I miss the days not so long ago when the Flagler County School Board was the sleeper government in the county–uneventful, efficient, always collegial, often (with treasures of local governance like Trevor Tucker and Andy Dance) boring, as I think government boards should be. If they make news, they’re doing something wrong.
We can pinpoint the day when things started souring at the school board. It was when Janet McDonald abused her chairmanship to turn the opening of a board meeting into a prayer revival in August 2019. From then on, it was a quick spiral into hell as ideology replaced education. She either silenced or allowed LGBTQ students to be insulted. During Covid she turned her seat into a churn of disinformation and lies, and was soon joined by the equally poisonous and witch-hunting Jill Woolbright. Satan couldn’t be far behind.
Then came the follies over masks, vaccines and book bans, culminating, like declining Rome giving way to the Dark Ages, in the elections of Will Furry, Christy Chong and Sally Hunt. In a county not lacking for competition in that regard, the board became crazy central. None of it had to do with what was going on in schools (not until Bunnell’s segregated assembly, anyway). All of it has to do with these three board members.
If you think the appointment of LaShakia Moore will make a difference, think again. Moore’s biggest job will be to run interference to save what’s left of this district from the Huns, because the problem was never with the administration or the ranks. It’s with the majority of a board that doesn’t know its role, doesn’t know its limits, and doesn’t know education from flip-flops.
They lack curiosity for the nuts and bolts of district governance because it just doesn’t appeal to their Facebook subgroups. So they don’t do their homework. Furry just channels the conspiratorial alchemies of his harem of hysterics, with the likes of Woolbright or Alan Lowe making a teleprompter of his phone.
Chong has faint glimmers of the Tucker style in her: every once in a while she might surprise you with a deft question or observation, making you think: there is hope. But then, this board member who found a “safe space” sign objectionable and calls teen lit “porn” comes out with yet another howler, as she did the night the board voted in Moore, when she lent this analysis to the segregated assembly at Bunnell: “This is the unfortunate result of what happens when we try to go beyond teaching the foundations of education.” She then compared the assembly to “indoctrination.”
Whatever that horror show at Bunnell Elementary was, it was neither indoctrination nor a matter of going beyond the “foundations of education.” It was the end result of the state’s perverse imprisonment of teachers in testing standards and a dehumanized view of students as numbers in “subgroups.” Chong was elected on the strength of the endorsement by the guy behind those standards. Then again, I don’t think she knows what the word indoctrination means.
As for Hunt, our very own Manchurian candidate, what more can be said about a cringe-inducing narcissist who has no idea what she’s doing, is a no-show at most school events, and manages to commandeer meetings to her own pathetic grievances, as she did even the night the new superintendent was voted in? Her teasing and chronic flirtation with resigning notwithstanding, we appear to be stuck with that unwieldy intemperance for a few years yet.
It’s about to get worse. First, the only two sane members of the board, Cheryl Massaro and Colleen Conklin, are in their last year. They’re not running again. They’re lame ducks, and they’re in the minority. You’ll see that consequence next November when the board elects Furry its chair, “this throne of illusions” (to borrow a phrase from Garcia-Marquez). I imagine his first act will be to appoint himself muezzin.
Second, the board members think a couple of “retreats” where they all join hands and sing kumbaya will fix what ails them. It’s the juvenile disorder this board has been suffering from for a few years. You don’t see other boards going into so-called retreats to do these things because for the most part they’re grown-ups, and patronizing “team-building” exercises in back rooms have nothing to do with public policy.
Nor do “retreats,” by the way, which have no legitimacy in Florida government. You either have business meetings or workshops. Some governments do goal-setting sessions they like to call “retreats.” But these mawkish, vaguely Leninist re-education “retreats” in half shadows from sunshine are emblematic of boards’ contempt for the public and for transparency. The board is not a “team.” It’s not a club. It’s five, independently elected members accountable to the electorate, not to each other.
