Escambia County School Superintendent Tim Smith responded to State Rep. Salzman’s call for his resignation with a viewpoint in the Pensacola News Journal. He addresses her complaints individually, which he labeled “Fiction.”
Workforce education
Fiction: We are not taking the actions needed to prepare students with the skills necessary to be successful in the workplace.
Facts: Since 2018, our district has nearly doubled the number of Industry Certifications earned by our students, from just over 4000 certifications earned in 2017-2018, to just over 8000 earned in 2021-2022.
Student discipline
Fiction: Our schools lack discipline and are inundated with violence.
Facts: Our classrooms are orderly, and learning is taking place. However, since 2021, when we returned from COVID shutdowns, there has indeed been some uptick in disciplinary referrals for disruptive behaviors. This disturbing trend reaches beyond the borders of Escambia County to all corners of our country.
I have directed principals to remove students who cause severe disruptions in our schools. Thus, the number of disciplinary referrals has increased. I am confident these numbers will decrease as we reaffirm, through our actions, the behavioral expectations we have of all students.
Military access to magnet schools
Fiction: Escambia County Public School System hinders educational choice for transitioning military families.
Facts: Our school district is in full compliance with all Florida Statutes, the Military Educational Compact, and district policies and procedures that are set to ensure the well-being of transitioning military families. Military families new to the area may apply for students to attend the school of their choice through the Enrollment Services Office.
Warrington Middle School
Fiction: The current leadership and team at Warrington Middle School have failed.
Facts: Sadly, Warrington Middle School has earned a grade of D or lower since 2012. As a reminder, I was appointed in 2020. I can attest that even in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the faculty, staff, and administrators at the school and district levels have been working hard to help students at this school overcome the many barriers faced by students, some inside the classroom, but many outside the classroom. This team made progress in turning things around, but at the end of the day, it wasn’t enough to meet the standards required.
Mental health/well-being of our students
Fiction: Escambia County Public Schools isn’t doing enough to meet the mental health needs of our students.
Facts: Escambia County Public Schools representatives have participated in the mental health task force created and led by State Representative Salzman. I was able to attend a couple of the sessions. The programs and initiatives offered by ECPS to meet the mental health needs of our students are far too numerous to list here. For example, each school in our district is assigned a licensed mental health counselor. Beginning in the 2021-2022 school year, navigators, whose work is similar to that of a social worker, help provide students and families needed resources and support in 32 of our schools. School counselors are available at each school to assist our students. Teachers are trained in Trauma Informed Care.
Read the complete viewpoint – “I’m all in for our students. Facts not fiction tell story.”
