Dennis Thompson Responds

Complaint about My "Ego" & New Grade-Inflation Policy

2008-11-21T23:02:00.001-05:00

Let’s start earning As

Editor, Daily News:

The Collier County Public School system exists exclusively to develop the intellects, bodies and characters of its students.

Fully satisfying that objective requires that all the system’s activities be dedicated solely to maximizing that end. Any deviation therefrom, such as replacing an earned zero grade with an unearned grade of 50, does a grave disservice to our students.

This practice of grade inflation has a negative effect on character building. It teaches that it is acceptable to expect something for nothing; hard work and discipline are not essential to achievement; meritocracy is unimportant; much, by way of desirable results, may be achieved even if much is not expected.

Students who are fed this kind of perverse-values diet are unlikely to become good, productive citizens capable of successfully competing in the increasingly globalized world. And disadvantaged students are, for obvious reasons, likely to be the main victims. This “feel good” pop-psychology approach to education has been thoroughly discredited long ago.

In any event, the best interest of our future citizens demands that it be discontinued immediately. It is not a necessary precedent to introducing remedial efforts. Indeed, any well-run school system should normally assist students who, for whatever reasons, perform below their assessed potential, through after-school and other such programs. Linking these two processes only creates unnecessary confusion.

Superintendent Dennis Thompson’s introduction of this very questionable practice, without bothering to consult the community, is yet another instance of putting his ego ahead of our students’ well-being.

The students deserve better.

C.C., Naples
--------

To "C.C." --

I think you are a big doo-doo head.

Signed,
Dennis Thompson
Doctorite in Ed Psych
$UPERINTENDENT

Complainer Wants Me Fired "Immediately"

2008-11-11T11:24:00.002-05:00

Zero sense

Editor, Daily News:

I hope everyone noticed the placement of articles on the front page of Sunday’s paper.

Below the deplorable idea about students not receiving a zero is an article about a Naples photographer not completing albums that are two years late.

He is an excellent example of someone who feels he does not have to turn in an assignment on time. Should his customers accept his performance? Should we be concerned with his self-esteem?

Collier County public school system official Beth Thompson needs to be relieved of her duties immediately, and she should take the other Thompson [the Supertinedent] with her. The superintendent is allowing this destructive idea only to pad his figures of district graduates. The policy is a lie to build both their resumes.

As far as the teachers, they deserve what they get as they never stand up for themselves. If my child fails a test, cheats on a test or does not turn in an assignment, my child deserves a grade that matches the effort and performance. That’s the way children develop responsibility.

— H.S.S., Naples

--------------------------------

To "H.S.S." --

I think you are a big doo-doo head.

Signed,

Denni$ Thomp$on
Doctorite in Ed Psych
$UPERINTENDENT

Complaint About "Federal Violations" and "Smell of Collusion" By My School Board Pals In Hiring Me As $uperintendent

2008-11-05T10:26:00.004-05:00

Can and should

Editor, Daily News:

I agree with both the Daily News editorial and published letters criticizing the Collier County School Board’s firing of Superintendent Ray Baker.

It is my opinion there is sufficient reasonable suspicion to warrant a criminal investigation by the state attorney of violations of Florida’s Sunshine Law and criminal conspiracy by board members Richard Calabrese, Linda Abbott and Steve Donovan. Indeed, their interstate communications with Rockford, Ill., school superintendent Dennis Thompson may have subjected them to federal violations of Baker’s civil rights.

The news reports of the prior actions of these board members and their contacts with Thompson leading to Baker’s firing smell of collusion. The appropriate authorities to investigate the actions of these board members rests with our duly elected law-enforcement and prosecutorial officers.

The Daily News editorial said: "Calabrese, Abbott and Donovan fired Baker because they could. And they did."

State Attorney Steve Russell should investigate their actions because he can. And he should.

-- J.E.R., Naples

-------------------------

To "J.E.R." --

I think you are a very big doo-doo head.

