Monday, I discussed the horrendous HB 7069. I explicitly discussed the $50 million that has been set aside for charters to expand their programs. The dedication of our Senators to HB 7069 further exemplifies their commitment to not only inequitable but also unequal education for all students. Senator Stargel is encouraging these views through her shameless conflict of interest with McKeel Academy. A conflict of interest, as defined by the State of Florida, is "a situation in which regard for a private interest tends to lead to disregard of a public duty or interest." She is intentionally creating funds charters. Isn't it odd that McKeel Academy is in the process of expanding? Furthermore, her and the other Legislatures are forgetting that our country was built on democracy and must listen to their community.
Conflicts of Interest
Allow me to explain....
First and foremost, her husband is on the board of directors for McKeel Academy. Their job is to set the rules for the charter (think of the school board for Polk County Public Schools). It is the understanding of the courts that a spouses are an extension of each other.
Second, the Academy is in the process of funding a building project. (Check out the Request for Proposal is posted on their website.) The project is to remodel a building and add square footage to that same building.
Third, Senator Stargel helped McKeel by voting for unequal funding of capital projects for charters. As mentioned earlier, the capital outlay of $50 million is part of the HB 7069. The bill is a conglomeration of multiple education bills. The $50 million began as SB 902. It was originally introduced by Senator Simmons in the education committee where it was passed. On May 1, 2017, the bill moved to the next step, the appropriations committee. During the vote, Senator Stargel voted “yea” on SB 902. In other words, she voted to transfer $50 million from our low-income families and give it to the charters for their capital expenses. [The Appropriations committee is responsible for approving the budget for the Florida Senate.] Because of her conflicts, she should not have voted because of her husbands direct involvement with McKeel. But she ignored any form of ethical thinking.
Questionable Ethics
She, as well as her fellow politicians, are missing two worthwhile aspects of ethics, democracy and community, that should serve leaders of the public. First, democracy in part, requires a level playing field for people's voices. It should value and reflect everyone's voice. This is missing from our Florida Congress. Low-income families, especially African Americans, do not receive equitable funding or resources for a quality education.
Second, is to consider the ethics of the community. Shapiro & Stefkovich (2011) define this as "....custom(s) and practices set forth by the community....." In other words, the community helps define what is right and what is wrong based on the culture of the local community.
Classism and racism have been a dark stain on the history of Polk County. Often times we as white Americans distance ourselves from the issues and history of racial inequality. In reality, many of us have lived through a time in which school segregation was still practiced! It wasn't until the year 2000 that Polk County Schools finally integrated students of all ethnicities. When Senators participate in dirty ethics, one can't help but think....
Conclusion
Once again, I argue that we work together to improve education for everyone. Those that believe charters are the option are grossly misinformed. As seen in this case, politicians are working to help the people they want to help. If they truly cared about everyone, then they would create policies for everyone.
In addition, something must be done about Senator Stargel's conflict of interest. I have two ideas. One, Senator Stargel's husband must leave the Board of Trustees at McKeel (this is probably the better of the two ideas). Two, Senator Stargel must leave her post as Senator. I can't wait for to work with our Florida politicians to create a better education for all.
Conflicts of Interest
Allow me to explain....
First and foremost, her husband is on the board of directors for McKeel Academy. Their job is to set the rules for the charter (think of the school board for Polk County Public Schools). It is the understanding of the courts that a spouses are an extension of each other.
Second, the Academy is in the process of funding a building project. (Check out the Request for Proposal is posted on their website.) The project is to remodel a building and add square footage to that same building.
Third, Senator Stargel helped McKeel by voting for unequal funding of capital projects for charters. As mentioned earlier, the capital outlay of $50 million is part of the HB 7069. The bill is a conglomeration of multiple education bills. The $50 million began as SB 902. It was originally introduced by Senator Simmons in the education committee where it was passed. On May 1, 2017, the bill moved to the next step, the appropriations committee. During the vote, Senator Stargel voted “yea” on SB 902. In other words, she voted to transfer $50 million from our low-income families and give it to the charters for their capital expenses. [The Appropriations committee is responsible for approving the budget for the Florida Senate.] Because of her conflicts, she should not have voted because of her husbands direct involvement with McKeel. But she ignored any form of ethical thinking.
Questionable Ethics
She, as well as her fellow politicians, are missing two worthwhile aspects of ethics, democracy and community, that should serve leaders of the public. First, democracy in part, requires a level playing field for people's voices. It should value and reflect everyone's voice. This is missing from our Florida Congress. Low-income families, especially African Americans, do not receive equitable funding or resources for a quality education.
Second, is to consider the ethics of the community. Shapiro & Stefkovich (2011) define this as "....custom(s) and practices set forth by the community....." In other words, the community helps define what is right and what is wrong based on the culture of the local community.
Classism and racism have been a dark stain on the history of Polk County. Often times we as white Americans distance ourselves from the issues and history of racial inequality. In reality, many of us have lived through a time in which school segregation was still practiced! It wasn't until the year 2000 that Polk County Schools finally integrated students of all ethnicities. When Senators participate in dirty ethics, one can't help but think....
Conclusion
Once again, I argue that we work together to improve education for everyone. Those that believe charters are the option are grossly misinformed. As seen in this case, politicians are working to help the people they want to help. If they truly cared about everyone, then they would create policies for everyone.
In addition, something must be done about Senator Stargel's conflict of interest. I have two ideas. One, Senator Stargel's husband must leave the Board of Trustees at McKeel (this is probably the better of the two ideas). Two, Senator Stargel must leave her post as Senator. I can't wait for to work with our Florida politicians to create a better education for all.
Post Script
There are several Florida Legislatures guilty of conflict of interest. They must release themselves of these conflicts. They are as follows: Rep. Manny Diaz, House Speaker Richard Corcoran, Rep. Michael Bileca, and Senator Kelli Stargel. For the first three legislatures, the Miami Herald reported Thursday "Some of your legislators are profiting at the expense of public education" They present convincing arguments of personally profiting from legislations they are voting on and/or creating.
Spot on. I hope this goes viral!
ReplyDelete