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Deputy super position abolished

Board disagrees on cost savings of position.

By TROY ROBERTS
troberts@lakecityreporter.com
Published: Wednesday, June 25, 2008 6:16 AM EDT
The Columbia County School Board chose to abolish the job description of deputy superintendent Tuesday night, drawing rebuke from school superintendent Grady “Sam” Markham who said filling the position would save the district money.

The discussion was brought to the floor by board member Linard Johnson who said that due to a budget crunch, the administration portion of the district should take the lead by deleting the position of deputy superintendent. The position has not been filled for some time, but has remained on the district’s organizational chart.

Board member Glenn Hunter said that, according to a new organizational chart given to board members, a restructuring of the administrators that included the deputy superintendent position would actually save the district approximately $50,000 in the coming fiscal year. Johnson said that if the position was not filled and the organizational chart went ahead as planned, the district would be able to save $150,000, as the deputy superintendent position is close to the

six-figure pay level.

Markham said the deputy superintendent position was included on the new organizational chart, with assistant superintendent of instruction Lex Carswell moving into that position and Kitty McElhaney, school district director of curriculum assessment, would move into Carswell’s vacated position. He said Carswell would not take a pay raise for the promotion and there would be no additional hires. He also said that McElhaney’s previous position would be done away with — the changes would be in title only — he said.

Markham said the deputy superintendent would have much the same powers that Markham has and would be able to work with both administration and instruction officials, making the district perform more effectively.

Board attorney Guy Norris told board members that they are able to abolish a position that is vacated, but noted it is more difficult to abolish a position or turn down a position that Markham has recommended someone for. He said they would need “just cause” and financial reasons could be up for interpretation, Norris said, however, if abolished, the position could be added back at the will of the board.

Johnson said the board would have no recourse of action if Markham made a recommendation for the position and motioned that the position be abolished. Hunter was the lone dissenter in the group as the motion was approved.

Johnson said he would be open to putting the position back on the organizational chart if it was proven that it would actually save money.

Hunter said he was unclear on why the board took its action if, in two weeks the position is shown to save money, they would reinstate it. He said it only creates more work for district administrators who are busy working toward the new school year.

In other news,

n Former district director of adult education Melvin Goggins addressed the board Tuesday night, alleging that he will begin to lose salary on July 1 because he was unable to reapply for the position he was removed from last October.

Goggins was demoted to a teaching position in instructional technology in October due to the fraudulent diploma fiasco that resulted in numerous shake ups at the

administrative level.

According to a letter Goggins read that was written by Markham, Markham said the investigation into the fraudulent diploma said Goggins did not “show misconduct in office nor did you exhibit incompetence.” However, his “actions have substantially impaired your effectiveness as an employee,” Markham wrote.

Goggins said that he is seeking a return to his position — which has not been advertised for hire — as he was told he would have the chance to interview for it for the 2008-2009 school year. He said that because it has not been advertised, he will begin to lose money on July 1.

Goggins asked that the board return him to his position of director of adult education.

“If I have been cleared, why am I still being penalized,” he asked.

He said that if he is not returned to the position, he would seek to reopen his EEOC filing that he dropped last year after he was told he would be able to interview for the director position.

n The board also chose to award a contract for gym renovations at Richardson Middle School to Little & WIlliams, Inc. for the amount of $501,000. The renovations will include air conditioning of the main playing floor as well as several other renovations throughout the building.


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The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of lakecityreporter.com.

Crazy wrote on Jun 25, 2008 8:06 AM:

" If no new hires were being made, and no additional moneys would be spent, why not go along with Hunter and Markham's recommendation? Especially if it will save $50,000. Linard Johnson needs to step back and look at the big picture. All that will end up happening is they will have to add the position back to the organizational chart. Oh, and Goggins, accept responsibility for your actions and stop playing the EEOC game. I was told Goggins was about to have his certification pulled by professional practices anyways. So if I was him, I would lay low for a while. "

Thankful Teacher wrote on Jun 25, 2008 9:02 AM:

" I am a teacher here in Columbia County and have been very worried about losing my position due to budget cuts. Many surrounding counties have had to cut teachers. I've heard that Taylor county has cut 30 teaching positions. No matter how one might feel about Superintenent Markham, I know that he is a mathematical genuis! If he says we will save money then I guarantee you we will save money. He already has a balanced budget for '08-'09 with money set aside for more cuts. No teachers have lost their jobs! Sounds to me like he knows what he is doing! If board members are so worried about saving money maybe they should take a pay cut from their board position. I wonder if they will get a raise this year? "

Reponse to Thankful Teacher wrote on Jun 25, 2008 12:55 PM:

" We as parents need more teacher like you in Columbia County, Some one who loves there job and the future adults you teach, and that is a good question about the board members and there jobs and there raises. Things that make you go HUM. "

Huh wrote on Jun 25, 2008 5:09 PM:

" I have swamp land to sell to some of you. How can making someone deputy superintendent save money? That's absurd. It would eventually cost money in the long run because that person would be over the assistant superintendent and would eventually be paid more than the others. Any money that can be saved can still be saved with just assistant superintendent positions. OTHER positions and saving money would have NOTHING to do with this position which was abolished years ago anyway. "

Another Thankful Teacher wrote on Jun 25, 2008 5:45 PM:

" I must give kudo's to "Thankful Teacher!" I am also a teacher in Columbia County, and it is a remarkable thing that Mr. Markham and the Financial committee has done to ascertain that no teacher will loose a job this year. I sat in on the meeting that occurred at my school, and saw that they not only planned for a very small budget, but also preplanned for an even more diminished budget that initially projected, to even better assure that no teacher looses her/his job, and that the teacher to student ratio isn't blown out of proportion which would be of negative benefit to our children. Please, don't forget that the Finance Committee spent many long hours along with our superintendent to make sure next year would not be overly painful, in spite of left and right budget cuts from the state. The fact of the matter is that it really does "all roll downhill" and at least those of us who are now teachers, will still be teachers this fall. I thank all of you who made that possible. We are in much better shape than other counties as a result of the dedicated efforts of these professionals. Thank you. "

Lunchroom lady wrote on Jun 25, 2008 8:13 PM:

" some people need to take a cut and hire people in the lunchrooms. We as a whole are killing ourselves because the schools can't hire some one to feed our children so they are cutting different things in our department. People are falling apart in our department. If you don't get good groceries. Who needs the other people to take care of our kids?We are the cooks,parents, cause when the parents don't have money the cooks pull it out of their pockets. Then sometimes we are even the teachers. Also we teach them to mind and respect others.So who needs a good raise the cooks of the schools. "

Yet another thankful teacher wrote on Jun 25, 2008 8:37 PM:

" I echo the other teacher comments. I'd just like to point out that these budget adjustments were made with NO input from the board members. That is a good thing, because after last nights meeting it is very obvious that any decision they make is politically motivated with the intention of harming and hindering Mr Markham and trying to throw roadblocks in the way of any progress he is trying to make. Thank you committee members for making things work out in a way that we can keep our jobs. "

Dthomas wrote on Jun 25, 2008 10:17 PM:

" We have all read about the school budget cuts, but we just approved a half million dollar renovation to the Richardson Middle School Gym. Hmm...Seems to me that money could be better spent. Is the Gym priority over teacher's salaries? I thought the maintenance projects were going to delayed for lack of funds. A half million dollars? Are you kidding me?

D Thomas "

Honest Teacher wrote on Jun 26, 2008 2:26 AM:

" I am a teacher also at Columbia County and I agree Markham kept our jobs but Markham has told me something a couple of years back that were lies. I knew Markham before my wife and I move her from New York. Mr. Goggins is a great teacher and I respect him as a man and a grat person. "

Yet Another Teacher wrote on Jun 26, 2008 7:50 AM:

" I am also a teacher here in Columbia County. I agree with the statements above. Mr. Markham is a VERY smart man. Does he do some extreme things sometimes? Possibly. In this evil world we live in, I would rather have a man tell me just how he feels, even if I don't like what he has to say, rather than someone lie to me. Also, while other districts are laying teachers off left and right, Mr. Markham and his financial staff have completed next year's budget, set aside extra money in case of anymore cuts, and NO ONE is losing their jobs. WOW!!! WIth all the budget cuts, right now would NOT be a good time for a change! "

To DThomas wrote on Jun 26, 2008 11:25 AM:

" Just to let you know, school constructions and upgrades come out of a different budget that is set aside and "earmarked" for the sole purpose of construction I believe.The gym at Richardson didn't even have a working air conditioner. I think it needed to be redone. The funds that support the general budget and the funds supporting construction are 2 different areas. Hope this helps. "

Honest Teacher wrote on Jun 27, 2008 7:57 AM:

" Well I will take the truth over any and everthing "

College student wrote on Jun 27, 2008 9:21 AM:

" Mr. Markham is a great person. Do any of you criticizers even know him personally? I doub it. Stop believing what you hear. What if I believed everything that might be said about you? If Mr. Markham does not win this election, then you all REALLY will have something to complain about. Our system will fall apart. I have lived i n Lake City my whole life and have known nothing other than Mr. Markham being a caring, genuine, honest and GREAT MAN! "

READY wrote on Jun 27, 2008 9:17 PM:

" I AM SO READy for this election to be OVER!!! I hope that Mike Millikin wins, but either way the election needs to END! "

TO READY wrote on Jun 30, 2008 2:46 PM:

" I agree with you, I'm ready for all election s to be over. Unlike you I would like to hear both sides in a open debate and then make up my mind. I do know their is alot of hate on both sides of this race and it time for of them to show their platform in a open forum. I do believe Markham will win the election....two reasons 1. Newman will take alot on Milikin votes 2. The hiring of Carswell to take the place of Milikin, will only help Markham, plus in the short time Carswell has been in his job ....he has help to find ways to save the district during our times of cuts....Carswell will win the next election....Milikin is a good man...Don't know Newman....but I will be Glad when it's over.....Teacher... "

just another opinion wrote on Jun 30, 2008 11:33 PM:

" People always say they want truth.But, they don't. People say they want someone who real, and not put ons. But, they don't. People say they want someone who doesn't care what they wear, just that they do their jobs. But, they don't. People want politians and not real, honest-to-good people in office. We want people to tell us it's going to be okay and smile at us, meanwhile they know it isn't. There is always going to be dirty politics. And, there will always be "good-ol-boy" favors. It won't end if Mr. Markham leaves his office. It will continue. "

Response to To Ready wrote on Jul 1, 2008 7:00 PM:

" You are wrong to say that there is hate on both sides of this race. I have NEVER heard the word "hate" come out of Mike Millikin's mouth or any of his supporters when his opponents have been mentioned. Mike has character and way too much class to taint his clean campaign. By the way, neither he nor Cesta can be blamed for all that others do. Place blame where blame is due. If you don't know who to blame, then don't blame anyone! As far as your prophecy concerning the next election, how do you know the future? Let's get through with this election first and then pray about the next one! "

ROGER wrote on Jul 3, 2008 12:59 PM:

" IN RESPONSE TO "YET ANOTHER THANKFUL TEACHER".....IS THAT YOU, ROGER? "

I wonder wrote on Jul 3, 2008 1:02 PM:

" Just out of curiosity, does anyone know how the homeschool parents will possibly block vote? How about FACE members? "

To response to o Ready wrote on Jul 3, 2008 9:09 PM:

" You are right Mr. Milikin would never openly show hate for Mr. Markham...Mr Markham does hate Mr. Milikin...just disappointed in his exit from the school system. The people in this blog would be better stated,full of hateful comments by their support for their person running in this race.....I do not know the future ...just made a guess...........other words ....I would not bet against Markham.......gussing Teacher....Ps If Milikin does win he will do a good job.... "

TO st Blogger wrote on Jul 5, 2008 10:58 AM:

" In response to "Crazy,"
Who told you that information about Melvin Gogins? Whoever did tell that is very unprofessional. You should not even know information about his personnel issues. Is that you, Roger? If so, let me guess where the information is coming from! ALso, if you don't know that information to be factual, why are you writing about it in a blog for all to see. Shame on you! I hope that you are not a teacher in the school system, I certainly wouldn't want you to go around telling grades and FCAT scores of students, or even better, blogging them. "

Sabrina wrote on Jul 8, 2008 11:41 AM:

" Homeschooler will not vote in a block vote. There are two homeschool groups. FACE has a few that will support Mr. Milliken. HEART probably the same. However there are many homeschool parents who really do not care. "

Agatha wrote on Jul 8, 2008 11:44 AM:

" To"To Response to o Ready" Why do you think Mr. Milliken would do a good job?
We need facts not just quiet little converstations downing the current administration. "

elizabeth wrote on Jul 8, 2008 6:29 PM:

" not sure why we would need a change in administration right now. i see the school grades came out today on the FLDOE website. our school grades look outstanding. i also noticed that our county score was a B for the first time. obviously most of the credit should go to the teachers, but if we are headed in the right direction, why make a change in administration? why fix something if it isn't broken? "

To Sabrina wrote on Jul 9, 2008 10:47 AM:

" How pathetic that some parents do not care about who is in the superintendent position since their tax dollars are still paying that salary. Also, as parents, don't you realize that your vote also helps other children out whose parents either do not, cannot, or will not make the sacrifice or take on the challenge of homeschooling.I say that in the kindest way since I know that the choice to homeschool is a matter of the heart. FACE and HEART voters have made a very wise decision in their voting choice! "

In response to Elizabeth wrote on Jul 9, 2008 10:49 AM:

" It is broken..... and it does need to be fixed! "

To Elizabeth wrote on Jul 9, 2008 10:15 PM:

" Elizabeth, Elizabeth, Elizabeth!
Don't you know that the "administration" does not take the FCAT. By "administration" can I assume that you are talking about the County Office administration? If so, with all due respect, please check your facts before election day! Talk to some local teachers and each of the school administrators if you want to make a sound judgement based on facts! Go to one of the forums where the candidates have an opportunity to share! "

Proud wrote on Jul 10, 2008 1:40 PM:

" To Elizabeth-Thanks for adding a positive note to school grades! I am a teacfher and appreciate you giving us the most credit. Isn't it sad that there are those out there who can't even let you give a compliment without being negative. I would love to know how many of these people are in the system and really have a clue as to what FCAT is all about, how all things start with the right kind of leadership and how great Niblack and Melrose have done with their leadership! Thanks for your positive appreciation for our schools, teachers, students, principals, superintendent and county administrators! "

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