Signed,
Denni$ Thomp$on
Doctorite in Ed Psych
$UPERINTENDENT

Complaint About My School Board Pals From Former Collier Schools Administrator, Now In Georgia

2008-11-05T10:21:00.005-05:00

Been there with them

Editor, Daily News:

I was shocked and surprised to learn about the dismissal of Collier Schools Superintendent Raymond Baker. Having worked as an administrator with Mr. Baker and as a teacher with his wife, Lynn, I have firsthand knowledge of the dedication as well as expertise demonstrated by these two exceptional educators.

There is no area of education that Mr. Baker has not experienced — teacher, counselor, assistant principal, director of guidance counselors, exceptional childhood education, pupil services, principal, assistant superintendent and superintendent.

He has had three sons graduate from Collier County Public Schools and a wife who was known, then and now, as one of the best teachers in Collier County. The point being made is that Ray and Lynn Baker have given their time, talent and continuous daily presence for 30-plus years to promote and maintain high academic standards and opportunities for all students.

Can the same be said for those who so cavalierly dismissed the numerous contributions and devoted service of Mr. Baker and his family to this community?

Shame on you, School Board, and on you voters of Collier County who allowed petitioners and incompetence to triumph over such personal and professional excellence.

-- C.A.M., Blue Ridge, Ga.

------------------------

To "C.A.M." in Georgia --

I think you are a big doo-doo head.

Signed,
Denni$ Thomp$on
Doctorite in Ed Psych
$UPERINTENDENT

Complainer Quotes Thomas Jefferson, and also: Claims My School Board Pals "Raped" This Community

2008-11-05T10:14:00.005-05:00

Thanks, Daily News

Editor, Daily News:

Re: Last Tuesday’s [July 2007] Collier County School Board meeting.

The Three Horsemen of the Apocalypse rode again. In the past they were known as Tim Hancock, Tim Constantine and John Norris; now they are known as Steve Donovan, Richard Calabrese and Linda Abbott.

And another note, it is very interesting to note that all three of those very same School Board members, who "raped" our community with a high-tech lynching, were all enthusiastically endorsed by the Naples Daily News.

Their duplicitous conduct has shaken a slumbering majority from its once peaceful sleep.

Perhaps if there is any good to come of Tuesday evening’s travesty, it was the opportunity to now pursue these "thugs" in the manner they so rightly deserve.

In the words of Thomas Jefferson, "A little rebellion now and then is a good thing." Let now be the time for a rebellion against local tyranny.

-- M.M., Naples

--------------------

To "M.M." --

I think you are a very big doo-doo head.

Signed,
Denni$ Thomp$on
Doctorite in Ed Psych
$UPERINTENDENT

Teacher Complaint About My "Autocratic Managerial Style" (And New Rai$e)

2008-11-03T11:53:00.005-05:00

Letter: Help, don’t hurt

Editor, Daily News:

Because of his imperious, autocratic managerial style, Superintendent Dennis Thompson may have made himself less popular in Collier County than Genghis Khan was in Rome or Oliver Cromwell in Ireland. Hopefully, like a fine wine, he’ll improve with age. We’ll see.

However, if the citizens of Collier County vote against the tax referendum to get back at Thompson, they will be doing a great disservice to the students and teachers. It will not hurt Thompson at all. He is already on schedule to receive his salary of $253,000 and there is nothing you can do about that! That is a result of the buffoonery of the School Board.

By voting for the referendum, you will not be raising your taxes. You will be allowing the school system to use money in our capital fund — a fund for building more schools or renovating existing structures — for things like teachers’ salaries, school bands, athletics and other operating costs.

To vote "no" on the referendum is to vote to hurt the students and the teachers who work every day to help them reach their potential.

Perhaps this is the time to remember the aphorism of Aristotle: "The future of a nation depends on the education of its youth."

As a teacher who is about to retire after 41 years in the classroom, I will benefit little from your vote. However, children and other teachers will benefit much. On Tuesday, do the right thing and vote "yes."

T.A.B., Lely High School, Co-chairman, SOS (Save Our Schools)

---------------------------------------------

To "T.A.B." --

I think you are a very, very, VERY big doo-doo head.

