Here’s what we’re hearing inside the Escambia County public school system:
1. Superintendent Malcolm Thomas had a closed-door meeting with Lincoln Park Elementary administration and neighborhood leaders. He told them that he has no problem closing schools. He gave the group the impression that they have a chance to keep the school open if they can recruit more students to stay there instead of transferring to other schools….Isn’t that Thomas’ job? Unfortunately, the superintendent has already made the decision to close the school. Expect another A.A. Dixon-type showdown, but it’s doubtful that another Julian MacQueen is waiting in the wings to save them.
2. 2010-2011 school year may be a record year for the students having sex on campus. We know about Tate High and Warrington Middle, but we’ve had others come forward with tales, one resulting in a 15-year-old becoming pregnant.
3. A elementary school student reportedly attacked a teacher with a knife. Instead of calling 9-1-1, the teacher sent the problem up the chain of command to the district office. Fortunately the child had run off campus and didn’t endanger the teacher or the students. Eventually law enforcement was called and the child was found.
4. No one has filed to run for the Superintendent of Schools position. Thomas and his supporters have been soliciting community leaders and other elected officials to endorse him and create the impression of a groundswell for his re-election. Meanwhile, there is a persistent rumor of another entering the race who would have the support of the rank-and-file and give Thomas a real race. Stay tuned.