In a two page written statement read by Brookins to the board and Superintendent Jeff Edison, she said the school board ought to expect the recruitment and retention of “high performing school leaders.” She said the board should expect “obtainable evidence” that school leaders are performing to the highest standards directed by the district’s policies.

“”When told that these things take time, we ought to know what early indications there are that we’ve recruited or renewed a school leadership that is motivated, attentive and inspirational enough to lead rapid results. The children in our classrooms today deserve our best,” she said.

Last January, Brookins said the school board approved the appointment an interim principal for CES, an appointment made after the superintendent determined an urgent mid-year change of principal was necessary. The appointment based on the performance information provided by the superintendent and his staff.

“My concern now, as I have appropriately discussed with the superintendent: is that six months on, I have no factual indication that the morale, instructional environment and academic achievement in the school has improved,” Brookins said. “While there’s been recent strategic planning for improvement, there has not been documented a school-based leadership that reassures this planning to be more than an abstract exercise. Absent real evidence of school leadership and progress, I have received considerable reports to the contrary from faculty and parents. A troubling circumstance as this has broad implications countywide. It merits our attention as a representative board. I believe that we are obligated to be more observant.”

Brookins acknowledged that the school board must accept the employment recommendations made by the superintendent if the board cannot show “good cause” to oppose them. Good cause is a term defined by state statute.

School Board Attorney David Delaney said later in the meeting that showing good cause is difficult. Good cause would have to be a criminal allegation.

Brookins said when it comes to school improvement, “there is no more important appointment to be made than that of a school principal.”

“The high achievements of our school leaders ought to reflect in the high achievement among your students,” she said. “Absent real and meaningful indicators of success, we ought not to casually approve principal recommendations without comment.”

School Board of Levy County Regular Meeting June 11, 2018
Posted June 12, 2018