Trisha Porter Hutchison Introduction

[trish hutchison]

Yes, Jdarg, I do have a chart from a board member from OWC, with statistics that I would be glad to show you.

I have to make an apology, however. I should not have stated that fewer are enrolling. It is, in fact, that fewer are not ready. More and more are having to take remedial classes before beginning the regular college courses that they get credit for. And fewer are graduating on time.

I don't have access to a scanner at the moment, but will try to get a copy attached in the next couple of days. If you would like to meet with me, I'd be glad to bring you a copy. My cell # is 259-0940.

 

[Jdarg]

Yes, Jdarg, I do have a chart from a board member from OWC, with statistics that I would be glad to show you.

I have to make an apology, however. I should not have stated that fewer are enrolling. It is, in fact, that fewer are not ready. More and more are having to take remedial classes before beginning the regular college courses that they get credit for. And fewer are graduating on time.

I don't have access to a scanner at the moment, but will try to get a copy attached in the next couple of days. If you would like to meet with me, I'd be glad to bring you a copy. My cell # is 259-0940.

Thanks, I had an extended conversation yesterday with a current school board member and school board candidate, both whose opinions I value. I think we all agreed that the plain numbers do not tell the whole story, since there is no way to separate out the kids that had a delayed college start, those that found it necessary to lay out and work, those that started at OW as a way to get some college courses under their belts, then transferred to a university, etc. But thanks for your offer.

 

[rapunzel]

First, Trish, I'd like to thank you for posting on this forum. When the status quo in local elections is for people to get a few universally agreeable statements in the local paper and print tons of signs in hopes of getting enough name recognition to win a local race, it shows respect for the public to come on a forum such as this and answer questions -- I applaud you for putting yourself out there.

I don't have a child in the school system, but believe a thriving public school system builds a better, stronger community. I've been to a school board meeting, and although I thought some of the individuals did an excellent job, I was not impressed with the board as a whole. As Superintendent, you seek to lead the board, so I will target my questions to that role --

• How does the school board make decisions? Some of the members seem to function as predictable, single-issue advocates. What would you do to insure they approach each decision with an open mind? Strong decision-making requires analysis, the balancing of needs and concerns, and the ability to see the long-term implications of an action. Is your interest in this position primarily political, or do you have a vision for how to improve the school system?
  
• How would you improve the 'team spirit' of the board? The board does not seem to have a healthy group dynamic, and one group seems to want to work to give the children of Walton County a top education, and the other seems to want to protect them from the evils of the world at large. The board seems fearful of and easily swayed by political moods. Would you align yourself with either group? If not, how would you work to create a more productive environment for the board members?
  
• Do you believe the board's authority well defined? The classic challenges of management hound the board of education. There's a delicate balance between choosing a strong chief executive (the superintendent) and letting him or her lead the way and the board's tendency to get involved with many levels of decision-making. Can you tell the voters about an experience you've had leading a group where you had to achieve a similar balance? The credentials you listed may speak for themselves within your field, but the average voter could probably benefit from a concrete example.
  
• Do you believe the board understands the community? One of the most difficult parts of school governance is creating a strong relationship with the public. An effective board knows and respects its community, and encourages the community's trust in its school system. This community has grown and evolved tremendously over the past decade. How would you create a school system that the constituencies north and south of the bay could feel good about?

Finally, I have to admit that I find myself scratching my head when people leave these enigmatic postings on candidate's threads. My first inclination is to dismiss the candidate/supporter as a conspiracy theorist malcontent. It would be great if someone could flesh out the problems, and be more specific about the fear, etc. If you want to say something, but are afraid of retaliation or something, feel free to pm it to me or another moderator to post with discretion for you. If there is legitimately a culture of fear and intimidation that is something that should see the light of day. However, when it's just alluded to and no one speaks up, I think most people will assume it's just one or two people with a grudge and that doesn't help the candidate.

 

[trish hutchison]

Thank you, Rapunzel, for your questions.

