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REVISITING SUPER DECISION
Fetsko feels that who serves as superintendent is more relevant than the selection model. "It doesn't matter how a person gets into the position; it's what they demonstrate when they're in the position."
HOW VS. WHO
Dr. Tim Smith took over the school district near the end of the first semester of the 202021 school year during the thick of the COVID pandemic. Fed up with low-performing schools, voters had voted in 2018 to shift from an elected superintendent to an appointed one in the hope of taking politics out of public education, but Gov. Ron DeSantis and state lawmakers have refused to let classrooms alone as superintendents have dealt with pandemic logistics and labor shortages.
"I believe that we need to exercise a little bit of understanding here," school board member Patty Hightower told Inweekly. "There was a lot of things going on."
But Fetsko isn't letting Smith off the hook. "Tim Smith did not cause COVID; Tim Smith did not cause stay-home-from school; that's not the issue. I believe it's more the way things were handled by the current superintendent."
By Jeremy Morrison
After two years with an appointed superintendent, the Escambia County School District may be heading for a course reversal, with talk of reverting to an elected-superintendent model. On March 21, the school board will vote on a resolution to have voters decide. If the board approves, then the resolution will go before the county commission, which must sign off on the referendum before the Florida Legislature votes to put the issue on the ballot.
Board Chairman Paul Fetsko shared many constituents want to return to an elected superintendent because they believe the change has not been beneficial. "There are people who believe they were duped into voting for something that didn't come to fruition. They were told that im mediately you're going to have higher test scores; you're gonna have higher attendance; everything's gonna be better. And that is not the case."
Since Board Member Kevin Adams announced he would introduce a referendum on the matter on the March 2024 presidential preference primary, Superintendent Tim Smith has taken most of the heat, with critics focused on his handling of politically hot issues, such as the removing of books challenged as obscene from school libraries and classrooms.
"I think it has to do with politics," fellow board member Patty Hightower reasoned recently. However, she's unsure why returning to an elected superintendent would be politically beneficial to any particular viewpoint. "But when I think of it that way, how do you ensure that you will elect somebody you agree with? And if you elect 'em, you've got 'em for four years."
According to the chairman, constituents have come to him with their complaints about the superintendent. The complaints tend to lean into politicized issues, such as a staff training video that the chairman described as "very much a CRT promotion" and "a straightforward indoctrination thing."
"It overwhelmed me that people said they wished they had the chance to vote on it again," Fetsko said. "They were not happy with decisions that had been made by the current superintendent."
Based on his constituent's complaints, the board chairman said, "I will most likely vote in favor of putting it up for a referendum, but I will not say that I support it."
SHALLOW THINKING?
State Rep. Michelle Salzman isn't ready to return to an elected superintendent, but she be - lieves Smith needs to go. Last week, she issued a statement calling for his resignation, adding to her demand, "Every day that we prolong this transition to new leadership there is a child who is bullied, a child who drops out, a child who attempts suicide, a child who loses hope."
Brushing Salzman's hyperbole aside, Superintendent Smith said he has no plans to resign. "No, I am not. That is not the direction that I'm heading. We are moving forward. There's some good work being done, and we have more work to be done as we continue to really look to reach all of our kids."
He feels a whiplash reversal of models would be destabilizing. "We haven't seen challenges like this before, so to say all of this is the superintendent's fault, let's be done with him, that's just shallow thinking, first of all. But the other thing is, it's just not right; you just can't lead a community around like this, saying, 'This year, we want this; this year, we want that.'"
On that second point, Quint Studer, a major proponent of the appointed system, agrees. "They're throwing the baby out with the bathwater here. You've got to give it a chance and let it work."
By Studer's estimation, the school board has the responsibility to appoint an effective superintendent. If Smith's not the guy, try again. "In my mind, if you don't like the job the person's doing, then change the person, but you don't throw out the whole system."
Hightower agrees. "If three of five think it's time for him to go, then three of the five can start negotiations for a severance package."
But she won't be one of the three. "I don't believe we've had enough opportunities to see any results of anything he has put into play."
She's not sure what the real issue even is. "I wish we could separate it from, 'OK, is this a lot of conversation about the books? Is this really about the superintendent's abilities? Is it really about we just don't like the fact that this person is appointed and we want to be in charge of electing somebody? Are they three separate issues or are they all intertwined?"
