Political Wanna-bes

This letter is in response to Mr. Royce's comments in regard to an appointed superintendent instead of an elected superintendent. By the tone of your comments, Mr. Royce, it sounds as though you might be vying for Wally Cox's job. You are sure quick to give your misinformed opinion.

All of Highlands County's schools are not "D" schools. Our school educators and employees take a lot of pride in the hard work it takes to educate this county's children. Frankly, I think people are sick and tired of hearing misinformed people such as yourself spout false accusations.

Although Mr. Cox has quite the impressive credentials, excellent reputation, years of experience in the system and apparently the support of Highlands County schools and families, you and your coffee buddy Mr. Tuck sound like two wanna-bes running for the CEO of the Highlands County School District.

Instead of sitting around spending your valuable time drinking coffee at the local diner and conspiring ways to uproot the current administration, here's a thought: Why don't you two come up with a way to help the whole state of Florida?

Although I doubt, based on popular vote, that you speak for many voters. It's wanna-be politicians like you who do the most damage to our schools. You talk like our children are just another commodity to be improved. You, Mr. Royce, and your sidekick, Mr. Tuck, are the canker and greening of education.

The children of Highlands County deserve better than you. How about changing your own habits and stick to something you actually might know a bit about. A cup of orange juice is said to be much healthier than coffee.

The citrus industry has taken a lot of hits in the past few years and could use the energy of creative minds such as yours. Why not use your "expertise" to advance the citrus industry in Florida? Citrus has been a vital part of Highlands County's past and is in need of new innovative ideas if it is to survive into the future. It's obvious to the rest of Highlands County that the two of you definitely need to stay in the groves and out of the business of our schools.

Personally I feel much safer leaving our children's education in the hands of folks who are actually trained professionals in the field of education.

Tony Williams
Sebring