Stand up for serving students, not politics

As we digest the ongoing drama created by our new School Board, we encourage our members to email all School Board members (addresses below) to voice your concern over the new board’s intended dismissal of Superintendent Brendan Asplen.

Dr. Asplen is a respected, popular leader who has been evaluated by the board as highly effective during his tenure in Sarasota County Schools.  The process followed by new Board members to rush him out of office raises serious questions about transparency. We agree with the Sarasota Herald-Tribune that those questions of transparency must be adequately answered prior to even considering any action regarding Dr. Asplen’s departure or termination.

Also, we are asking our members to attend the school board meeting tomorrow night (Tues., Nov. 29, 5 p.m.) at the Landings School Board chambers, 1980 Landings Blvd., Black Awning, Sarasota.  We are not organizing a formal picketing (not enough time0, but we encourage you to show your concern for the new School Board’s first action.

To email all School Board members at once, email [email protected].

To email individual School Board members:

• Bridget Ziegler, Chair, [email protected] 

• Karen Rose, Vice-Chair, [email protected] 

• Thomas Edwards, [email protected] 

• Timothy Enos, [email protected] 

• Robyn Marinelli, [email protected] 

The superintendent is currently negotiating his resignation, only because the board majority has signaled to him that he has no choice.  We need to let the new School Board hear that student education and stability for our staff are of the utmost importance!   Our school system is not a political football to be tossed around for their folly. Join us in asking all five School Board members: Are you listening??

— Rex Ingerick, President, Sarasota Classified/Teachers Association