First, let me say that the Superintendent is not the leader of the School Board. They are two seperate entities. The School Board makes policies for the school district, sometimes considering the recommendations of the Superintendent. The Superintendent enforces the policies made by the School Board. The School Board discusses issues and votes on them with the majority ruling. We vote for and elect our School Board members as leaders in their own right for the school district.

I would encourage "Team Spirit" by treating the board members as intelligent human beings with something to contribute. I have found that usually when you treat people with respect they will respond in kind. I would do everything within my power to build a positive relationship between the Superintendent and the School Board.

My experience in achieving balance in a meeting: As School Improvement Co-Chair, we (the other co-chair and I) have to mediate between various school committees to come up with a plan for improving our school for the following year. Also, being a lead teacher with the University of West Florida, in charge of the operation of the large tutoring program at our school, I've had to mediate between UWF, the families, and the school to ensure a positive outcome for all parties involved. This has not always been an easy task.

I believe that the board does understand the community. These individuals are representatives that we elected from our own population. I believe better understanding comes from a close contact with the community. If we feel that our representatives have lost touch, we should elect another representative. On the other hand, when we have people who know the pulse of this county and make good decisions, we should do all that we can to keep them. If we do this and are confident concerning our choices, we will feel good about our school district.

Concerning you comment about the fear factor: I didn't bring it up on this forum. I was merely responding to another person's comments. If you all talk to someone who is afraid, then fear exists. If not, it doesn't. I have spoken to some school district employees who are afraid of voicing opposition because of retaliation. I will not give these people up for my own gain. If this causes anyone to not vote for me, then that's how it has to be.

 

[rapunzel]

Thank you for your response.

I think this is the perfect illustration of how great this forum can be, especially as a tool to educate the large segment of the population of SoWal that moved here from other states, other places. I've never lived in a place where the school board superintendent was elected, they were always hired by the elected members of the board to serve as the executive. The role must be very different here, and explains maybe why so many were focusing on leadership skills.

It is my perception that the large push for charter schools in the south part of the county can be traced to a seeming disconnect between the parents of school aged children in the south part of the county, and a school board that seems focused on the needs and concerns north of the bay. I know there are many parents in this area willing to devote a large portion of their time and energy to trying to work with the board, but many more opt out of regular public school. Given the rate of growth in the south, I believe that disconnect to be the greatest challenge for the school board.

Concerning you comment about the fear factor: I didn't bring it up on this forum. I was merely responding to another person's comments. If you all talk to someone who is afraid, then fear exists. If not, it doesn't. I have spoken to some school district employees who are afraid of voicing opposition because of retaliation. I will not give these people up for my own gain. If this causes anyone to not vote for me, then that's how it has to be.

My remarks about the fear were not directed to you. The person posting those remarks is obviously a supporter, and I was hoping that the person understand the cryptic nature of the posts might not be helpful to you. This is not the only thread where people have mentioned the "fear factor", and it's coming from different posters. It's leaving many of us scratching our heads and wondering what is going on. I think we'd all love to know what this is about. I don't understand the need for all the secrecy, but was trying to think of a way we could get the allegations out in the open so they can be evaluated and given proper weight.

 

[sowalwal]

It appears from your comment that you think school board members only represent their district, when in fact they are voted at-large? Where you aware of this? This do represent all of the constituents in the county not just those in the area where they live.

I agree that the Superintendent is not the leader of the school board nor is he/she a subordinate to the Board except in an appointed position. For what I know and as it appears the current Superintendent and School Board in Walton County work together which obviously is benefiting our students as evidence by student achievements.

Do you not agree?

 

[concernednxtgen]

Trisha,

What is your stand on homeschooling?

 

[trish hutchison]

I would like to thank everyone who helped me in any way with my campaign. Words cannot adequately express my deep appreciation to you for the many things that you did. There are many wonderful people in Walton County!!!

 

[trish hutchison]

I was sent an email that posed a question to me by someone on the 1st, but I can't find it here on on the thread. My email address is trishaporterhutchison@yahoo.com if you need to get up with me. To answer your question you might ask some of the principals around where you are if you can put flyers in the teachers' lounge. Or even ask them if they know of someone who might be interested. If you are at the northern end of the county, give me some contact info, and I'll get the word out for you.