On board with School Board’s pledge

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On board with School Board’s pledge

Opinions

Friday, 30 November 2012 15:57

When you mention the Osceola County School Board, what comes to mind - infighting and name-calling? Well, that should be coming to an end and we couldn’t be more supportive.
With two new members on the dais, the Osceola County School Board hopes to move past its recent history of squabbling and instead concentrate on implementing and upholding policies for education.
For the past two years, recorded fighting among its members has plagued the School Board including scandals that brought unwanted media and public attention to the district. The board meetings often were sad spectacles with members lashing out at each other. Two former superintendents were prematurely forced from office.
Rather than revisit those issues, newly appointed Vice Chair Barbara Horn said she wants the board to focus on what’s important: the students and education. Well done, Barbara Horn.
Recently appointed Chairman Jay Wheeler spoke of his desire to move the district forward, saying he was confident that the board could work on issues and programs that are in the best interest of students.
Wheeler has often been blamed for being one of the board’s biggest problems. He’s walked out of meetings and often fought openly with board members, more so with former Chairman Cindy Hartig. Tim Weisheyer, a local real estate agent, beat Hartig during the August primaries to represent district 3.
Past history makes us fear that Wheeler’s comments are just hollow promises, but if the board is going to turn its dysfunctional image around, we must give him the benefit of the doubt. Wheeler has often been a controversial School Board member, but we believe his intent always is with the best interest of Osceola County’s students in mind. We look forward to seeing his experience translate into good ideas for the future of the School District of Osceola County.
We believe the two new board members, Weisheyer and Kelvin Soto, can help change the tone of the board and give it a more positive vibe. They both promised to do so on the campaign trail and we’ll hold them to that.
After all it’s all about giving the students the best possible education.