Hightower added, "I want to have that conversation." {in}
LIFEGUARDS BACK Pensacola Beach Lifeguards returned to their towers on Wednesday, March 1, for the 2023 lifeguard season. Initially, one to three towers at Casino Beach will be staffed from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., seven days a week, shifting from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. beginning Sunday, March 12. As summer approaches, staffing will increase to provide coverage at up to 10 towers, including the towers at Gulf Islands National Seashore, which begin staffing Memorial Day weekend.
"Our lifesaving team is prepared to prevent and respond to all unknown events that may occur in this amazing and wonderful part of our world," said Water Safety Chief Dave Greenwood.
Last season, Pensacola Beach Lifeguards performed 98 rescues from drowning and 115 assists to swimmers experiencing moderate distress. They also attended to 54 major medical incidents and assisted 30 patients for EMS transport. Lifeguards contacted beachgoers over 150,000 times during the 2022 season, providing information about rip currents, beach condition flags and other safety tips.
In preparation for the 2023 season, Pensacola Beach hired 14 new lifeguards and welcomed 36 returning lifeguards to a rigorous training program, including over 60 hours of open water training, emergency medical training and more. On Saturday, March 18, the Pensacola Beach Lifeguards will host a tryout in an effort to bring on more qualified lifeguards. For more information, visit bit.ly/3y1TEqj.
STILL NOT TRANSPARENT Last week, the Pensacola Humane Society released a report produced by Saltmarsh, Cleaveland & Gund "to be fully open and honest with the public about the financial well-being of PHS and reassure the community of PHS's financial position moving forward. "
Though PHS referred to the report as "a type of financial audit," the report only focused on ac- counting areas that PHS wanted Saltmarsh to review. Its title is "Independent Accountant's Report on Applying Agreed Upon Procedures," and it can be found on pensacolahumane.com.
In its cover letter, Saltmarsh wrote the purpose of the report was "to review certain accounting records and transactions and overall financial reporting of the Society for appropriateness." The CPA firm stated the report was intended only for the information of the use of the Board of Directors and management.
In other words, the report may not be the forensic audit that former staff and volunteers had wanted when they resigned and the PHS shelter shut down in December.
Unlike traditional audit reports, the Saltmarsh report didn't include balance sheets or income and loss statements. There were no footnotes to provide more detailed information that would be found in a traditional audit.
An outsider reading this PHS report only gets a vague view of PHS finances and must rely on the CPA firm's judgments without supporting documentation.
What did the report say? Cash: Bank statements were reconciled monthly. The former executive director and/or board treasurer signed all the checks. No overdrafts occurred thanks to two advances from a $100,000 line of credit for $20K and $50K.
The report doesn't say when the advances were made but does state the line of credit was to cover "temporary cash shortfalls." When were those cash shortfalls? There are no footnotes on the specifics about the line of credit, which would have been included in a traditional audit.
Cash Disbursements & Credit Card Testing: Former executive director may have violated board policies by splitting checks to avoid the $5,000 threshold set by the board. However, all disbursements tested were properly supported and represented valid business expenses.
Investments: PHS has $1,098,555 in investments, and only $6,569 is in cash and alternatives.
Payroll: Saltmarsh questioned the bonus payments made to the former development director. However, there are no minutes or documentation showing the board ever approved the incentive plan. PHS doesn't post its board minutes or the name of its board members on its website.
Donations: Saltmarsh found numerous small donations, totaling $49,422, that were not tracked as Net Assets with Donor Restrictions. The total of properly tracked restrictions was $105,718, and the CPA firm said PHS has sufficient assets available to satisfy donor requirements. However, the report doesn't state if the checking account has the cash or if the assets are locked up in the investment accounts.
Financial Reporting: Board treasurer reviewed monthly financial information with the board.
SPECIAL HONORS Last month, the Pensacola Navy League honored two Escambia County Fire Rescue volunteer firefighters at its 2023 Military Recognition Day.
Petty Officer Michael Rosa, USN, received the 2023 Volunteer Service Medal with a certificate of recognition signed by President Joe Biden. As a member of the U.S. Navy, Petty Officer Rosa serves as the project lead for a Combat Support Team, leading 26 sailors covering 10 lines of effort. He also is a Target Analysis Report Subject Matter Expert. Petty Officer Rosa has dedicated over 500 hours of service to Escambia County.
