Friday, March 31, 2023
Pineapple Report
  • Home
  • News
    • Statewide Associations
    • Labor Unions
    • Headlines
  • Rick on the Record
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
No Result
View All Result
Pineapple Report
Home Headlines

Don’t expect more nastiness in Pasco superintendent race, hopeful says

by Pineapple Report
August 19, 2020
in Headlines
0

Tampa Bay Times | by Jeffrey S. Solochek | August 19, 2020

Having watched the Republican primary for Pasco County superintendent from the sidelines, no-party candidate Cynthia Thompson said she learned some lessons for her general election campaign against incumbent Kurt Browning.

One key takeaway: “I am not going to be negative.”

Thompson, a Bayonet Point Middle School teacher, said she agreed with primary runnerup David LaRoche that the district needs a change in direction, with an educator at the helm. But LaRoche’s campaign focused too much on complaining and attacks, she said, without providing enough solutions.

“I want to stay as positive as possible,” she said. “I think throwing dirt on others is not the way to go.”

More important, she contended, is taking steps to make the community know that its questions and concerns are heard and addressed — particularly at a time when so much angst exists over the safety of the school system.

“I just feel strongly about making sure that the community is being listened to,” Thompson said. “That’s one of the biggest issues right now. Parents don’t feel like they’re being heard. Staff don’t feel like they’re being heard. … We all have to work together and we all have to get our basic needs met or else we’re not going to be able to achieve.”

Thompson pointed to potential problems associated with student learning losses over the spring of remote learning and the summer without classes. Everyone wants to resume teaching and learning in a safe way, she said, yet so many people have basic questions about returning that haven’t been answered.

She said she planned to begin releasing clear plans for her vision, without making attacks.

Browning, who won the primary with about two-thirds of the vote, said he planned to continue running on his record of achievements. He also said he would not conduct a negative campaign, as in his view that does not win elections.

Thompson originally filed to run in the Republican primary, but changed her party affiliation on the last day of qualifying. She had come under fire by LaRoche supporters for not allowing their candidate to have a clear shot at Browning.

She agreed that two opponents would split the opposition vote. She also said she didn’t want to be viewed as a political party candidate.

Without a party affiliation, Thompson acknowledged she faced an uphill battle against the incumbent. She intended to move ahead with her campaign.

“If the least I’ve done is make people think, then I’ve already won,” she said.

Previous Post

Won’t wear a mask at your public school? You may have to learn from home.

Next Post

Like spring, Broward’s first day of school held online marred by some technical glitches

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

RECOMMENDED NEWS

DeSantis would get this nearly unprecedented new power under Florida bill

DeSantis would get this nearly unprecedented new power under Florida bill

15 hours ago
The Broward school district considered abstinence-focused sex ed. Board members rejected it

The Broward school district considered abstinence-focused sex ed. Board members rejected it

16 hours ago
‘Dead kids can’t read.’ Jared Moskowitz and Marjorie Taylor Greene have fiery exchange on guns in schools.

‘Dead kids can’t read.’ Jared Moskowitz and Marjorie Taylor Greene have fiery exchange on guns in schools.

17 hours ago
Misguided Use of Ed Tech Is a Big Problem. How Schools Can Help Prevent It

Misguided Use of Ed Tech Is a Big Problem. How Schools Can Help Prevent It

14 hours ago

K12 Media LLC. All Rights Reserved. Copyright © 2020

  • About
  • Contact
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
    • Statewide Associations
    • Labor Unions
    • Headlines
  • Rick on the Record
  • Contact
  • Subscribe

K12 Media LLC. All Rights Reserved. Copyright © 2020