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The Lee County School Board continues to work on a community letter regarding a state bill that would give Lee voters an opportunity to make the district’s appointed superintendent post an elected office.
Rep. Jenna Persons-Mulicka, R-District 78, is the sponsor of HB 497, which would provide for an elected superintendent of schools in a partisan election with a term of four years. Rep. Mike Giallombardo, R-District 77, and Rep. Spencer Roach, R-District 79, are among the bill’s co-sponsors.
If passed by the Legislature and then approved by voters, the conversion would take place in 2024.
HB 497 cites precedence, stating that on June 11, 1974, the Lee County School Board adopted a resolution which changed the superintendent from an elected position to one that the board would appoint following the general election of Nov. 5, 1974.
Roach cites another reason.
"It’s simple – parents pay taxes to send their children to public schools, so they should have a say in choosing someone to serve as superintendent," Roach said in a campaign email blast sent out Tuesday. "That’s why I co-sponsored legislation that puts the power in parents' hands through a ballot referendum that allows voters to decide if the Lee County Schools Superintendent becomes an elected position."
The bill passed the House on third reading with 96 yeas and 21 nays on Feb. 10. It was referred the Senate Rules Committee on Feb. 11.
At this point, School Board member Betsy Vaughn said she does not see the value of a letter to the community regarding any board stance on an elected verses appointed superintendent.
"Once, I’m sure it will get out there and be on the ballot, but once it is on the ballot, I feel like it is then the time to do what we decide is important. Frankly, I saw some rough, some very rough spots in it and some places that didn’t flow. I see no point in that for the community right now before it has even gotten on the ballot," she said. "It’s too soon to address the community on it."
Due to some edits that were not completed before the Feb. 8 meeting, the School Board will again discuss it during next week’s meeting.
"The draft from Ms. Gittens is not in the letter. There are some bubbles and some other stuff that need to be put in there. All I have is what was sent the last time. The additional comments have not been incorporated. All we have is comments from Ms. Gittens," Board Attorney Kathy Dupuy-Bruno said.
Board member Mary Fischer said if they are not ready with the statement, which she supports doing, educating the public and taking a stand, they need to wait to vote on the letter.
"Have a completed, edited version of the letter that we want to send and make sure that it is ready to go. That would be my suggestion," she said.