Staff Sergeant Cheyann Smith, USAF, was recognized as the 2023 Margaret Flowers Award recipient. She serves as the Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge of the Commander's Support Section. A natural fundraiser, she completely overhauled the command booster club to hold 15 separate events, which funded her squadron's holiday party and provided financial support for a squadron mate that lost their spouse. While off-duty, Staff Sergeant Smith has responded to over 80 fire rescue calls for ECFR.
"Taking the time and being willing to go out of your way to help others without being told to in itself is awesome," said Assistant District Chief Yoshimi Core. "'Service Beyond Self' is a term heard in the military and in Public Safety. It is a trait of behaviors clearly evident by two of Escambia County's firefighters."
Petty Officer Rosa serves out of ECFR Station 11, and Staff Sergeant Smith out of ECFR Station 2.
FPL DROPPING RATES A day after J.T. Young, vice president and general manager of FPL Northwest Florida Region, announced customers should expect an increase in their electric bills in April, Florida Power & Light reversed course and said it would decrease rates in May. The flip-flop occurred last week at the 2023 FPL Northwest Florida Economic Symposium in Sandestin.
"Earlier this morning, we filed another motion with the (Florida Public Service) Commission to actually lower bills in May as a result of the lowerthan-expected natural gas prices, so this is a big win," Young said, inciting applause from the audience on Wednesday, March 1.
That marked an about-face from what Young said on Tuesday at the symposium. He said, "We anticipate there may be some bill adjustments in April, mostly due to higher-than-anticipated fuel costs last year along with some storm recovery costs following hurricanes."
In January, FPL announced plans to ask the Florida Public Service Commission to approve collecting $1.3 billion from customers due to costs from Hurricane Ian and Hurricane Nicole and another $2.1 million related to higher natural gas prices. FPL expects a ruling from the Public Service Commission by March 7. The collections would be spread out over 21 months.
Increased rates would impact customers who use 1,000-plus kilowatt hours of electricity. The increase would be slightly over $13 a month or 8%. Northwest Florida customers who use 1,000 kilowatt hours of electricity would pay an average of $173.09 a month.
Gulf Power transitioned to FPL in January 2022. Young described the transition as "bumpy." FPL increased rates significantly last year to the point that Pensacola customers protested at City Hall and sought bill relief from the Florida Legislature.
Earlier this month, the Florida Supreme Court heard arguments from two groups who challenged the Public Service Commission unanimously approving a settlement that allows FPL to raise rates over four years. The Supreme Court is yet to rule on the challenges.
The plan filed with the PSC plan would reduce fuel charges by $4.43 a month. According to FPL staff, in addition to this filing to reduce fuel costs, the PSC staff has recommended spreading the costs of prior Northwest Florida storms—Michael, Sally and Zeta—across all of FPL's customers.
If approved, that would help offset some of the increases, removing about $10 a month from the typical customer bill. The PSC's proposal would provide additional relief for Northwest Florida customers by rolling those charges off the bill much faster–in 12 months rather than 21.
The overall net would be a decrease in monthly electric bills of $1.43 a month. Hooray.
WEAPONIZING RELIGION Last month, Jeremy Morrison reported on the FlashPoint Live event in Brownsville and its connection to Christian nationalism (Inweekly, "Selling Snake Oil in the Promised Land," 2/23/23).
To better understand Christian nationalism, The Lincoln Project's Chief of Staff Ryan Wiggins recommends reading "Jesus and John Wayne" by Kristin Kobes Du Mez.
"It is about how the evangelical movement started and how we ended up with this Christian nationalism mindset," said Wiggins on WCOA. "It goes against what this country was founded on. We were separating from the Church of England, and we wanted to be able to worship how we wanted it and where we wanted and who we wanted. (Christian nationalism) slides in the face of all of that." before with another mayor, I didn't find the willingness to get things done."
She believes that Christian nationalism is harming the religion and more. "It's running people away from Christianity, and it's poisoning our democracy."
She later added, "What would you do if this was Muslim nationalism? That is what is happening over in the Middle East … The exact same thing these Christian nationalists are trying to do to this country is what the Muslim nationalists are doing to Iran … Either way, it's an affront to human rights. And it is not our place to decide what other people have to believe."
The councilman continued. "We have an issue up here with the house that has been somewhat abandoned and going through the process of evicting the resident. I've just had great support from law enforcement and sanitation, and I continue to get that. D.C. is very focused on metrics, and I like that."
