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Sweeney, incumbent Druzbick for School Board

By Times editorial
Published August 20, 2006

Two incumbent Hernando County School Board members are facing challenges in nonpartisan races that will be voted on Sept. 5.

In District 1, Robert Wiggins is seeking a third four-year term and has three opponents, Richard McDermott, Michael Ransaw and John Sweeney.

In District 3, John Druzbick, who has been re-elected without opposition since he first took office in 1994, has two this time, Dianne Bonfield and Maricriss Dausch.

With more than two candidates in each race, it is possible, even likely, there will not be an outright winner in the primary. Unless one candidate collects more than half the vote - that's 50 percent plus one - the top two vote-getters will meet again in the general election Nov. 7.

District 1: John Sweeney

Simply put, Wiggins' past four years on the board have been even more unremarkable than his first four. He hasn't earned another term.

Asked recently to list his accomplishments, Wiggins reached back to 1998, when he championed uniforms for students. Beyond that, what he cites as his proudest moments really are nothing more than his part of a unanimous consensus to raise starting teachers' salaries and fund a reading program.

He describes himself as the consummate team player, "leading the team in assists, not scoring." Such humility may be endearing, but with Wiggins even that understated comparison could be an overstatement.

Wiggins, 48, hasn't created problems, but he hasn't demonstrated leadership, ambition or vision, either. The former, in particular, was painfully evident during a stint as chairman in 2005, his only one during eight years on the board.

Borrowing on Wiggins' sports imagery, we say it's time for voters to sit Wiggins on the bench and give a player with more potential and enthusiasm a chance.

We believe John Sweeney is that candidate.

Sweeney, 43, is an 18-year resident of the county who taught school here and in Pasco for nine years before recently starting a business. Before that he worked as a law office administrator and investigator in Hillsborough County.

His campaign slogan is "Sweeney 4 the Kids," and his deep involvement as a coach for youth sports, coupled with his teaching experience, backs up that theme.

He is a straight talker who is equally quick with criticism and praise and, unlike the incumbent he hopes to unseat, he articulates his stance on most issues well. Those positions include building more neighborhood schools, rethinking the way students are selected for magnet schools, raising teacher salaries, improving communication with parents, and setting a schedule for board members and the superintendent to visit schools.

The other candidates in the race are Richard McDermott, 35, and Michael Ransaw, 37.

McDermott teaches at Nature Coast Technical High School and has a side business marketing medicating skin creams. He is a determined candidate, even more so than the two times he ran unsuccessfully for County Commission.

McDermott paints the School Board with a broad brush in his criticism of Wiggins, and that is unfair. The board has wrestled with the county's growing pains and in many cases - persuading voters to increase the sales tax to pay for school construction comes to mind - has acted with appropriate foresight.

Then there is Ransaw, who is in a protracted legal battle with the school district about his suspension and eventual termination as principal of Powell Middle School. An administrative law judge concurred with the superintendent's decision to fire Ransaw for misconduct and insubordination because he did not disclose that he was demoted and under investigation for pawning a taxpayer-owned laptop in Broward County.

Ransaw probably knows more about educating and motivating students than any of the candidates, and his platform is mostly sensible and balanced.

But those positive aspects of his campaign cannot overcome our doubts about his veracity and judgment, or that his motivation for seeking this seat may be rooted in spite. If he was elected, it is unlikely he could regain the trust of his colleagues or the majority of district employees, which would make him hopelessly ineffectual on the board.

In this race, voters should support Sweeney, who receives our recommendation in District 1.

District 3: John Druzbick

For all that Wiggins has not done, incumbent Druzbick has done the opposite. After 12 years on the board he remains motivated, concerned and up-to-date on the challenges facing the school district.

In addition, he is keenly aware of the district's logistics and policies, using his tenure to bring perspective to many debates. And his willingness to explain, promote or otherwise publicize the board's programs and plans in the community is unsurpassed.

Druzbick, 55, has served as board chairman four times, and with each turn he has exhibited evenhanded, focused leadership. At times Druzbick may have been too quick to endorse the administration's proposals, but in the past two years he has rediscovered the value of healthy skepticism.

Druzbick's opponents are Dianne Bonfield, 57, and Maricriss Dausch, 44.

Bonfield has taught in Hernando County for 26 years, most recently at Pine Grove Elementary School. Her view of the district is definitely seen from the perspective of a classroom teacher. She emphasizes better communication with parents and teachers by the board and superintendent, downsizing crowded schools, increasing per pupil funding by the state and expanding student mentoring programs.

Dausch co-owns a trophy shop and is a tireless volunteer in the community, especially in schools. Her platform stresses promoting more involvement by parents and businesses, better long-range planning and the need for new ideas.

Both challengers are earnest, committed and capable. Up against another incumbent, either might be an obvious choice. However, neither can overcome Druzbick's experience or surpass his dedication.

As the district undertakes the tasks of hiring a new superintendent, reducing class sizes and building more schools, Druzbick's insight will be invaluable. We recommend him as a deserving incumbent in the District 3 primary.

[Last modified August 20, 2006, 07:41:01]