Signed,
Denni$ Thomp$on
Doctorite in Ed Psych
SUPERSTUPIDINTENDENT

Complaint that "Many" Citizens Are "UNHAPPY" With Me, Dennis Thompson, as Superintendent

2008-11-03T11:48:00.005-05:00

Letter: Two separate issues

Editor, Daily News:

I would encourage every voter to vote "yes" on the Collier County school referendum.

Your vote will not affect your taxes, but will allow the school system to use capital funds to operate the schools. While many of us are unhappy with the board, and even more are unhappy with Superintendent Dennis Thompson, a "no" vote will affect the children much more than it will the administrators. Many activities and school programs will have to be cut back or eliminated without the additional funds, and a number of teachers will be eliminated.

If you are unhappy with the job that Thompson and the current members of the School Board are doing, then vote them out when they run for re-election.

Do not penalize the kids now.

L.H., Naples

--------------------------

To "L.H." --

I think you are a big doo-doo head.

Signed,
Denni$ Thomp$on
Doctorite in Ed Psych
STUPIDINTENDENT

Complaint that School Board Ignores Voters, and Follows MY "Wishes"

2008-10-29T13:41:00.003-04:00

All for 4

Editor, Daily News:

Respectful, responsible, productive.

This is what our Collier County students are striving to be. How sad our School Board members don’t do the same.

Respectful: There isn’t any respect shown for each other, the students (who are most important) or the citizens of this community.

Responsible: They are in this position by the will of the people who voted for them, but they do not listen to these same Collier citizens. They just follow the superintendent’s wishes.

Productive: The possibility of not being accredited looms over them like a thundercloud jeopardizing our students’ futures. College applications will be denied.

Voters in Collier County, elect someone who has a real understanding of our schools and students. Protect our community by voting for Julie Sprague. You don’t have to live in her district, No. 4.

Our future depends on you.

C.C., Bonita Springs

------------------------------

To "C.C." --

I think you are a doo-doo head.

Signed,
Denni$ Thomp$on
Doctorite in Ed Psych
$UPERINTENDENT

Complainer Wants To Void My Contract

2008-10-04T13:04:00.004-04:00

What’s up, ’Doc’?

Editor, Daily News:

I attended a parent/teacher committee meeting where Superintendent Dennis Thompson spoke on issues facing Collier County Public Schools.

I was shocked by the superintendent’s positions on the teacher’s union contracts. He says he can abrogate them if the upcoming millage referendum isn’t passed.

He must be a pretty powerful, threatening guy. He even continued to say, “I could demolish this district, but I won’t,” unless the tax referendum passes.

Well, as a parent and supporter of this community, thanks so much.

Come to think of it, has anyone ever heard this guy say anything nice about the people who work for him?

The last insult he hurled on his visit to the school was that our schools have shown steady educational growth, but due to those nasty class-size amendments, we’ve had to hire “substandard teachers” to get there.

Hey, Doc, it is either one or the other. Thankfully the state of Florida says it is the former, not the latter.

Before we start threatening people’s livelihoods, I have questions. Let’s start with this: Why does the district continue to spend additional funds on technology and new instructional programs that no one at the school level asked for? Students can’t benefit from all the new technology if they don’t know the basics (that would be reading, writing and arithmetic).

Finally, if there are going to be any contracts abrogated (our School Board members seem to be experts at this; ask Ray Baker) then how about the ones that overpay Thompson and his advisers?

A.R., Naples
-------------------------

To "A.R" in Naples --

I think you are a VERY big doo-doo head.

Signed,
Denni$ Thomp$on
Doctorite in Ed Psych
SUPERDUPERSTUPIDINTENDENT

Teacher Complaining About School Board Attorney and Other District Stuff

2008-09-28T09:53:00.004-04:00

The power to know

Editor, Daily News:

Do the members of the Collier County School Board know why they serve, from whom they derive their powers or what they have been empowered to do?

For primers, I would suggest they read the works of Thomas Hobbes, John Locke and Jean Jacques Rousseau. They will find they, and the superintendent of schools, Dennis Thompson, have no power other than those given to them by the people of Collier County. This is called the social contract.

Concomitant with the powers we have invested in them is the responsibility to supervise what goes on in the school district. Based on that theory, I judge all of the board members and the school administrators a dismal failure.