But the board doesn’t see it that way. It sees itself as an undemocratic monolith that should speak with one voice, and when one of its members strays, that member should be punished. That’s what’s behind Hunt’s anger at Massaro for speaking her mind over the segregated assemblies, or hers and a couple of other board members’ hostility toward the press or any kind of message they don’t presume to control.
A few months ago they even debated having their PR office act like Pravda, issuing the official news of the board, hoping that would shut the rest of us up, until the board attorney reminded them that the scheme would only triple the amount of coverage, some of it inevitably embarrassing.
Of course, it’s that sort of advice that’s about to get the attorney fired. “I don’t know as I want a lawyer to tell me what I cannot do,” J.P. Morgan once said. “I hire him to tell me how to do what I want to do.” Get ready for the board to go Morgan, Morgan & Morgan on us.
Moore was right when she told the board this week that “we’ve isolated ourselves from the community.” How different this board is from how it’d been for a decade and a half until 2019. But if this board’s behavior appears to be an alien phenomenon in this county’s history, it’s no longer unique in Florida. Since the governor decided to politicize school boards, they have repaid him in spades. Flagler’s version is only too ordinary.
Can Moore fix it? It’s not her job, though the board members are clearly burdening her with the task. And that, yet again, is why this hopeless board is clueless.
Pierre Tristam is FlaglerLive’s editor. A version of this piece aired on WNZF.
Marty Reed says
Excellent summary of what we have to face with regard to our school district!
Dennis C Rathsam says
All the kings horsemen coulnt put Humpty Dumpty back togeather again!
Anonymous in Flagler so I dont die says
Remember the meeting when book bans first started? Masked Proud Boy wannabes calling our minors f***ots and telling them they were going to perform sexual favors for them? Our children? The Sherriffs dept. did nothing. Since then it has been absolutely disgusting. Let’s talk about who the real “groomers” are. I’ll wait.
Judith Michaud says
Absolutely eloquent article ! Right on point ! I have lived here for 27 years. I had children and grandchildren that graduated from Flagler county schools and still have 2 remaining, one in middle school and one in elementary school. Believe me when I tell you, things have gone so far down hill since then ! My only hope for my 2 younger grandchildren was the fact that Colleen Conklin and Cheryl Massaro were still on the board !! It terrifies me to think they will be leaving and more than likely be replaced with “DeSantis” picks! Flagler needs to wake up and do their homework before they vote in the next election ! I wish Ms. Moore all the best and pray she can survive the terrible 3!
Michael Downes says
To whom it may concern;
You have to be kidding me. Your analysis of the school board and the direction of the state of Florida education is a joke. It is beyond obvious that you are a Socialist or more over a Marxist. Your attack in this article is just a blanket for your WOKENESS. If you truly want to help children today in education and better their future, choice is the answer. Making sure parents are fully involved and have the information they need to help their children. Any person that try’s to bring up LBTQ as a reason that this Board or in general the school system is failing, is because they want to change everything about our country and what made it great. The more you talk about DEI the more you show that you as a person know what is best for everyone else. Choice is the answer not fighting over a person wearing a dress in school or using a bathroom. Every job or post ion in life requires you meet certain standards. That is not confirmatory. Reality is realizing you are not the most important person on earth. Other people’s beliefs, ideas, and emotions count. Now you have a small group complaining about what they want. What about everyone else. You as a supposed journalist need to remember, you are not judge and jury, and your mother might think your the smartest person in the world. In reality you are 1 among billions.
Sincerely,
Michael Patrick Ronan Downes
JimboXYZ says
“Whatever that horror show at Bunnell Elementary was, it was neither indoctrination nor a matter of going beyond the “foundations of education.” It was the end result of the state’s perverse imprisonment of teachers in testing standards and a dehumanized view of students as numbers in “subgroups.””
