Dear Editor,
For several months now there have been comments published in Letters to the Editor that imply that because there are no public schools in the County, the School District and Superintendent’s office no longer serves a purpose. Nothing could be further from the truth.
It is important to understand that charter schools are public schools, and by state law, come under my jurisdiction for oversight and monitoring. In fact, Section 1001.49, Florida Statutes devotes four pages to outline the responsibilities of the Superintendent, and the statutes do not relieve me of these responsibilities because of the presence of charter schools. For example, when Somerset assumed management of the transportation unit, the Florida Department of Education felt compelled to send me a letter to reiterate the fact that I still have ultimate responsibility over transportation, even if not directly managing the unit. What that means in practical terms, if Somerset neglects it duties, I am held accountable, so I work with Somerset to insure they are compliant in all matters.
Let’s be clear, principals run schools – superintendents run districts, and local school boards manage policy and taxation – each has their own responsibilities and duties enumerated in law.
It is important to remark that this administration received the School District in a financial state of emergency and academic decline, a debacle that caused the State’s intervention into the school district. For three years now, I have worked diligently to make sure these problems were either solved, as in our financial status, or improved, as in our school grades – a key point because the district supports the school operations in many ways beyond financial. Another example is school safety, where as the head of safety for the district including the schools, I work closely with school administration and law enforcement to insure that we have good policies and procedures, and that we are in compliance with strict school safety laws adopted after the Marjory Stoneman Douglas incident in Parkland.
This district runs with two people responsible for almost all of the same duties as every other district – the big difference is that we do not have the same resources – two people to handle 28 separate areas of responsibility.
We are all entitled to our opinions, and the right to express them – that is a good thing. However, when one pretends that an opinion is fact, it becomes a disservice to the community. Playing loosely with the facts and making statements that have no foundation in law or rule is harmful behavior. I urge any constituent that has questions or concerns about the district operation to please contact me directly. I pride myself on having a fully transparent operation, and will continue to do so. Good schools, and good school districts are a collaborative effort – and I am proud of the work we do every day to improve our schools and our community.
At your service,
Marianne Arbulu, Superintendent