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School Board to televise public comment
By MELANIE AVE, Times Staff Writer
TAMPA -- After receiving much criticism, School Board members decided Tuesday to temporarily resume televised public comment at the end of its meetings beginning in January. Board members voted 7-1 to televise public comment on off-agenda items for the next six months at the urging of the Hillsborough County Council of PTA/PTSA. Glenn Barrington voted no, preferring to keep the comments off the air. "I'm in favor of keeping it just like it is," he said. Earlier this year, the School Board decided to end its meetings before the public comment period portion of the agenda, meaning statements from parents and others were no longer televised. Board members also were free to leave even if there were speakers. The policy change came after public showdowns with longtime school administrator Doug Erwin, who accused the district of widespread waste and mismanagement. His allegations embarrassed the school district and spurred several investigations. Many believed the School Board was trying to quiet its critics with the new policy. Diane Clare, president of the PTA council, sent a letter to board members in November urging them to reconsider the decision. Based on Clare's letter, School Board president Carol Kurdell suggested the board try televising public comments for the next six months and then evaluate and compare the results of the two different methods. Then, a final decision can be made. Board member Candy Olson said ending televised public comment gave the mistaken impression that the board opposed the free flow of information. "There is a perception this is closing a door," she said. "I have a problem with it." Newly elected board member Jennifer Faliero said public comment needs to be a part of the official meeting, but perhaps a limit could be placed on total comments. "We've got to be open and accessible," she said. In other business: The board voted itself a 2.5 percent raise. Board members will now be paid $36,694, up from $35,777. Two board members, Doris Ross Reddick and Barrington, voted against the increase. Until this year, School Board salaries were set by a formula in state statutes that was tied to county population. Now board members statewide are asked to decide how much they should be paid. The board made several administrative appointments. Including: Naming assistant superintendent for operations Jack Davis to a newly created position of chief information and technology officer; promoting Lia Crawford from a curriculum specialist to supervisor of elementary mathematics; and reassigning Benito Middle School principal Barbara Hancock to administrator on special assignment. New principals were also named. They include Van Buren Middle School principal Nancy Trathowen, who will become principal of Mann Middle School; Williams Middle School principal Quincenia Bell, principal of Mulrennan Middle School; Marshall Middle School principal Sarah Governor, principal of Jennings Middle School; and Brandon High School principal Rebecca Anderson, principal of Newsome High School. Eisenhower Middle School teacher Gregory Merritt, 54, was suspended without pay because of a November arrest for solicitation for prostitution. -- Melanie Ave can be reached at (813) 226-3400 or melanie@sptimes.com .
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