Upcoming Events
Poll
Himmel, Balfour debate school success
LECANTO — Superintendent of Schools Sandra “Sam” Himmel and Republican challenger Sandy Balfour spent much of their forum debating the meaning of success. Here are some highlights:
* Balfour said the district may have a polished look, but trouble lies within.
“There’s a lot going on behind the closed doors,” she said.
Balfour said that, while Citrus has been an “A”-rated district for seven straight years, the state is 46th in the nation.
“We need to aim higher,” she said.
* Himmel said the state’s ranking is much higher and recently dropped from fifth in the nation to 11th.
“I don’t know where 46th came from,” she said.
Himmel praised teachers, administrators, parents and students for the district’s success.
“I’m very proud of our accomplishments,” she said.
* Himmel said the district’s graduation rate has increased 14 percent since she took office eight years ago. All three high schools have graduation rates above 90 percent, she said.
* Both candidates debated the significance of standardized testing and the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test.
“The problem with focusing on FCAT is it compares one district to another,” Balfour said.
Himmel said standardized testing and the grades that come with them are what districts deal with.
“As long as there’s a grading system I’m very proud to keep an ‘A’. ” she said.
* Candidates were asked how the superintendent should assist teachers whose classes struggle with standardized testing.
“The key is training,” said Balfour, who teaches English at the Academy of Environmental Sciences. “The key is support.”
Himmel said the district provides training and support to teachers whose students struggle.
“I’ll defend what our teachers do,” she said.
* Both candidates said they support the quarter-mill tax proposal on the November ballot, which would maintain the local allocation, not result in a .25 mill reduction.
* In her closing statement, Himmel said Balfour has limited knowledge of the school district.
“Citrus County is in my blood, my mind and my heart,” Himmel said.
* Balfour said Himmel’s hiring policy for principals is based on personal relationships.
She promised that all hirings will occur only after candidates are screened by a committee.
“It will no longer be who you know,” she said, “but what you know.”
Add new comment
Read and share your thoughts on this story
Ad Gallery
Copyright © 2013
PLEASE
Balfour is not capable of running an organization that has 2500 employees, 17000 students, and 34000 parents. That is what it is all about. Blafour has proven that she is nothing more then a quitter. She quit at CRHS when the going got too tough for her, and thats by her own admission. The truth is she got fired, if she would have just admitted that instead of the crap she is spouting now she probably wouldn't get beat anywhere close to what is going to happen to her in November.
After this Election, Blafour will be damaged goods. Watch how fast the College of Central Florida gets her resignation. Blafour is dangerous! She is starting to believe her own hype, the hype that she created. reality is going to hit her like a ton of bricks and I pity the poor soles in education that have boardered her ship.
Disgruntled student???
What are you... a disgruntled former student of hers or a relative of the inside network... you know what I mean. Only someone with a serious axe to grind would put this ridiculous of a statement on the net.
Himmel relies on the results of a test that is state and locally manipulated to make the district's "A" rating look real... IT'S NOT!! When student scores aren't high enough... why not... let's lower the standards for passing... sounds like a true leader to me!!
Balfour's facts are correct
I sit in a remedial class for math in CF right now right along side many students doing fractions who have graduated from our high schools within the last year are two. The difference between the figures Balfour is using and what Himmel is using rests in the fact that Balfour's numbers comes from the Academic College Level Assessment Test or ACT and they are far more accurate in determining college readiness than the FCAT numbers that Himmel is using because unlike the FCAT the ACT numbers are not manipulated to make school systems look like they are doing better than the actually are. Balfour's facts are correct and they can be checked.
Balfour
70% of students do not need remediation in college, that is a made up number by Balfour like the state rankings and much else she has said. Her facts are so wrong and so disrespectful to teachers and students one wonders why she wants the job to begin with. Clearly unqualified, out of touch, and not what schools need.
Himmel
Himmel has done a good job, especially considering the massive budget cuts they have had to deal with in the last few years. For a fact, she does work hard to find ways and money to keep as much support staff as possible to help the special needs kids. Even if the State did rank 46th, it wouldn't fall on the shoulders of Citrus County. An "A" is an "A"! That's as good as it gets, so if the state were 46th, it would be because the other counties thruout the state aren't performing. Himmel has earned an another term! jmo!
No it could be better
The A rating is not good enough if you do not have high schools in your district any where near that A.
Graduation doesn't add up!
If high school graduates are so successful in our county then please explain why a majority of these newly graduated students are are required to take remedial classes, 70% when attending the local college. And this from an "A" district!
Go home Balfour
If Balfour cant get the state ranking correct, then she surely cant run a school district. Stay at the BS school where you belong. Let Sam continue to lead our district to higher ground!
Send Himmel home
Balfour uses ACT scores or Academic College Level Assessment Test criteria and it is far more accurate picture with regard to college readiness than state FCAT numbers that are constantly being manipulated to help schools meet the bench mark. College ACT scores are not manipulated because there is no money reason for them to be jerked around.