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School group likes Lerner, Williams

A group representing school workers weighs in on two School Board races, but hasn't made an endorsement in a third.

By THOMAS C. TOBIN
Published July 26, 2006

A political action committee representing about 11,000 Pinellas school employees has endorsed two School Board candidates but is having trouble deciding whom to support in a high-profile race that pits two incumbents against each another.

The PAC for the teachers and support employees unions has endorsed longtime School Board member Linda Lerner in the mid county District 6 race, and Lewis Williams, a retired school administrator, in the countywide District 3 race.

A nod of support from the unions, the Pinellas Classroom Teachers Association and the Pinellas Educational Support Professionals Association, is considered one of the more coveted endorsements.

The PAC plans to endorse a candidate in the south county District 7 race but wants to interview one more candidate first.

The group has not been able to reach agreement in the District 2 race, according to Jade Moore and Michelle Dennard, executive director and president, respectively, of the Pinellas Classroom Teachers Association.

In that contest, School Board members Nancy Bostock and Mary Russell are running against each other and against Chris Hardman, a Countryside High School teacher and coach. District 2 is voted countywide.

Bostock "likes kids, but her politics are a tad retro," Moore said. She has been a strong supporter of the state's school accountability program, putting her at odds with the teachers union, which is often critical of the program.

Moore also noted that Bostock voted against placing a measure on the 2004 ballot asking Pinellas voters to support a special property tax largely earmarked for teacher salaries. Voters approved the measure.

Though Russell is a former teacher, the committee thinks she has not been an effective advocate, Moore said.

"She's very outspoken but she's advocated so many issues that people are having a hard time separating and prioritizing," he said. While other board members pick their battles, "here it seems like issues are being picked all the time and battles are being fought all the time. ... After awhile, it gets to be tiring."

Hardman had done his homework and had some good ideas, but has little experience, Moore said. "He may surprise us."

He said the 15-member PAC will try again to endorse a candidate but may decide to pass on the race. He said the committee is a diverse group, with members from north and south county, various party affiliations and a variety of sectors within the district.

Dennard, the teachers union president, said Lerner brings "historical perspective" and a "depth of knowledge" to the board. She also advocates for students and teachers and mentors newer board members, Dennard said. "You couldn't find a finer board member."

Williams, who is black, would add "minority and gender" diversity to the board, Dennard said. The board has been all-female since 2004.

Moore said several other District 3 candidates were "very impressive," but Williams got the edge because of his command of the issues and his experience with the district, serving as a teacher, principal and top administrator.

"It's a wonderful perspective to have," Moore said. "It think he's going to bring a lot of balance and perspective to the board."

[Last modified July 26, 2006, 05:44:07]