pinion Letter to the Editor: Not What Manatee Schools Need

Dear Editor,

I have now attended my third Manatee County School Board meeting, and this is my first letter to the editor. I have observed the budget shortfall or deficit quoted from between $2 million and $40 million! I have heard the school district's student scores go from 27th to 47th out of 67 districts in 4 years! And I watched as the new interim superintendent disparaged a lady who has been struggling to help get the budget balanced.

He has resorted to calling her a "detractor." I listened as this new interim superintendent answered a few inquiries from various members of the Board and at least, to date, in his speeches to the Board and the public, he has taken responsibility for nothing. Dr. Gaylor's actions are not what Manatee County needs at this time.

Dave Cohen

Myakka City