Ragle hosts meet and greet at Library, Oct. 22

[Gwen Break]

Monday, October 22, 3:30-7 p.m.
Be at the Coastal Branch Library community room, 437 Greenway Trail, Santa Rosa Beach for a public Meet & Greet with Rosemary Ragle. Refreshments and door prizes will be available for everyone. A special invitation to all teachers has been issued and goody bags will be available for kids and teachers.

This is your opportunity to meet Rosemary Ragle, candidate for Walton County Superintendent of Schools. Rosemary has been involved in public education for 36 years, with 22 years in the classroom, and 14 years as an administrator. Meet with Rosemary to discuss your questions and concerns about the education of Walton County children, and her plans as Superintendent of Schools in Walton County.

 

[meggiemom]

I plan to attend but I have a couple of friends who are teachers who are afraid to go out of fear that the incumbent superintendent will have someone there taking names.

 

[Andy A]

Just a word about the fear some teachers are expressing. While I understand their concern for their jobs, if we have reached a point in this nation where we must fear an indication of who we support for elective office, we are, indeed, in dire straights. If there were to be ANY retribution against any teacher for the way they vote, it should be made public and desired steps taken to correct the problem. I have about as little use for those "afraid" to show their support for a candidate as I do for someone who would supposedly retaliate against such a person.

 

[Independent Thinker]

Don't be so harsh against the teachers because of the fear of losing their job. Proving retaliation against the superintendent if they lost their job would be easier said than done. The school principals and superintendent renew a teachers annual contract at their will, and if the teacher has not achieved tenure they are s**t out of luck. If they do not renew a teachers contract they do not have to give any reason or explanation. Most working people simply can't afford to lose their job without being in dire straits, hiring an attorney would simply be unaffordable.

 

[Bob Wells]

Just a word about the fear some teachers are expressing. While I understand their concern for their jobs, if we have reached a point in this nation where we must fear an indication of who we support for elective office, we are, indeed, in dire straights. If there were to be ANY retribution against any teacher for the way they vote, it should be made public and desired steps taken to correct the problem. I have about as little use for those "afraid" to show their support for a candidate as I do for someone who would supposedly retaliate against such a person.

Think about what you said Andy, easier to make bold statements when you are retired than it is for those who lack protection or the wherewithal to prosecute an offense. When it comes to the teachers and their representation who should be their voice as they both work for the District---Just my point of view.

 

[meggiemom]

From what teachers have told me, all teachers now are on an annual contract and no matter how good they perform, they can be non-renewed for no reason. If a teacher PO's the wrong person they may find themselves without a job next year with no reason given so it would be rather difficult to prove retribution. I'm glad I'm not a teacher in Walton county.

 

[Thrilling]

From what teachers have told me, all teachers now are on an annual contract and no matter how good they perform, they can be non-renewed for no reason. If a teacher PO's the wrong person they may find themselves without a job next year with no reason given so it would be rather difficult to prove retribution. I'm glad I'm not a teacher in Walton county.

All teachers aren't on annual contract Meggiemom, only teachers who were hired in the last four years. That isn't a Walton County thing. It's across Florida. It's designed to keep teachers growing and learning, not relying on tenure, similar to the business model & the rest of the world. Agree with this model or not, Walton County isn't to blame.

 

[Jdarg]

All teachers aren't on annual contract Meggiemom, only teachers who were hired in the last four years. That isn't a Walton County thing it's. It's across Florida, and it's designed to keep teachers growing and learning, not relying on tenure, similar to the business model & the rest of the world. Agree with this model or not, Walton County isn't to blame.

I still find it fascinating that everyone thinks this annual contract phenomenon is a Walton County/Carlene Anderson created thing. Y'all need to get out a little more. Try going ANYWHERE in the US right now and not have this problem if you are a teacher.

 

[Teresa]

I find it shocking. What kind of business model hires professionals for the short term only? The profession of teaching is screwed.

 

[Thrilling]

I find it shocking. What kind of business model hires professionals for the short term only? The profession of teaching is screwed.

It may be shocking, but it's not a Walton County thing. The model wasn't designed to hire professionals for the short term only. Rather, it was meant to replicate the business model where employment is maintained based on performance. As with the business model, it is much less expensive to retain an employee than to hire and train a replacement. Therefore, the vast majority of teachers are continuously employed. When a teacher's annual contract is discontinued, there are very likely mitigating circumstances. Agree or disagree, this model isn't a Walton County idea. It is something that Walton County has had to comply with, as other Florida districts have, in order to maintain funding.