Sarasota News Leader
January 10, 2014
Page 31
Having covered education for three years
at the Florida Legislature, Thomson continued, "I can assure you the [Sarasota County]
School Board doesn't really have a clue how
to, either. You have to rely on Lori and her
staff to figure it out …"
Thomson insisted that if the referendum does
not win approval for the fourth time on March
25, the district would not lose its high ranking
in the state.
A WELL-RUN DISTRICT
DeLeo explained to the audience that when
MGT America Inc., an independent consulting firm, reviewed district programs a couple
of years ago, its team said the Sarasota district was one of the best-run it had studied in
the United States.
He pointed out that local foundations and
"very generous" benefactors paid for the
undertaking. The firm handles such reviews
"in a very rigorous way," he added.
In its findings, DeLeo continued, MGT
America's team said the Sarasota system's
"morale and performance are unusually high,
including innovative practices …"
Beverly Girard, director of food and nutrition
services for the Sarasota County Schools, says
she has seen higher and higher percentages of
students eligible for free and reduced-price meals
since the recession hit. Photo by Scott Proffitt
Since the Great Recession began in 2007,
she pointed out, the district has reduced its
budget by 30 percent — about $124 million
— and cut more than 600 positions. "But we
are one of those districts that have been able
Typically, the report noted, a school district
to sustain programs because of referendum
of the same size would earn 50 commenda- dollars."
tions during an MGT review. Sarasota won 73,
When Thaxton asked DeLeo about the makeup
DeLeo told the audience.
of the district Financial Advisory Committee
The fact that voters have supported the spe- charged with fiscal oversight, DeLeo explained
cial tax in referenda held every four years that the members are community business
since 2002 reflects their partnership with the leaders, professional people and represendistrict in pursuit of excellence, White added. tatives of arts groups. Among them is Eric
"This referendum is a way of adding value to Robinson, a CPA who is the former chairman
of the Sarasota County Republican Party, and
the school district …"
