Paul H. Fetsko: Candidate, Escambia County School Board, District 2
EDITOR'S NOTE: The following is an interview conducted via questionnaire by the Pensacola News Journal with Escambia and Santa Rosa County election candidates for their respective races. All of the answers were submitted to the Pensacola News Journal by the candidate and are available to our readers to show the candidates' position and priorities on the issues. Candidates were limited to 750 words.
Candidate: Paul H. Fetsko
Office you're seeking: Escambia County School Board District 2
Occupation: Retired Educator
Education: B.S. English Education/Deaf Education; M.S. Administration & Supervision
More about the race: Incumbent candidate for Escambia County School Board District 2 seat faces two old foes
Why are you running for this office? My 36-year career in the Escambia County School District was fueled by the desire to serve students and parents and to help them find the best possible ways to ensure a productive future. Whether I was in the classroom, in administration, district level or on the Board, I have always made student benefits the priority in all of my decisions and actions. I still have this passion to serve this community and ask for your support in continuing to move Escambia County Schools towards excellence.
What makes you stand out from your opponent(s)? I have 36 years of experience in the Escambia County Public Schools working on all levels of the District. Twelve of those years as Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction followed by four years on the School Board after I retired. I have education affiliations and serve on local education committees and boards working to move student progress forward and to assist families in acquiring needed services in our community.
Previous elective office/ elective office experience: Incumbent
What are your three most important priorities if you are elected or re-elected?
Safety
Recruitment & Retention of a Highly Qualified Staff
Closing of the Achievement Gap
How would you implement Priority 1?
Continue funding the Protection Services Department along with collaboration between the School District and local law enforcement to assess our policies and systems. Monitor social media for potential concerns or persons who need to be watched or vetted with other agencies. Implement all state-of-the-art security measures as they are identified.
How would you implement Priority 2?
Work with the Legislature to remove all obstacles that are in place which prevent retired teachers from reentering the classroom. Establish robust teacher academies in our high schools to encourage and prepare students to become teachers. Explore other incentives to encourage candidates to enter the field of education, along with ways to increase salaries. Explore recruiting form foreign countries. Ask the Legislature to expand DROP from 5 to 10 years.
How would you implement Priority 3?
Re-establish the Dr. Gerald Anderson Continuous Improvement Model in all schools. Train all leadership in those strategies and set metrics within the Strategic Plan to ensure that these practices are followed with fidelity.
How will you use your position as board member to address the learning and socialization gap caused by COVID-19?
Refrain from shutting down any schools and only permit remote learning when specified by a physician.
How will you change classroom curriculum, student clubs or school interaction with parents and students in response to new laws put into place governing public schools under Ron DeSantis?
Parents rights to review and approve materials has been in place for decades and should continue regardless of political or special interests. Parent input and assistance in determining content must always be solicited. Citizens need to advocate for greater local control of all aspects of education.
This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Paul H. Fetsko: Candidate, Escambia County School Board, District 2
