‘Ineptitude at Boca Ciega High School’ sparked a much-needed community conversation about the state of education in our communities and the need for increased community and parental involvement,” said Dr. Goliath Davis.
BY GOLIATH J. DAVIS, III, Ph.D. | Contributor
ST. PETERSBURG — Never one to run or shy away from an opportunity to inform, discuss, or answer questions from readers, I am delighted by the conversations my last article has generated. So much so, I asked my editor to publish my phone number and email address along with a statement indicating I am willing to address questions and concerns from the individuals who I was told were discussing the article on Facebook, voicing either their pleasure or displeasure with my position.
I am pleased to report that the conversations I have had to date have, for the most part, been enlightening and mutually beneficial. Education and all its related issues are important ones. I have been involved as a community advocate for responsible education for more than 45 years. I have worked with several superintendents, starting with Scott Rose (1981-1990) and all his successors.
Long before the term “pipeline to prison” became popular, I informed former Superintendent Howard Hinesly (1990-2004) that we needed to change the nature of our relationship. As a police administrator, I made it clear that when he failed to educate students, I, or the criminal justice system, became the winners, and I did not want to win. Too many failing students, especially boys, turn to crime and delinquency in part because of educational failure.
I realized during my conversations with callers that the amount of time I have been involved in the education reform movement exceeds the ages of many of those I conversed with, as well as the parents I am trying to impact for the betterment of their children. Consequently, many are not familiar with my writings or my long-held positions. For example, some assumed I do not like teachers. On the contrary, I hold teachers in the highest regard and have a great appreciation for the work they do and the issues they face. In fact, I have family members who taught as well as former teachers I’ve never failed to thank and recognize for the impact they had on my life and the lives of my siblings and children.
I found that individuals who called agreed on several broad educational issues. Some believe I am “anti-females in positions of authority.” I fully understand their perception. It is a logical one if one crucial fact is not considered: females are heavily represented in education. Teachers, managers, and principals are ever-present. The entire Pinellas School Board is comprised of women; therefore, the probability of identifying a female educator for corrective action is great. After all, females are primarily in charge. To the men who asked why I pick on female educators, the answer is clear: men are, for the most part, not involved. We need more men for a host of reasons, and for the record, I have identified men over the years for corrective action as well.
Another concern voiced was that I spend a lot of time identifying problems but fail to offer solutions. I provided the caller with information on several issues where solutions were provided. I offer the following Weekly Challenger articles for reference: “We’ve met the enemy: It’s some of us,” “The fourth R of education,” “Lakewood High School: A year in review,” “An ‘A’ district for some, a significant achievement gap for others,” “Death by concordance: A mandatory read for parents and students,” “Police body cameras.”
Additionally, the Concerned Organization for Quality Education for Black Students (COQEBS) meets with the district once a month, and solutions are offered and discussed during these meetings. The Seniors in Service Classroom Grand Parents Program, comprised of a group of retired volunteers assigned to Pinellas Schools, is invaluable. Members assist teachers in the classroom and fill the void for mothers when necessary.
One of several retired educators insists the problems are systemic and the curriculum is a major culprit. I provided the educator with information that alerted the retiree to the fact that COQEBS is also aware of the systemic issues.
Minority Achievement Officer Kathleen S. Young-Parker
Area Superintendent Dywayne B. Hinds, Ed.D.
Structural issues were also a topic of discussion. A salient issue was the district’s organizational structure and the relative authority of certain positions. Specifically, the question posed was why the position of minority achievement officer is of lower stature than the area superintendent position? It was stated that the minority achievement officer’s job is the very foundation of achievement gap elimination; however, it appears she needs permission to do her job, or has permission, but is too timid or reluctant to act. A retired educator asked: “Has she been handcuffed?” There is a desire to see the minority achievement officer assume a more assertive posture. Also, concern was expressed that Boca Ciega is the second school under a particular area superintendent’s authority, where the principal’s leadership is questionable.
Effective communication is crucial, yet often challenging to achieve. Some readers made erroneous assumptions. I remain comfortable and committed to my position on Bogie, and I am glad I had the opportunity to hear other perspectives. One caller suggested “ineptitude” may not be the appropriate word to describe the situation, and I acknowledged the concern.
The article has sparked a much-needed community conversation about the state of education in our communities and the need for increased community and parental involvement. I hope the dialogue continues and that it spreads throughout the community, encouraging parents and community members who are not currently engaged to participate and support the education of our scholars. I challenged the retired educators I spoke with, as well as others who are not involved, to do so. Former educators bring years of experience and perspectives that can make a significant difference as we strive to enhance the educational experiences of all our children.
Thank you, everyone, for your input, trust, and support. We hope you support our schools and our children as they strive to complete the requirements for a high school education and enroll in institutions of higher learning, whether college or vocational.
To contact Dr. Goliath Davis, please call 727-348-5757 or email him at GoliathDavis3@gmail.com.
Dr. Goliath Davis, a former St. Petersburg police chief and deputy mayor, advocates for education in Pinellas County, with a particular focus on improving the academic achievement of Black students.
Mr. Davis,
First and foremost, thank you for taking the time to give these newly raised, important issues your consideration. These concerns represent barriers that we, as teachers, have been fighting against throughout our entire careers. Any attention and action directed toward resolving them is both necessary and sincerely appreciated.
However, your follow-up article fails to address what has become a deeply troubling and personal matter: the targeted attack on my mother. The original article, “Ineptitude at Boca Ciega High School,” focuses almost exclusively on the alleged “proven ineffectiveness” of my mother, reducing a complex situation to an unfair and misleading critique of a dedicated educator, who has served our community for 30 years.
Even though you acknowledge the myriad issues that were raised during your conversations about the article, you still do not retract—or even address—the incorrect and damaging statements you made about my mother specifically. Instead, your follow-up piece attempts to deflect attention away from the harm caused by your words and redirect the focus to broader systemic issues that have existed for decades.
At this stage, the damage to my mother’s reputation has already been done. While I recognize the value of continued dialogue regarding long-standing issues in education, such discussions do not absolve the inaccurate and harmful statements you chose to publish about her. Words, particularly those made public, carry significant consequences. I respectfully urge you to take responsibility for the impact of your reporting and issue a formal correction to restore the integrity that was unjustly compromised.
Thank you,
Shannon Avila
A dialog?
Simply, the article “Ineptitude at Boca Ciega High School is a misnomer that should be placed on an article entitled “Ineptitude at The Weekly Challenger due to the obvious bias of the author Goliath Davis and his superficial reporting of such dreck. He based his article on the complaint of one parent and then tried to uncover some back-up support by going a decade back to another school for some minor detail, which only proved his reporting ethics leave much to be desired. No one from the English Language Arts Department at Boca Ciega High was contacted to substantiate or refute his claims. Perhaps he was afraid to hear the praise for this esteemed colleague and discover that there was no substance to the mud he was slinging.
At any time, but especially when teachers are in short supply, they deserve the respect of a professional reporting job, one that is vetted by an editor or, in this case, a lawyer to catch such blatant defamation.
A dialog? Where is the apology due this teacher? Where is the correction? Shame on Mr. Davis and shame on The Weekly Challenger for publishing this limp, tainted piece of libel. As for our beloved and respected teacher, she has the support of her fellow department teachers who admire her professionalism, her support for all students, and her dedication to the community.
Sincerely,
Ms. Fair
Ms. Green
Ms. Erasmus
Dr. Michaels