Run Ron
RUN Gov. Ron DeSantis canceled a scheduled appearance at the Florida Power & Light Northwest Florida Economic Symposium, but lobbyist Darrick McGhee provided the attendees with a Florida legislative update that included what happens if DeSantis runs for the Republican presidential nomination.
Florida law currently says state officeholders must resign if they run for a federal office. McGhee said he expects DeSantis to seek the nomination and for lawmakers to pass a bill that ensures he remains governor unless he is elected president.
"What will end up happening is the governor will not have to resign his seat as sitting governor to run for president," said McGhee, chief operating officer for the lobbying firm Johnson & Blanton LLC. "Nothing really changes other than he'll now be a sitting governor running nationally for president, as well, but nothing will change via law or constitution. You will only see a change if he is successful in November of next year as far as winning the presidency."
On Sunday, Feb. 26, Fox News released a poll that showed Republican primary voters favored former President Donald Trump over DeSantis. Trump received 43% of the vote, followed by DeSantis at 28%. Other polls indicate the opposite, with DeSantis ahead of Trump by double-digit percentage points in some instances.
If DeSantis was elected president in November 2024, Lt. Gov. Jeanette Núñez would be sworn in and act as governor for the remainder of the term. DeSantis' term expires two years after the presidential election. McGhee said Núñez would then have the option to appoint a lieutenant governor or leave that office vacant.
"Albeit a running mate, the authority of the lieutenant governor is given to him or her by the governor," he said.
McGhee said if DeSantis were elected president, there would be no shortage of candidates for governor in 2026. He said he could name six off the top of his head, but he declined to share their names with the audience.
"I can tell you there will be a lot of people considering running because it will be an open ticket," he said.
MORE COOPERATION Charles Bare is serving for the second time on the Pensacola City Council. He held an at-large seat from 20122016 and a charter amendment eliminated the at-large seats. Last year, Bare was elected to serve District 2.
Inweekly asked him about life under Mayor D.C. Reeves.
"I can tell you that the mayor's staff has been incredible to work with," Bare said. "Having served
SUMMER YOUTH JOBS Applications are now open for the Escambia County Summer Youth Employment Program through Friday, March 10, at 3 p.m., at myescambia.com/youthemployment. Physical applications will not be available. Incomplete applications or applications submitted after the deadline will not be accepted.
The program is open to Escambia County youth ages 16-24 interested in an opportunity to receive paid work experience this summer. Qualified youth who are accepted into the program will be able to work up to 30 hours a week, with positions available in various county departments along with the Escambia County School District, Property Appraiser, Tax Collector's Office and Supervisor of Elections Office. Participants will also receive job readiness training prior to job placement as well as postemployment briefings.
Last summer, over 150 youth participated in the program, working in county departments including Public Works, Public Safety, Escambia County Area Transit, West Florida Public Libraries and more.
Limited positions are available. Requirements for the program can found at myescambia.com. For additional information, please call Neighborhood and Human Services at (850) 595-3123 or (850) 595-3130.
STARTING A BUSINESS You have an idea for a business. Develop your business idea with the Florida SBDC's "Starting a Business" workshop from 1-4 p.m. on Friday, March 10. In this workshop, participants will discuss the details of launching a new venture, including how to determine feasibility and legal structures, licensing and permitting, funding options for the business and basic marketing strategies. Location: Greater Pensacola Chamber of Commerce, CO:LAB Building, fourth floor, 418 W. Garden St. Fee is $50. To register, visit sbdc.uwf.edu and open "Training & Events." Presented by Christa Wilson, Associate Director, Florida SBDC at UWF. Sponsored by Cadence Bank and Wells Fargo.
VENDOR OPEN HOUSE The Escambia County Office of Purchasing will host a free vendor open house Wednesday, March 22, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. The open house will take place in the purchasing office on the second floor of the Matt Langley Bell III Building, 213 Palafox.
During the open house, Escambia County Purchasing representatives will review the procurement process, bid packages, vendor registry, bonds, as well as a new task order program. Staff will be available to answer questions during the event as well. This event is open to current vendors and anyone who is interested in registering as a vendor with Escambia County.
Escambia County encourages local, small, women and minority-owned businesses to register as vendors with the county. Businesses recorded on the vendor registry have an immediate advantage to act on any advertised bid solicitations that fit the description of their business. To register, visit bit.ly/3ZcvWn5. {in}
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