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Letter to the editor

Today's Letters: Volleyball needs not being met

By LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Published November 16, 2007

Having five different head coaches in the past six years reflects the administration's lack of respect for the program and its year-to-year, Band-Aid approach of sticking one teacher after another with little or no volleyball experience into the head coaching position.

The school needs to hire a dedicated head coach, with legitimate volleyball knowledge and experience, who is committed to building a successful program. Once that happens, the drama and other issues will be minimized and there will be unified dedication at all levels under a strong, respected coach. It is the model under which virtually all successful high school volleyball programs operate and succeed and Freedom High School deserves that same opportunity. The school administration must step up and do the right thing.

Scott Ditmarsen, Tampa Palms

For rent: school naming rights

The Hillsborough County School Board is torn between keeping the name of the MOSI Partnership School and changing it to honor John Iorio, who was an English teacher at the University of South Florida. The principal of the school doesn't want to change the name. But then again, John also happens to be Mayor Pam Iorio's dad.

Some would say that naming a public school does not cost the taxpayers a penny. I think naming a school (or other public facility) after Mayor Pam - I mean her dad - is a wonderful honor (if he were the MOST deserving). But let's be honest, this honor is for Mayor Pam, not her dad. It's turning into another "family affair" episode (anyone see the episode about the Grecos?)

I have some suggestions for our next school opening. We can call it "Friends & Family of the Mayor High School." Some other possible school names are "County Commissioner's Biggest Campaign Donor's Mom Elementary" and "He Got My Daughter a Job in Washington Middle School."

It is obvious that naming rights of public facilities have become more of a way for our elected officials to pat each other on the back than to honor those most deserving. Since this is the reality, why not start making money on this deal instead? Let's put the naming rights up for rent (10 years at a time). Use the money to help buy things for the students in the schools. Remember the students?

Jim McKenna, North Tampa

[Last modified November 15, 2007, 07:39:48]