Their recent dismissal of our loyal custodians to cover up for their failure to construct a fiscally sound budget is inexcusable. It indicates the ineptitude of all the administrators and the board members. I believe we are all working in an acephalus school district.

Now they say they know not why Richard Withers, the School Board attorney, is being investigated and possibly dismissed or allowed to abrogate his contract. The public has a right to know. To do otherwise is wrong. We have empowered them to know. We deserve to know what is going on in the Collier County schools.

Who runs this district — the people we have elected or a superintendent who seems to know little about the sentiments of the taxpayers in Collier County?

T.A.B., Chairman, Save Our Schools, Teacher, Lely High School

------------------------

To "T.A.B., Chairman, Save Our Schools, Teacher, Lely High School" --

I think you are a very, very big doo-doo head.

Signed,
Denni$ Thomp$on
Doctorite in Ed Psych
$UPERDUPERPOOPERINTENDENT

Complainer Wants To Eliminate Some "Higher Level" Admin Spending

2008-09-26T19:22:00.006-04:00

Letter: Do I have this right?

Editor, Daily News:

I attended a Collier County School Board meeting and was embarrassed watching our superintendent and most of the board explain their actions over the last few months on the topic of outsourcing custodial services.

This was my first meeting, and not my last, as a parent and taxpayer in this county.

The general comment/excuse that concerned me was made by Superintendent Dennis Thompson.

Apparently, a committee would not have enough time to evaluate insurance changes during the summer months that could possibly save millions of dollars. However, a committee did have time to evaluate the dismissal of approximately 200 employees during the very same time period. They will be replaced by a private company and employees will be where?

One of many issues on this topic that is embarrassing is that an ultimatum was raised by the superintendent. If the board did not dismiss the custodial workers, media specialists or assistants would go.

It seems there could be other solutions, such as eliminating some of the higher-level administrative spending or looking at the rest of the $1 billion budget for other alternatives.

For the record: I am not affiliated with any political organization or union. Just have a hard time understanding the logic here.

R.H., Naples

-----------------------

To "R.H." in Naples --

I think you are a doo-doo head.

Signed,
Denni$ Thomp$on
Doctorite in Ed Psych
$UPERINTENDENT

Complainer Says The Bible Is Against School Board, Too

2008-09-26T13:14:00.002-04:00

Savings? Think again

Editor, Daily News:

Privatizing the 250 custodians is a black eye to the face of democracy and the community.

Think you saved $3 million? Think again. This will cost us all when those 250 families go to the hospital.

That which you do to the least of thy brethren, you also do unto thee.

S.R.L., Naples

---------------------

To "S.R.L" in Naples --

Do you believe you are a very big doo-doo head
-- or just a doo-doo head?

Signed,
Dennis Thompson
Doctorite in Ed Psych
$UPERINTENDENT

Complaint about "Shame" of School Board

2008-09-25T00:41:00.003-04:00

Only 1 got it right

Editor, Daily News:

The Sept. 18 decision by three out of four Collier County School Board members to privatize the district’s custodial division was a travesty as well as a betrayal of the public trust inherent to the office.

As duly elected public servants, it is their responsibility to carry out the will of the people and serve the public interest. Members of the community made clear their desire to retain the custodians as trusted public servants.

By their callous refusal to explore the options, as many of the people they serve requested, the board members failed miserably!

Kathleen Curatolo, thank you for executing your office faithfully.

The rest of you, feel the shame and rest assured the public will remember this when you come up for re-election.

C.H., Naples

------------------------------------------------------------

To "C.H." in Naples --

I think you are a big doo-doo head.

Signed,
Denni$ Thomp$on
Doctorite in Ed Psych
SUPERSTUPIDINTENDENT

Complaint from School District Blue Ribbon Committee Member Now Seeking Tar and Feathers

2008-09-23T13:42:00.005-04:00

Letter: ’Had to make’? Hardly

Editor, Daily News:

I served on the Blue Ribbon Committee reviewing school district finances and operations issues.