What if the the entire BESA (Bunnell Elementary Segregation Assembly) was nothing more than a fabrication & creation of a crisis as an optic to be the appearance of an optics of LaShakia Moore being the interim and handling the crisis as a timing thing to name her the permanent Superintendent of Flagler County ? In the end, what was it, maybe weeks later, DE&I movement wins for announcing the council’s vote of an appointment for Flagler County’s 1st black female School Superintendent ? I think the article is right, this has nothing to do with educating children. More like a musical chairs to reshuffle the same deck of playing cards in power plays & struggles by school administrators as career Olympic games ?
Evensen is the casualty, but the article on her resignation. I’m leaning towards believing there was a plot, a scheme of sorts and this is how it played out publicly. We had a principal of that school approving an assembly. Was it portrayed as assembling only black children ? And again, at what review & approval level would Evensen have. And if one sees the photos (links from FlaglerLive articles), is it context ? I see Black school officials addressing black students ? From that, are we supposed to imply that the blacks involved were the one’s that segregated their own & offended the underperformers ? And in that event, LaShakia Moore’s legend was created as the (Interim => Permanent) Black Female Superintendent that handled the crisis. I mean imagine the white woman that was relieved of that position trying to handle the same crisis ? Back to optics of the whole thing ? Even in the apology ? What did we see ? 5 people, 1 male Caucasian, 4 females Black & Asian ? Watch the video for yourself, clear divisions Will Furry & the other woman at the far right seem to be distancing themselves on the stage at the podium, the other 3 closer together. I couldn’t make that up if I tried. Hey, it’s just what I’m seeing with the body language of those on stage in the apology ? I think there’s a reason for the spacing, wonder if those are the way the votes usually end up on motions & matters ?
As this article indicates, this is hardy about educating children and getting everyone of them to be the highest level of literacy, it’s about those making grandstand plays for career games & moves ? Students deserve better than this, the taxpayers do too.
https://flaglerlive.com/bunnell-elementary-presentation/
https://flaglerlive.com/wp-content/uploads/Donelle-Evensen-on-X-Thank-you-to-Mr-Hines-Ms-Steed-Mr-Gabriel-for-loving-our-students-and-challenging-them-to-be-their-best-self-BESBullpups-PositivelyFlagler-https-t-co-L4mBRQqQ2P-X.pdf
https://www.flaglerschools.com/about-us/news/details/~board/district-news/post/interim-superintendent-lashakia-moores-comments-on-bunnell-elementary-assembly
Purveyor of Truth says
The new superintendent missed an opportunity to salvage Ms. Evensen, a long-time educator who was valued enough to be selected as a principal. Rather than admonish and mentor the new principal, the superintendent allowed Evensen to see the writing on the wall, that she would be cast away. A real leader, like Sheriff Staly, would likely have rehabilitated a valued employee. It seems Ms. Evensen made a mistake of the heart not the mind, but it inconveniently happened at the inception of the new superintendent’s tenure. Much easier to cut bait and run. That’s not leadership. Not at all. And this article is right, in that she’ll not fix this clueless board, that is the job of the voters.
Mike Cocchiola says
If we don’t like what the board has become, we need to show up at the meetings and so. And then school them on how they should act.
Pierre Tristam says
Jesus Mary Mohammad and Moses. Does Alex Jones have a time share in Palm Coast?
WTH? Tired of dumb people says
You either didn’t read the article (following in the likes of our book banners) or didn’t understand it. It would be great if we didn’t need DE&I, but comments like this make a strong case for it. DE&I training could have prevented the Bunnell disaster.
Ed says
Once again, Pierre, you made me laugh out loud…an honest belly laugh. Your comment is poignant, and spot on.
You just made my day. Thanks
The dude says
Fell out of the Newsmax tree and hit every branch on the way down.
Melly c says
DEI is destroying this country. It is the Nanny State run amok, and I thank God every day my children are grown up and away from public “education”.
The dude says
Thank you Pierre, for my daily reminder that moving out of the educational black hole that is Floriduh was one of the better life choice’s I’ve made.
PDiddy says
Pierre, I dont always agree with you but this time you are spot on. Reason # 4967 why I retired in 2020 from that dysfunctional cesspool of a work place…………..
