Group embarks on education campaign for school referendum
Quality Schools for the Future formed about nine weeks ago with a primary purpose: Inform voters about a referendum on the November ballot that would change the process by which school supertinendents acquire the position here in Lee County.
As per a resolution approved by voters in 1974, the Lee County School Board appoints the district’s top administrator to run the day-to-day operations of the public school system. The referendum, placed on the ballot by the State Legislature at the request of Lee County’s local delegation, would overturn that 1974 voter edict and make the superintendent of schools an elected office.
“We are a small group of people who have been in Fort Myers a long time and interested in education,” Bobbie D’Alessandro said. “We are trying to tell people the truth. So often you don’t know all the intricacies of all of the bill. It is shocking to us that hardly anyone knows it is on the ballot.”
Jenna Persons-Mulicka, R-78, sponsored HB 497, which was filed last November. Co-sponsors include Rep. Adam Botana, R-76; Rep Mike Giallombardo, R-77, and Rep. Spencer Roach, R-79.
If approved by the voters, the legislation would provide for an elected superintendent of schools in a partisan election with a term of four years. The first election would take place in 2024.
The referendum on the ballot reads:
“Repealing Resolution Providing for an Appointed, Rather than an Elected, Superintendent of Schools
“Currently, by resolution of the Lee County School Board, the Superintendent of Schools for the Lee County School District is an appointed, rather than an elected, position. Shall Chapter 2022‐233, Laws of Florida, which repeals the aforesaid resolution and provides that the Superintendent of Schools shall no longer be appointed by the Lee County School Board, but rather shall be elected in a partisan election by vote of qualified electors residing in Lee County for a term of 4 years, beginning with the 2024 general election, become effective?”
Voters may vote Yes to overturn the 1974 act, or vote No to reject it and keep the status quo.
D’Alessandro said although some parents have been upset with the school board, this referendum is not the answer.
“The elected superintendent has nothing to do with the board. The board still has to approve everything the superintendent does, but they cannot hire, or fire the superintendent if (the position becomes) elected,” she said.
D’Alessandro said the group formed to inform the public of the impact as the qualifications for an elected superintendent are few.
As per the ballot initiative, the candidate must be 18 or older, not have been found guilty of a felony, must not be adjudicated as mentally incompetent and must be a Lee County resident when they qualify to run.
“We are going to work right up to Nov. 8 to make sure they know what it really means, so they can vote accordingly,” she said.
D’Alessandro said the current superintendent, Dr. Christopher Bernier, was just appointed through a national search by meeting such qualifications as a high degree, experience, understanding of curriculum, technology and student academic achievement. She said the superintendent runs the second largest business in Lee County.
“It’s not for a lightweight. It’s a crucial job and all about the kids,” D’Alessandro said. “He (Bernier) would have to run for office in two years and anyone in the county could run against him.”
An elected superintendent could not be fired, she said.
“It would take almost four years to get out of office,” D’Alessandro said as only the voters could remove that person. “It’s very hard to be removed from office, unless they committed a felony.”
D’Alessandro was a former assistant superintendent from 1990 to 1994 and a superintendent from 1994-1997, as well as a teacher at Cypress Lake High School.
“Our kids are so important. I was born and raised here and I graduated from Fort Myers (High School). I am willing to do whatever it takes to inform people,” she said. “The best decision is what is right for kids.”
She said partisan politics need to be kept out of the schools, and she will be out educating the public until the last vote is cast.
Information they are sharing includes that 27 of the 29 school districts in Florida with an appointed superintendent earn grades of an A or B, while 15 of the districts with elected superintendents earn a C. Florida and Alabama are the only states that have allow for an appointed superintendent.
For more information, visit the group’s Facebook page: Quality Schools for the Future, or www.qualityschoolsforthefuture.com.
Persons-Mulicka did not respond to requests for comment.
To reach MEGHAN BRADBURY, please email news@breezenewspapers.com