Your article on Collier County Public Schools’ privatization of custodial services states it was “a decision the board had to make.” I beg to differ with you.

Among many issues that were not vetted were a so-called Purchased Services account that ballooned from $4 million to $12 million in three years — courtesy busing (largely for the articulate wealthy) that could be trimmed by at least $250,000; so-called white fleet vehicle cutbacks, many driven by commuting administrators using taxpayer-paid gasoline; elimination of top administrator perquisites like paid health insurance for spouses, et al.; and elimination of most conference and travel expenses. Theese are but a few, quite aside from the often-cited and feasible and flexible reserve fund use and health-coverage issues.

Cognizant of important public policy issues at hand, an intelligent administration and board would have thought long and hard about a well-advised gesture of saving 250 positions held overwhelmingly by minority persons that might have inspired a cheering public to vote favorably for the November referendum and its salvation of operations funds.

At this juncture, I do not see that happening with a public angry and frustrated by a controlling, coddled, astonishingly overpaid, isolated and utterly indifferent administration, not to overlook a dysfunctional board, sowing the ground for many more difficulties for the school district to come in the future.

Collier County deserves much better. Where are the tar and feathers when you really need them?

Dr. J.A.V.F., Naples

---------------------------

To Dr. J.A.V.F. in Naples --

I think you are a very big doo-doo head.

Signed,
Denni$ Thomp$on
Doctorite in Ed Psych
$UPERDUPER$TUPIDINTENDENT

Collier Teacher's Televised Speech, to Collier School Board, regarding School Janitors

2008-09-20T16:11:00.006-04:00

Karen’s School Board Speech September 18

If the school district needs to save money, don’t do it on the backs of custodians and clerical workers. Listen to the Teamsters. If we can get better health coverage and save the district $12 million while saving 250 jobs, why aren’t we? In June the Teamsters presented a Blue Cross/Blue Shield plan that provides better health coverage for less money.

So we don’t need to choose between contracting out custodians or laying off clerical staff. We can keep them as well as save millions by reworking our health plan. We can stop the war on the workers and start working together. Save not 3 million but 12million.

Before you make your decision you need to answer the following questions for the public.

Why is Superintendent Thompson saving only 3 million when he could save 12 million? Why did he dismiss the Teamster’s insurance solution in June? What’s wrong with Blue Cross/Blue Shield? And why isn’t he considering other insurance bids—as he promised in June, Mrs. Curatolo? Were insurance requests even sent out, Mrs. Carroll? If not, if the Superintendent didn’t look at any insurance bids during the summer, if he delayed taking advantage of a potential $12 million in savings, then surely you can delay this vote for privatization. Delay the vote until all the bids are in and the joint committee reviews them. Delay the vote until November when the referendum frees up millions in the capital fund. Or delay the vote until January when the Florida Legislature returns 1 billion to K-12 schools. So I’ve just given you 3 good reasons why not to outsource custodians or cut clerical staff.

To sum up: use the reserve fund to balance our budget. Then replenish it from the windfall from the referendum or from the return of 1 billion from the Florida Legislature or from the savings realized from a new health plan. Do it for Bernardo, Leo, Juan, Elvira and all our other janitors.

This solution would build community. And Dr. Thompson, it might even mean you wouldn’t need bullet-proof glass and a bodyguard, because you’d be doing what the community wants rather than waging war on the workers.

Leo Pozo sums up the problem well, “I’m 75 years old. Who will hire me, and how can I afford to work for GCA at 1/3 less the pay with no health benefits?” For seventeen years Leo has worked at Lely, his wife for 29. They have two grandchildren at the school. It isn’t right to outsource their jobs to strangers. And it will be strangers who work in our schools (Mrs. Carroll [, School Board Member]) because most janitors can’t afford to be hired back at 1/3 less the pay with no health benefits. Could you?

Karen Dwyer, English Teacher
Lely High School
Collier County
Naples, Florida

---------------------------

To "K.D." at Lely HS --

I think you are a doo-doo head.
(And, Happy Hispanic Heritage Month!)

