Guest Column: Proctor says FSDB gets plenty of outside review
BILL PROCTOR
St. Augustine
Publication Date: 04/22/07
With increasing dismay I have followed The Record's reports and recent editorial regarding the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind. Now, we have a call for a select committee involving "experts nationally with unbiased views," contending that "FSDB cannot continue to operate with only a major state review through biennial audits of its operations, programs and use of funds."
The recent editorial understates the number of government agencies, professional associations, and monitoring procedures to which FSDB is accountable. The school is accredited by three national accrediting bodies: the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the Conference of Educational Administrators of Schools and Programs for the Deaf (CEASD, and the National Accreditation Council for Agencies Serving the Blind and Visually Handicapped (NAC). Fourteen recognized educators and administrators, representing these associations visited FSDB in 2005, spent three days on campus, and reviewed a 300-page self study report. The visit culminated in a report containing 58 commendations. There were no recommendations in the report pertaining to the school's safety and security procedures.
The school is subject to an annual operational audit conducted by the Office of the Auditor General. No finding in the past 10 years has related to the school's safety and security procedures.
The school is monitored by the State Department of Education, which requires an annual report attesting to Best Practices for Safety and Security and which conducts a triennial review of the school's academic program. The school also is evaluated annually by the Fire Marshal and the local Health Department. Additionally, the school conducts an annual review of emergency preparedness plans and quality assurance procedures.
The Record has provided extensive coverage to those opposing the presence of the school in St. Augustine or criticizing its operations. In 1988, following the tragic death of a student, two investigative committees descended upon the school. The most significant recommendations called for the establishment of a facility for special needs students, increased staffing, and additional training, all of which had been previously requested by the Board of Trustees but denied by the Florida Cabinet and Legislature. Those authorizing the investigative committees and those reporting their activities were not interested in pursuing explanations as to why the school's previous requests had been denied. Once the sensational aspects of the investigation had subsided, the outcome of the inquiries and the role of the Board of Trustees were never adequately reported.
More recently, was the matter of the school's 2002 audit, which if the findings had been entirely accurate, would not have been extraordinary, when compared with numerous audits of state universities, community colleges, and school districts. Moreover, what may be regarded as some of the most significant findings were proved to be either misrepresentations or errors. This, too, was never reported.
Now, we have the issue of "felons on campus." Notwithstanding the fact that the school's safety program is considered to be a model, that the Board and administration have implemented procedures in excess of those required by law, and that the administration's actions have been fully reviewed by the Board of Trustees, The Record calls for a select committee.
Because my name was mentioned in this connection, I want to make clear that I want no part in an unwarranted despoiling of the institution's image and reputation. To the contrary, I believe that the breadth, depth, and quality of the programs at FSDB are unsurpassed by those of any institution of its type.
During my 18 years as a member of the Board of Trustees, the record will attest that when I was cognizant of deficiencies, I was not hesitant to call for the necessary improvements. At the same time, I recognized the superior quality of the school and the extraordinary dedication of the faculty and staff. The school had my full support during those years, as it does now. What I find perplexing is why, in view of these past revelations, The Record seems to align itself with the school's critics and opponents, even when they have been proved to be mistaken or wrong.
Bill Proctor is a member of the Florida House of Representatives, District 20. He is chancellor of Flagler College.
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