School board reacts with mixed feelings about DOE investigation into Superintendent Hanna
News of a state education department investigation into whether the superintendent influenced school policy by his "personal views" has stirred mixed reactions from his colleagues on the dais.
While most of the school board expressed support, sympathy or concern for Leon County Schools Superintendent Rocky Hanna, the board chair was the only member with harsh words.
"Our Superintendent's political diatribes and combativeness with the governor have done nothing but reflect poorly on our district," Alva Smith wrote in a text message.
"Regardless of our differences, our focus must remain on the education and safety of all students. We should be building bridges, not burning them," she continued.
Subscriber exclusive:Florida education agency investigates Leon superintendent, pointing to 'personal views'
On Wednesday, the Tallahassee Democrat obtained a letter indicating that Hanna is under a "preliminary investigation" by the Florida Department of Education.
In a certified letter on Dec. 22 from Randy Kosec, chief of professional practices at the Florida Department of Education, the agency alleged Hanna has failed to take “reasonable precautions to distinguish your personal views and those of your educational institution.”
The Department of Education has not commented so It is not known what specifically the agency is targeting with the investigation, but Hanna believes the investigation stems from a complaint about an email to district teachers.
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In early August, just before the fall semester started, Hanna wrote his support for teachers and said “You do you!”
“Continue to teach the standards just as you have always done and do not worry for one minute about naysayers, political and others, who are trying to mislead people and control what you can and cannot say in your classroom,” he wrote. "If someone wants to come after you, they will have to go through us and our attorneys."
Darryl Jones, Marcus Nicolas and Rosanne Wood told the Tallahassee Democrat they would continue to back the superintendent.
"I think it’s outrageous, absolutely outrageous. I read the letter that he sent to the teachers, and it was a letter of encouragement," Wood said.
She believes the investigation is harassment and intimidation.
"I’m just really worried we’re going down a dark path on treading on people’s freedom of speech," Wood said.
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Nicolas said he read the email, and the disconnect between Hanna's personal views and those of his "educational institution" aren't clearly outlined.
“In order to accuse someone of a violation, there has to be evidence to say ‘here’s the rule, here’s the violation,'" Nicolas said. "That’s how this society operates.”
“There has not been that transaction, and so that is concerning, because using the logic that has been used thus far, you can then accuse anyone of anything," he continued.
In a statement, Laurie Cox did not explicitly support Hanna, but she did show sympathy.
"I know our Superintendent works tirelessly and cares deeply about our district," Cox wrote in a text message. "I also know we must work together and not against our state elected officials if we want our district to continue to thrive."
Read the 'you do you' letter
Below is the letter to teachers that Rocky Hanna says sparked the state investigation.
From: Hanna, Rocky hannar@leonschools.net
Sent: Monday, August 8, 2022 15:02
To: LCS_Teachers LCS_Teachers@leonschools.net
Subject: Wishing you well in the year to come!
Dear Colleagues,
As you finish making final preparations for the 2022/2023 school year, I wanted to send you a brief message of thanks, appreciation and support. Over the last two years we have faced many obstacles and challenges yet, working together, we have remained steadfast and strong.
The positive, no-quit attitude you demonstrated has served as a beacon for both our students and parents during one of the most tumultuous times in our nation’s history. As a former history teacher, I have no doubt that what we were able to accomplish together will be remembered as a defining moment in the long history of our public-school system. For your efforts I could not be more thankful and proud.
It's hard for me to believe that I am about to enter my 34th year with Leon County Schools. As in years past I find myself both nervous and excited to start another school year. This coming year, however, won't be without its own set of unique challenges. Unfortunately, over the last year, our schools have become an easy target for politicians looking to advance their own agendas and political careers, which has caused mistrust and fear around public schools and what our teachers are teaching.
Having said this, let me be clear about one thing-- I will always have your back! I realize this is improper grammar but, “You do You”! Continue to teach the standards just as you have always done and do not worry for one minute about naysayers political and others who are trying to mislead people and control what you can and cannot say in your classroom.
If someone wants to come after you they will have to go through us and our attorneys. Whether you are a member of the union or not, you are covered by our professional liability policy. We will advocate for you and we will defend you.
In addition, no matter what some people may try to convince you to believe with misinformation and divisive intentions, I value you more than you will ever know and I have the utmost respect for what you do every single day in your classroom to help our children--your students--succeed in life. Even with the negative distractions, we are in the best profession ever.
I hope each of you have an amazing school year!
Sincerely,
Rocky Hanna
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Leon County School Board reacts to investigation into Hanna's views