Chip D says
I’ve personally witnessed your “act” at several meetings through the past few years. Usually 3 minutes of angry accusations and finger pointing. The thought of you “schooling” anyone how to act is laughable.
OnceIndependent says
I read it and it was a pure socialist rant. DEI is completely useless. Any .. and I mean any thing that has to ENSURE something is equitable by pointing out differences is just another form of prejudice or discrimination.
OnceIndependent says
I suppose you’re of the mindset that all things Covid are as the media have told us .. never mind the lab theory, never mind the mask lies, never mind government censorship of unapproved statements to the contrary. I could go on, but thecpoint is, what many quickly dismissed as conspiracy have way too many times of late proven FAR FROM CONSPIRACY.
Pierre Tristam says
I need to mask up just to read comment like these. Covid’s death toll, as of today: United States, 1.2 million. World: 6.9 million. A hell of a lie.
Fed Up With Flagler says
I agree with Ed. Good lord some of these comments are exactly why I have had enough of living in this state and particularly in this ass-backward county. Conklin and Massaro – they were our last hope. Glad I have no children in the schools but I do have a family member in the teaching ranks and s/he is fed up.
Lisa says
It’s safe to say that we have the worst School Board in Flagler County history. How did we get here?
Jill Woolbright never liked Superintendent Mittlestadt. Never gave her a single chance. Why? It’s well known because Woolbright is homophobic. This started though with Woolbright and her complete mishandling of the book “All Boys Aren’t Blue”. It’s a terrible book that shouldn’t be in schools. However, instead of bringing it to the school board, Woolbright filed obscenity charges against the school board with the Sheriffs Dept. That’s when she first got media attention and the attention of Tallahassee. Suddenly, Woolbright was important. Woolbright now had political aspirations! Media whore and con-artist, “Pastor” Jerlyn Denny jumped in and a plan was hatched: Jill needed to take over Flagler’s School Board.
Jill had a problem though, Trevor Tucker was on the board and was sane and rational. McDonald wasn’t running again. She needed to find some people.
Woolbright told everyone the Tucker (a lifelong Republican) was a woke liberal. She got Chong. The problem was the other seat, two Republican candidates were running: Alred and Furry. Alred was a very good candidate and thought Mittlestadt was a very good Superintendent. This left Woolbright supporting Furry. Furry was completely unqualified but, he promised Woolbright loyalty. So Woolbright had her people: Chong and Furry.
Gov DeSantis decided to endorse school board candidate in the 2022 election. He created an online survey for any candidate seeking endorsement. Woolbright was endorsed by the Governor. Chong did the survey, Tucker did NOT. Chong got endorsed. Alred and Furry both did the survey, neither was endorsed for the Primary.
By Chong doing the survey and being endorsed, it allowed her and Woolbright to receive PAC money. The cut Furry in on the deal. This is where the atrocious “Armed and Dangerous” mailer came in. Chong and Furry both won. Why didn’t Woolbright?
Woolbright lost because of the “Armed and Dangerous” mailer. People did not like Trevor Tucker’s good name being dragged in the mud and Woolbright lost by 600 votes.
Woolbright sold her home and moved to Tennessee. It’s a blessing for our county. If only she could take the damage and destruction she caused with her, we’d be even more blessed.
James says
DE&I?
And by the way, what did they end up paying Moore?… Just curious.
I don’t recall it being mentioned anywhere in the past few school board related articles here on Flagler Live (understandably so, considering all that’s been happening as of late).
Emery says
Michaels downs,,,,,, you are spot on 100%
FlaglerLive says
The contract is being negotiated. Her pay had not been set.
Mr. Bill says
I’m curious too. I’ll bet it’s a lot more. Also–who’s gonna be the new assistant.
I just love the title of this article…”even a great Superintendent….”. Don’t you think we should wait awhile to award the title “Great”.
