to the United School Employees of Pasco.

July 31st is just a few days away, will the District be forthcoming with the information thats needed to make educated choices about negotiations? We'll see! I'm betting NO!

[publicschoolteacher]

Karl, I am not recommending that anyone spread gossip. I am asking if someone could please get the hard numbers and see exactly how much money has been spent and where. And if it turns out that our spending on administrative costs has gone up THAT MUCH, the public needs to know. Especially since, right now, the public seems to think that the Superintendent is right and that TEACHERS need to tighten our belts. Maybe if they saw proof of irresponsible spending, we'd be back in their good graces. That's all I'm asking. I'd like some tangible, concrete proof.

[Karl]

rae, if SPT's search was working properly, you can plug in his name and you would see how many times he has been covered.

[Parent]

anonymous is very cranky. she needs to puts her depends on and goes to bed.

[Data Cruncher]

My bad when you switched to "per student expenditures", I got side tracked. I admit my errors.

Do we know how much differentiates 3rd from 10th place? After all, is it a lot of money?

On a side note, relax, I was just responding to your post - so you don't have to get defensive.

[Rae]

$100,000? Who would these "political insiders"? And why hasn't Donaldson gotten more press? Granted, he's an unknown, but he's a teacher running for superintendent...how often does THAT happen? I'd think that in itself would be news worthy.

[anonymous pasco teacher]

We're talking about ADMINISTRATIVE costs per pupil, not money spent on the actual classroom. Going from between 1st and 3rd leanest (low administrative cost per pupil) to 10th leanest (not as low administrative cost per pupil) is NOT getiing better. It's like going from the top 3 places in a race to 10th place. It's like golf - low is good, high is bad. So, NO, the current Superintendent has not been using our (not her) money more wisely.

Pasco's performance on FCAT has been no worse than most other counties, so money spent on FCAT or NCLB issues shouldn't raise our per pupil expenditures any more than other counties.

I am one of the "long-time Pasco school employees", so I am not just relying on the recollections of others, but confirming my recollections with others. I was simply trying to indicate that I did not have the actual data from the last 10 years at my fingertips and didn't want to mislead anyone. If the DoE data does not support my recollection, I will admit it and issue a public retraction. But I don't think I'll have to look up crow recipes.

[Karl]

anonymous you are relying on data from older teachers. what happens if your older employees are wrong and we now have the "publicschoolteacher" posting signs on billboards and encouraging SPT to do articles based on gossip. regardless if you like the superintendent or not, please post responsibly as it reflects upon your profession.

[Data cruncher]

So from going from #3 to #10, isn't that better? I mean, if Pasco was #1 of 67 in per student expenditures, and we moved to #10, does that mean we are using our money more wisely?

I find your information interesting so that is why I am trying to make sense of it. With that said, if the older employee’s figures are correct (which in reality is solely based upon recollection), then Heather is actually using her money wisely.

In regards to state and federal mandates, it would have an impact upon spending if the money was allocated to the students doing poorly on the FCAT and so if Pasco has more than say, Hernando, we would have to spend more.

If I am misunderstanding your statements, please explain a little more. Thanks.

[anonymous pasco teacher]

My comments are based on per student expenditures as reported by the state DoE. Current data was reported by the SPT a while back. Data for prior years would be available from the DoE, my statement was based on recollections of long-time Pasco school employees.

Since it's per student, growth is not really a factor. Economy of scale would actually decrease per student costs, as the cost of a $87K Director of Communication salary would be spread over more students. To be fair, 'economy of scale' doesn't always apply in cases of growth. An increase in base-level employees sometimes results in additonal layers of supervisors; as when 1 high school grows to 3 and you 'need' an extra supervisor to monitor the principals.

Capital growth (new school building costs, etc.) are not included in these figures, which only look at operating costs.

Costs of various new mandated programs are factors in all Florida schools and shouldn't inflate Pasco's efficiency any more than any other county.

If you want to do your own data crunching, you should be able to get data on FTE and operational expenditures from the DoE.

[Data cruncher]

To anonymous where did you get that information? Does it take into account the growth of Pasco County and the cost of new schools? How about the federal and state mandates?

The reason why I am asking is because regardless who the supt would have been, the district would have had to build new schools, and implement NCLB programs. Therefore, can we look at your data and take out the capital funds designated for growth as well as state and federal mandates i.e., FCAT issues?

Then we can more accurately compare your data to the data 4 years ago. Otherwise, the raw data you presented is like comparing Macintosh Apples to Delicious apples.

Anything you can pass along, I'd appreciate it. – Thanks!

[publicschoolteacher]

I had no idea we went from 3rd to 10th. This information should be put on a billboard and on the front page of the Pasco Times! People need to know that our spending has INCREASED since HF took office. Your tax dollars have gone to 3rd floor administrative costs and not into the classrooms. Please, someone at the Times crunch these numbers and see what the grand total is!

[anonymous pasco teacher]

Superintendent Fiorentino likes to pride herself on how "lean" the Pasco administration is. "We're the 10th leanest district in the state of Florida!" That SOUNDS pretty good, but before HF got here, we were consistently in the top three when it came to being lean. Maybe this is 'new math' and 10th is better than top 3? The number of highly-paid "assistants", supervisors, and directors (jobs which HF is not qualified to fill, by the way) has skyrocketed

So to paraphrase Ronald Reagan, ask yourself, "Is Pasco better off now than it was four years ago?"