Category: Education
Is District Investigator Dobbs incompetent?
I’ve been bothered greatly by the March 24 Report of Investigation by Escambia Public School District Investigator John Dobbs (Read report). Here’s why: 1. Dobbs…
Community may not be buying Thomas’ report on Tate
If the intent of Superintendent Malcolm Thomas was to quell criticism, his March 24 report appears to be a dismal failure. Parents and community officials…
Buzz: Who lied?
The Investigation Report by the School District’s John Dobbs is very different from the earlier reports of the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. Last week, the…
Scott signs bill tying teacher pay to test scores, ends tenure
At KIPP Impact Middle School, a charter school in Jacksonville, Gov. Rick Scott signed Senate Bill 736, ironically named “Student Success Act,” into law. The…
Thomas finds Tate and School District did no wrong
In memorandum from Superintendent Malcolm Thomas to the Escambia School Board members, the superintendent reported that school officials properly reported the alleged sexual assault at…
Escambia School District needs to hire Eric Smith
Escambia County public schools need a CEO – Chief Education Officer. A great candidate is Eric Smith, the outgoing Florida Secretary of Education. Smith was…
Buzz: Thomas investigation to blame SRO
Buzz: Superintendent Malcolm Thomas is set to release March 24 the findings of his investigation on how he, his school district administration and Tate High…
DOE Secretary resigns
Statement from Eric Smith who announced his resignation as the Secretary of the Florida Department of Education: This past weekend, I informed the members of…
Answers to teacher merit pay questions
Orlando Sentinel put together this Q&A on the merit pay bill that recently passed the Florida Senate. My favorite: Does research show merit-pay plans boost…
Inside Tate Assault: Superintendent’s quotes
Superintendent Malcolm Thomas has told the daily newspaper that he has started an investigation into the Escambia County School District’s response to an alleged sexual…
DCF and victims older than 12
I did speak with Department of Children and Families about the reporting of child abuse. DCF generally doesn’t get involved if the victim of child-on-child…
Behind the scenes: Brownsville school deal
It may be premature to say the $1-million purchase of the closed Brownsville Middle School to George Hawthorne’s Diversity Program Advisors is over, but it’s…
Inside Tate Assault: Threats continue
The threats against the victim of the sexual assault at Tate High School will be allowed back on campus today, having served her suspension. I…
Student death at Tate High
NorthEscambia.com is reporting that freshman Gabe Carter (age 15), reportedly began experiencing a seizure in a classroom and collapsed. The freshman was transported from the…
Bergosh defends Tate actions
Escambia School Board member Jeff Bergosh and, according to him, the School District attorney Donna Waters believe Tate High School officials were not legally obligated…
Inside Tate Assault: Victim threatened
I have had two conversations with people concerning the victim of the sexual assault at Tate High School. The girl is rumored to have a…
Ever’man offers to buy old School District offices
The School Board discussed earlier this week an offer made by Ever’man Natural Foods for the old School District offices on Garden Street. Superintendent Malcolm…
Who is reporting sexual incidents in school district
The figures below are what the Escambia School District reported to the state and law enforcement for the 2009-10 school year–Florida Department of Education’s School…
Inside Tate Assault: Did officials break the law?
The moment the school officials were notified by a parent that a possible sexual assault, involving a 14-year-old victim, happened in a classroom at Tate…
Inside Tate Assault: How not to investigate
This is the Part Two of my interview with the mother who reported the sexual assault at Tate High School. The mother agreed to the…
