Highlands County schools and South Florida Community College have the right idea of improving and consolidating vocation education. ...more

October 14, 2007

Highlands Today recently did a story that citrus producer Mason Smoak had testified before the House Agriculture Committee in Congress that,"We want legal workers." I can agree that citrus growers need workers to get their fruit picked, but not at the expense of having millions of illegals from Mexico unlawfully entering the United States. Mr. Smoak said he "is proud of the salaries he pays his employees" of $10 an hour, when the federal wage rate is $5.85? ...more

October 11, 2007

SEBRING — Staff bonuses are in the offing at seven Highlands County schools that will receive incentives totaling more than $500,000 for their academic achievement in the 2006-07 school year. The state's School Recognition Program awards $100 per student to schools that achieve an "A" based on the school grading criteria or improve at least one grade from the previous year. ...more

October 3, 2007

Should the superintendent of Highlands County Schools be elected or appointed? If you own or operate a local business (builder, Realtor, restaurant, etc.) If you are a practicing professional, if you depend on the growth and prosperity of our county for your livelihood, or you are a parent with children in our public schools, you should be concerned that some of our local public schools have consistently been graded D schools. Do potential new residents decide not to locate in Highlands County because of the reputation (deserved or not) of some of our schools? Have businesses that could provide quality jobs to our area decided not to locate in Highlands County fearing that they could not attract qualified employees (with school aged children) because of the reputation of some of our public schools? ...more

September 16, 2007

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. ...more

September 16, 2007