Superintendent Rocky Hanna went before the state to present his plan for Apalachee Elementary School. The state relies on the superintendent to bring and present data and information needed for the betterment of the district. The state, like our neighbors, trust that the information will be accurate and transparent.
Hanna reported to the Tallahassee Democrat similar information. Since LCS meeting with the state, we have received several messages from concerned neighbors about the “Data and Facts” that are being stated. You can watch the full clip of Hanna speaking at the state board here:
The most concerning information is Hanna reporting Apalachee school is fully staffed. We searched Leon County Schools job openings online. There we found that Apalachee has three instructional staff openings and five paraprofessional staff openings. While we don’t know Hanna’s intentions, the impact is harmful. There are teachers who are already over burdened and lack classroom support. Not being transparent with the state about the shortage only hurts our teachers, our students, and parents. The State is offering help and extra resources. This can only be achieved through transparency.
The State asked Hanna at the end if he was anticipating teachers leaving throughout the year. Hanna stated they are just preparing for if teachers to leave for medical reason or moving. The truth to this is that our teachers have been saying for over a year that they cannot support their families on the pay they are given. Teacher pay has dropped in state ranking from 36th (2021) to 59th (2024) and we see 67 less teachers as a result.
Another concern presented to us was about the district stating they started an apprenticeship program. They have submitted the paper work to have a program. However, it is speculated if it has been approved yet by the Department of Education. Due to the amount of time to receive a public records request on this matter, we have not requested this information for this particular post.
Trust In Leadership
During the last meeting with the state, the state expressed concern over the inaccurate data that Hanna originally submitted. There was also inaccurate reporting to the state on the average teacher salary, showing it higher than what most teachers are actually making. This pattern of presenting information incompletely or inaccurately further drives a wedge between public trust and local government.
The state expressing a lack of accountability during last month’s meeting is valid. Accountability matters. Trust in leadership is earned through facing hard truths. When we fully know the all information, we are all able to come together. We can then work towards a better Tallahassee and Leon County. We are indeed better together.
