Quint Studer on Why We Should Appoint rather than Elect our Superintendent of Schools in Escambia County

Nationally-renowned speaker, writer, and entrepreneur Quint Studer-- CEO of Studer Community Institute--joins Escambia County Commission Chairman Jeff Bergosh for a discussion about the need for Escambia County to move from the antiquated model of an “Elected Superintendent of Schools” to the modern, efficient “appointed” Superintendent of Schools model.  This decision will rest in the hands of Escambia County Voters this November—as it will be on the ballot for the people to decide.  And Studer makes a compelling case for modernizing our system via moving to the “Appointed” system like 99.6% of the rest of our nation’s schools.  Watch the brief interview with Quint Studer, above, to hear his thoughts on this pressing topic.

(I have long-supported the appointed model for many reasons, and I have often written about this topic here on this blog...Interestingly, in 1967, Escambia County Voters came up just ONE (1) vote short of going to the appointed superintendent like the rest of the nation does.  Hopefully in 2018 we can get this passed and move our education system, locally, into the 21st Century!)

What's the Best Way for Government to Work With the Private Sector to Improve Communities?

I recently had the opportunity to ask community leaders this very question.  Studer Community Institute founder and CEO Quint Studer, Escambia County Administrator Jack Brown, Escambia Circuit Court Judge Gary Bergosh, and I had a very good conversation on this topic.

--What can government do to help the private sector develop our area for the benefit of citizens?

--What are we doing right in Escambia County--and where can we improve?

--What makes a great community?

--How can the local government and the private sector help improve our schools?

--What is the best governance model for our schools--Appointed or Elected Superintendent? (On the ballot this November)

These and other questions were discussed and answered in this interview.  I appreciate these leaders taking their time to speak with me on the show.

A Citizen Complaint about lack of Diversity in Fire Chief Selection....And the County's Response

A citizen has complained about the lack of diversity in the finalists for the next Escambia County Fire Chief position.  Administrator Jack Brown responded with a thorough and honest email.

The BCC received a lengthy complaint email about the process by which we are selecting our next Fire Chief--with a particularly scathing criticism about the lack of diversity in the finalist pool (all white men) and in the selection committee (no black members of the selection committee).

I think diversity is great-and America is a diverse country and that is good.  But I also believe strongly that the most qualified candidate should get the position--regardless of race--particularly for highly specialized skill positions.

Administrator Jack Brown provided a written response to this complaint.  The response was thorough, accurate, and honest.  Here is the response:

Dear Ms. DeWeese,

I hope you are well. Thanks for your inquiry.  I am always open to suggestions on how we can improve our process. Like you, I want Escambia County to be a model community where quality of life is for all not just some.

In seeking qualified and diverse applicants for the position of Fire Chief, we advertised with the following for the dates provided.:

·         Florida Fire Chief Association 2/1/2018 – 3/1/2018 (as part of this advertising package, it was additionally advertised on ZipRecruiter, Glassdoor, Job2Careers, the New York Times and more).

·         International Association of Fire Chiefs 2/1/2018 – 3/1/2018

·         International Association of Women in Fire & Emergency Services 2/2/2018 – 3/1/2018

·         Employ Florida 2/1/2018 – 3/4/2018

·         Government Jobs 2/1/2018 – 3/4/2018

1.       What was the Demographic makeup of the committee? 3 white male, and one white female. I reached out to try to find both an African American Fire Chief and a Female Fire Chief to serve on the selection committee but didn’t receive phone calls back.  I thought about having the new Fire Chief or the female African American Battalion Fire Chief from the City on the Committee, but since we had applicants from the City Fire