Dear Editor:
He’s back…and cannot reconcile the need of a “12,462 sq. ft., district office,” of the public school district, with no schools allegedly. Refusing to downsize. Yet the staff has been. Only two (2) “district administrative staff,” left. One (1) is elected by us, the other, her fulltime (FTE) administrative assistant.
I inspected the 12,462 sq., ft., district office. Unlike the software vendor, I was not surprised Superintendent Marianne Arbulu, with no school allegedly, opened the door. Arbulu insists the (53) year old 12,462 sq. ft., office was “needed,” and is the “best building,” to “house,” her and her administrative assistant.
No doubt our county government complex (our former high school), could accommodate these two (2) positions. Two offices or one office with a cubicle or two cubicles. Arbulu argued relocating is “very expensive.” I replied, “Interagency Squad (e.g. inmate labor),” at no costs. Unless the county invoices the county as she and the board does. I also volunteered to arrange a one-time/special project inmate squad for relocation. It’s arranged. No response. Arbulu asserts utility transfer would be an outrageous cost. I assert heating/cooling 12,452 sq. ft., for two, is an outrageous cost. Arbulu claims everything she “pays now,” would cost the same. Her claim: the utilities are merely being transferred from one location to another. My claim: Not unless she and her employee relocates to another 12,452 sq. ft., office.
Pertaining to her 12,462 sq. ft., office, we, the taxpayers of one of the least populated counties in Florida, (63rd out of 67 counties), are paying $42,821.00 dollars, annually: $24,649.00 dollars in utility costs; $6,322.00 dollars for insurance; another $1,050.00 dollars for mowing (the asphalt?); and $10,800.00 dollars for “telephone/internet.” What? Just five (5) services. Remember the number five (5), it’s the upcoming topic of “Watching the Finances,” in the Monticello News, November 1, 2019.
You decide. Remain in the 12,452 sq. ft., office and pay $42,821.00 dollars, plus, annually? These budgeted costs excludes maintenance/repair costs. Arbulu reported two (2) part time teachers, with (35) adult students were recently added, and the “school board members have their monthly meeting here too.” It’s my understanding the (35) students are on-line, and do not physically enter the building. Will clarify.
I was paid to analyze, to provide solutions and resolve complaints. My specialty. I look for reasons “to do,” opposed to reasons “not to do.” Classrooms sit empty. To conduct public meetings, the school board can use the Annex, as the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC), does. For special meetings and Workshops too. The public library, another resource with adequate space. As is two other locations relayed during my conversation with Arbulu. If a taxpayer loses a job or a separation occurs, most must downsize and cut costs. The JCSB should be no exception. A separation has occurred.
If our three (3) elected boards, the fifteen (15) elected members, would work together imagine accomplishments to be had. Disdain of a few from a few is obvious. The “stay out of my sandbox,” “don’t use my toy,” attitude, coupled with poor financial judgment regarding our tax dollars is not in the best interests of taxpayers (including themselves). Pool resources. Save.
In short, relocate to a smaller footprint. Let’s sell the 12,452 sq. ft., of prime commercial property. Then fix the Auditorium. Convey A-Building (former Jefferson Academy),” to the BOCC, as “Paid in full,” and quit charging us, the taxpayers, $2,000.00, per month for this “one school building,” we, the taxpayers, have owned since 1852. How is this legal? Let’s ask the four (4) paid board attorneys. Arbulu complains she is “strapped,” for cash. It does not appear she is. Let me know your thought. It’s important.
W. Clayton Tolbert,
Advocating4U@yahoo.com