Signed,
Denni$ Thomp$on
Doctorite in Ed Psych
$UPERINTENDENT

Complaint from School Media Assistant that I'm Firing Media Assistants

2008-09-13T20:31:00.005-04:00

Letter: Option is not better

Editor, Daily News:

[Dennis Thompson's] alternative plan, should the Collier County School Board vote “no” to outsourcing the custodians, includes cutting one media assistant at each elementary school and one clerical position at each school in the district.

The people in these positions have direct contact with students throughout the school day.

While the media specialist is instructing students how to use the library, do research and other important age-appropriate skills, the media assistant is the person behind the counter circulating books, shelving returns and answering numerous questions for both students and teachers.

They are also the people helping your child find reading material to instill the love of reading. In addition, they are gathering materials for teachers to use in their classrooms and monitoring students sent to use the library.

The media assistant “assists” students and teachers. Removing media assistants would hurt reading programs at all elementary schools, as the media specialist would be unable to implement the special programs they offer while running the day-to-day business of the library.

A clerical position would also be cut at every school. Don’t be fooled by the word “clerical.” The majority of their day is spent making sure your children get on and off the bus safely, looking after students during lunch and recess and helping out in the reading lab. The “clerical” worker supports the classroom teachers, who need every minute of their time to teach your children.

Please note that 80 dedicated employees who have a direct affect on your child’s education every day will no longer be employed by the school system. We will lose our jobs and benefits without another company waiting to hire us.

I do not support outsourcing the custodians, but I cannot support cutting positions that directly affect children every day.

M.I., Media assistant, Lake Park Elementary

---------------------
To "M.I." at Lake Park Elementary --

I think you are a big doo-doo head.

Signed,
Denni$ Thomp$on
Doctorite in Ed Psych
$UPER$TUPIDINTENDENT

Complaint from Teacher that I'm "Dismissing" the Teamsters and Other Bidders

2008-09-13T20:13:00.005-04:00

Letter: Do it for Leo, Juan, Elvria

Editor, Daily News:

As a Collier County teacher and taxpayer whose money helps fund public education, I say keep our custodians.

They work hard for long hours with little pay and no complaints. To fire them is wrong — it’s even close to criminal given the current economic crisis and high unemployment.

What will they do without a paycheck and health benefits? As Leo Pozo puts it, “I’m 75 years old. Who will hire me, and how can I afford to work at two-thirds the pay with no health benefits?”

Leo has worked at Lely High School for 17 years and has two grandchildren attending the school. He’s family. It isn’t right to fire him and outsource to strangers.

If the school district needs to save money, and who doesn’t, listen to the Teamsters. If we can get better health coverage and save the district $12 million while saving 250 jobs, why not? I’m certainly willing to have my health care renegotiated, if it means saving our janitors.

Why is Superintendent Dennis Thompson dismissing the Teamsters’ bid? And why isn’t he considering other bids — as promised?

The deadline is drawing near. I don’t want to see Bernardo, Leo, Juan, Elvira and the other janitors leave. Instead of targeting them, why not have everyone on the school payroll — from the superintendent to the staff — take a 1 percent pay cut and use those funds to keep our custodians?

It would hurt, but I’m willing to make the sacrifice. I’m willing to place people before profit. It would build community.

I would also buy time for the district to seriously examine saving money by reworking health care, instead of jilting janitors.

K.D., Ph.D., Naples
----------------

To "K.D." in Naples --

I think you are a very big doo-doo head.

Signed,
Denni$ Thomp$on
Doctorite in Ed Psych
$UPER$HARKINTENDENT

Complaint about My Recent "Obfuscation"

2008-09-13T20:08:00.004-04:00

Letter: Challenge this

Editor, Daily News:

The arrogance of Collier County Public Schools Superintendent Dennis Thompson is truly astonishing.

A Johnny-come-lately to Collier County, he has deigned to diagnose us to be both significantly psychologically challenged and disoriented because of the massive change that is occurring in the school system. (Thursday’s Daily News). This smoke screen is too transparent to serve his purpose of obfuscation and should not go unanswered.

