A response to Superintendent Arbulu’s “Letter to the Editor,” published February 14, 2020. “Comments,” have been published “several years, (since DOE’s involuntary takeover), not several months.” And, Arbulu directs her words at many Jefferson County citizens, who took time to write a letter. Some wrote of concern. Some wrote to have questions answered. More than likely to avoid attending a school board meeting due to the treatment citizens have endured. Join ECB Publishing’s Facebook, and watch live. Past recordings too.
I agree with letters from our citizens. I have not found one offensive or incorrect. Several were based on fact. If you “involuntarily,” lose an entire K-12 school district, most duties of elected school officials are no more (suspended). Because a corporation takes over.
Somerset Academy, Inc., our charter school, is a “corporation.” Filed with the Department of State. Somerset Academy, Inc., more or less completes the work of a superintendent, the work Florida statutes specifies, which she claims. Chair Brumfield confirmed, the elected superintendent, and the current elected school board members are not even allowed on campus (Somerset K-12), unless an appointment is prescheduled (e.g. safety inspections), or an invite is received.
In contrast to Arbulu’s letter, she and the elected school board often repeat during meetings they have “no authority,” over “Somerset.” A common phrase of Chair Brumfield. Board member Saunders has stated, “I don’t know what our district needs – we’re not running a whole lot…” Even during the February 10th meeting, the board asserted “no authority,” over “Somerset,” no less than three (3) times to one presenter. Public records, audio, video and Facebook is available.
An exception: the board just discovered February 10, 2020, three (3) years after DOE’s takeover. A school board representative “shall,” participate in each Somerset IEP (Individual Educational Plans) meeting. Mandated in Section 3(H), Somerset’s agreement. The elected superintendent and board members then proceeded to debate, several minutes, who would attend. Still unclear who will, but one “shall.” After three years.
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I for one do not “pretend,” an opinion is fact. I have invited Arbulu to conduct a sit down, face to face interview, to discuss her duties - how they have changed, and facts she claims are falsehoods. Arbulu has refused each invite.
Transportation is important. Transportation is contracted by a private company who meets standards. Somerset District Schools maintains accountability and management oversight. Based on their impeccable work ethic and history, Somerset is not neglectful regarding this important function. Unless she is licensed to drive a school bus I do not foresee Arbulu being called to intervene. Nevertheless, I will ascertain how many times Arbulu has intervene over or because of Somerset’s neglect pertaining to Transportation.
Have you seen their campus? I toured it. One of the best, safest campuses I have ever toured. Student accomplishments, to include the now repaired broken trophies are displayed in the lobby, not a closet. Accomplishments are attached to sixty bulletin boards along hallways. The cafeteria? Gym? Grounds? Transformed in three (3) years. Kudos to Principle Oliver, his teachers, support staff and the students.
Elected members have the authority of property owned by us. Falling in disrepair. Mismanaged? Neglected? Uninsured. Discriminatory disparity? A vast liability evaded at every meeting.
Its “election time.” Some will attempt to justify. For free. So expect more Ads “Letters to the Editor,” from???
Clayton Tolbert