Santa Rosa Schools:
Florida Education Commissioner Henry Mack strong-armed Santa Rosa Superintendent of Schools Karen Barber, refusing to accept any reason why she couldn’t reopen the public schools on Wednesday, Oct. 14, according to a source who sat in on the conference call with Mack and other state officials.
The school district had sent its staff home after working 15 hours on the schools. Mack wanted to send in state clean-up crews, and Barber’s staff explained they wouldn’t be available to open the schools until the next day.
“Too tired.” Mack accused Barber and her team of being “too tired” to make Santa Rosa schools available for students. He said she was denying parents the choice of sending their children to school on Wednesday.
“If I have to order FHP (Florida Highway Patrol) break down your doors, that’s what I will do.”
That is what the education commissioner said, according to my source.
No title, no respect. The bullying continued with Mack refusing to use Barber’s title and using her first name instead.
“Rick, it was the worst abuse of power I’ve ever seen,” my source said of Mack’s behavior. “Superintendent Barber was led to believe Mack would cut her funding and launch a character assassination against the district and her personally. The superintendent was backed into a corner.”
The outcome: The Santa Rosa County School Board voted unanimously Tuesday morning to keep schools closed through Friday, Oct. 16.
- Schools stay closed through Friday, Oct. 16
- Classes resume Monday, Oct. 19
Who Is Henry Mack?
Dr. Henry Mack is Florida’s 30th Commissioner of Education. Gov. Ron DeSantis recommended him, and the State Board of Education unanimously selected him on July 22.
His official bio says he leads the state’s efforts to expand educational opportunities, support parental rights, and strengthen workforce education.
- Most recent post: U.S. Assistant Secretary of Labor, overseeing the nation’s workforce, employment, reemployment, and education programs
- State experience: Chancellor at the Florida Department of Education
- Higher education: Provost, Vice President, and Chief Innovation Officer at colleges and universities
- Teaching: Faculty positions across the State University System in philosophy of education, education policy, and philosophy of religion
- Education: Bachelor’s and graduate degrees in philosophy and theology from the Catholic University of America; doctorate in education administration and philosophy of education from the University of Miami
Mack’s bio says he is committed to ensuring students have access to high-quality educational options that prepare them for college, career, and life.
Source: Florida Department of Education