The truth is that Collier’s citizens are not as upset by the so-called massive change of decreased funding as by:

1. Thompson’s proposals to address the issues such as privatizing some services.

2. The very questionable — to say the least — manner in which three members of the School Board appointed him to the superintendency. It is regrettable that the matter did not go to trial so the facts could be aired.

3. The $800,000 to $1 million cost of this terrible act — an amount denied to the classrooms where the students are taught.

Thompson should surely be aware of these three reasons. If he is not, I invite him to note the resounding defeat of one of his School Board sponsors in recent elections. It attests more accurately to our psychological health and critical concerns.

Should Thompson’s psyche continue to prevent him from trying to know us and the real needs of our students, it would be in our mutual interests if he sought employment elsewhere.

C(P).C., Naples

--------------------------------------------

To "C.C." in Naples --

I think you are a doo-doo head.

Signed,
Dennis Thompson
Doctorite in Ed Psych
$UPERINTENDENT

"Harmful Effects on Children" Complaint

2008-09-13T15:25:00.004-04:00

’Irresponsible at best’

Editor, Daily News:

I am disappointed, but not surprised, by Collier County Public Schools Superintendent Dennis Thompson stating that he will outsource custodial services or dismiss media center assistants.

Pitting one group of people against another is a tactic as old as time. It is a military strategy designed to weaken a group of people who stand united.

Thompson’s military training taught him these tactics, but they should have also taught him that a good general never betrays his people. In fact, it is a key part of one’s job to protect them.

There is an alternative to contracting out custodians and to laying off media assistants and clerical workers. The Teamsters union presented a health plan that could result in millions of dollars of savings for the school district. Not taking advantage of these potential savings is irresponsible at best and a crime to the families that will suffer due to this negligence at worst.

The arrogance of the superintendent is impeding the health and success of our schools and could have harmful effects on our children.

I hope that the School Board redirects its employee, Thompson, to go back to the drawing board.

R.H., Naples

------------------------

To "R.H." in Naples --

I think you are a big doo-doo head.

Signed,
Denni$ Thomp$on
Doctorite in Ed Psych
$UPERINTENDENT

Complaint about Students "Suffering"

2008-09-13T15:17:00.005-04:00

Tactic won’t work

Editor, Daily News:

I was very disturbed to hear the latest ultimatum given to the Collier County School Board by Superintendent Dennis Thompson regarding the privatization of the custodial services.

In the latest letter sent by the school system’s human resources director on behalf of Thompson, the superintendent stated that if the School Board does not vote to privatize custodial services he had no choice but to cut in other areas. All media assistants and one general assistant from each school would be eliminated.

Haven’t our students suffered enough? Thompson has made numerous cuts from the classroom environment, many of which were unwarranted. Isn’t it about time that cuts are made from those positions within the administrative center? Eliminating many of these unnecessary jobs would allow the superintendent to maintain the current staffing in our schools where it is so badly needed.

Our students have suffered enough. Let’s keep our present custodial staff, and all media and general assistants.

S.J., North Naples

---------------------

To "S.J." in North Naples --

I think you are a doo-doo head.

Signed,
Denni$ Thomp$on
Doctorite in Ed Psych
$UPERINTENDENT

Complaint from Condo President about My School Board Friends and Me

2008-07-31T12:25:00.003-04:00

Letter: Reconnect and trust

Editor, Daily News:

Phil Lewis did, on Sunday, what the great editors of great newspapers of the past have done. He placed a subject in front of the people and insisted that it become part of the public record.

The subject is the “disconnect and mistrust between the community and the school board.”

The Gulf Shore Association of Condominiums is comprised of 53 condos and almost 5,000 people. Very few of us have any children in the school system, but we happily pay substantial ad valorem taxes to support the education process.

We support Lewis’ request for a full investigation by the State Attorney’s Office in order to get answers to the hard questions and to finalize this chapter in the history of our community.

M.H.H., President, Gulf Shore Association of Condominiums

-------------

To "M.H.H." --

I think you are a very big doo-doo head.

Signed,
Denni$ Thomp$on
Doctorite in Ed Psych
$UPERINTENDENT

Complaint about Official Warning to School Board

2008-07-31T12:16:00.002-04:00

Who is more scared?