Sherry says
@ melly. . . You posted that Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is destroying our country. Really? In precisely what way. . . and, include “credible facts” only, please. Otherwise, we will all continue to understand that all you can do is mindlessly post hate filled words from right winged media outlets.
Thanks!
Sherry says
@oi. . . talking points straight from the likes of Newsmax/Tucker Carlson/FOX. . . do you have a mind of your own, or are you really that far gone?
Sherry says
Me too, Dude. . . me too! We’ve been in wonderful, peaceful, beautiful Sausalito for just over a year now, and don’t miss Florida one little bit.
So very sad what has happened to the state we were born in, and where our ancestors lived for hundreds of years.
We’ve happily moved on to a far better place. . . not the cheapest, just the best!
The scamming continues..... says
You hit the nail right on it’s head. These are the bad actors that have installed the dumbest school board in the Country.
What till you see who they will be put up for the Cheryl Massaro seat. Dumber yet the Queen of the dump.
If you see them start touting a person, you heard it here first.
HINT: LP
Edith Campins says
Actually, it is the people like you who want to change everything. You want to change history and teach alternative facts. It is you and people like you who want to control what others read, what they think. You don’t like a book? Don’t read it. Yes, everyone’s emotions, beliefs, etc. count. You completely fail to see the point, that Mr. Tristam is also entitled to his opinions.
dave says
Enjoy, love the mediterranean vibe there.
Ed says
Sherry, good to hear your are happy in California.
I now have a new appreciation for all your posts.
California is sooo much better than Florida that an average of 300 people a day are leaving. In 2021 California was the winner, number one in states that people are fleeing.
Up to 13.30 percent individual income tax, 7.25 state sales tax, local authority up to 2.50 sales tax.
Absolutely sounds like the best!
Ben Hogarth says
Thaddeus Stevens : “How can I hold that all men are created equal when here before me stands, stinking, the moral carcass of the gentleman from Ohio (Florida)? Proof that some men ARE inferior, endowed by their maker with dim wits, impermeable to reason, with cold, pallid slime in their veins instead of hot, red blood!”
I’ll just leave this right here because I can’t be bothered one moment to entertain a response of my own design to the laborious ravings of lunacy in this comment and several others. No doubt there is a schism in this country, and not between blue or red, liberal and conservative – but the intelligent and the dimwitted.
Sherry says
@ed. . . you just don’t get it. Let me break it down in a very elementary way for you.
Although we are Florida natives for generations, we are delighted to have moved away from a completely TOXIC state that is:
1. Moving rapidly towards authoritarian fascism
2. Filled with people that are brainwashed by FOX
3. Filled with gun carrying, angry, fearful people
4. That has a governor/government that bans books
5. That has a governor that “takes away” freedoms
6. That has a school system that is indoctrinating children into the White/Christian ideology
7. That has a governor/government that is bigoted
8. That has a government that interferes in health privacy
10. A land where scientific fact is not believed
11. A culture where moral principles are dead and many people vote for corrupt treasonist criminals
12. Where the climate/weather is terrible most of the year
13. A state/governor that has become a laughing stock
14. A mecca for the uneducated, fear filled and hostile
I could go on and on. . . but, now I want to describe our wonderful home in California:
1. Neighbors that are welcoming, kind, happy, helpful, educated, open minded/non-judgemental
2. Stunning natural beauty
3. A community that powerfully supports the arts: world class museums, ballet, theater, opera
4. Wonderful food at 5 star restaurants and shops
5. World renowned universities
6. A safe, peaceful, quiet neighborhood
7. Courteous drivers
8. Excellent public transportation
9. A great moderate climate
10. A progressive government with respected, educated, open minded leaders that embrace scientific facts
Again, I could go on and on. . . but, I will summarize this by saying that we chose to live out our golden years surrounded by a loving, peaceful, educated, open minded, evolved community, in one of the most beautiful places on earth. . . instead of a cheaper, very highly toxic, place. We know we are incredibly fortunate that we can afford to have that choice!