Editor, Daily News:

The Daily News reports that the Southern Association of Colleges and School Council on Accreditation’s Quality Assurance Review Team recommends that the Collier County School District’s accreditation remain on the “warned” status.

The team found that the district’s biggest problem was with board governance.

School Board member Steve Donovan reacts to these findings by stating, “It scares me for the school district ... ” and “I think there are certain board members who are not being professional.”

Such comments by Donovan scare me!

After the board has been warned for a second time, I find Donovan’s statement incredulous!

Never in the history of Collier County has the accreditation of the schools been an issue. The current board members need to take a hard look at how they conduct business. All members need to come to the dais to work for the students, teachers and community or they need to tender their resignation so students can graduate from an accredited system.

— J.S., Naples

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To "J.S." --

I think you are a very big doo-doo head.

Signed,
Denni$ Thomp$on
Doctorite in Ed Psych
$UPERINTENDENT

Complaint about a Candidate Who May Join My Three Friends on School Board, Known as the "Treacherous Trio"

2008-07-31T12:01:00.007-04:00

Letter: More of the same?

Editor, Daily News:

Michael J. Church was Collier County School Board member Steve Donovan’s campaign manager. He is an associate of two other members, Linda Abbott and Richard Calabrese. Those three, against the advice of the board’s attorney, fired Superintendent Ray Baker without proper notice and hired Dennis Thompson absent other applicants. That was costly to us and Thompson’s first year has been tumultuous at best.

Now Church is associated with Rick MacClugage, candidate for School Board, District 2.

Church’s letter to the editor supporting his candidate is a gross misrepresentation of MacClugage’s qualifications. Owning a gas station and being a junior-varsity coach simply is not “the necessary experience ... as the only real choice for School Board.”

But then Church goes from silly to falsity, stating that MacClugage “possesses the knowledge and commitment of a veteran School Board member.” That’s impossible, as MacClugage has never been a School Board member and thereby could not have such knowledge. MacClugage has struggled to answer basic questions at two forums thus far; he’s hardly knowledgeable of the issues.

Church appears willing to say anything to elect MacClugage to retain control of the School Board with the current malfeasant majority. MacClugage may be aligned with the treacherous trio, but Church should not con the public to polish his candidate.

Church has been at MacClugage’s side at the Golden Gate and League of Women Voters forums.

Remember the adage, “A man is known by the company he keeps.”

The voters will know MacClugage’s alignment with Abbott, Donovan and Calabrese and will vote accordingly.

T.S., Naples
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To "T.S." in Naples --

I think you are a doo-doo head.

Signed,
Denni$ Thomp$on
Doctorite in Ed Psych
$UPERINTENDENT

Complaint about My Three School Boards Friends

2008-07-31T11:49:00.002-04:00

Letter: Go ahead and do it

Editor, Daily News:

Re: Brent Batten’s column.

I agree with Steve Donovan that he and the two other Collier County School Board members who failed this community by not following the guidelines to remove Ray Baker should consider resigning.

Perhaps Donovan should lead by example.

Please don’t wait until we lose our school system accreditation.

J.N., Naples

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To "J.N." --

I think you are a doo-doo head.

Signed,
Denni$ Thomp$on
Doctorite in Ed Psych
$UPERINTENDENT

Parent Complaint about My "Pompous, Arrogant" School Board Friends

2008-07-31T11:45:00.002-04:00

Letter: Out

Editor, Daily News:

In my numerous moves throughout Florida, I have never seen a group as pompous, arrogant and self-promoting as our current Collier County School Board and superintendent.

My two children have attended elementary and middle schools in Broward, Seminole and Collier counties. Every district to which we have been assigned has preformed exceptionally well, except Collier.

It appears that our superintendent and board members prefer to discuss and decide matters in secrecy, then try to convince the public that it is the best option.

If you are interested in improving the education system in Collier County, I highly recommend that you vote all incumbents out of office!

My solution? I am moving my kids to North Carolina.

S.S., Naples
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To "S.S." --

I think you are a big doo-doo head.

Signed,
Denni$ Thomp$on
Doctorite in Ed Psych
$UPERINTENDENT