MY VIEW

My View: Citizens for Truth and Justice and Education call for School Board to act regarding recent remarks by Chair Jessie Thompson

Leadership must reflect accountability, write Sheila Zinkerman, Jane Breslin and Laurel Robinson, of Citizens for Truth and Justice in Education.

  • By Sheila Zinkerman, Jane Breslin, Laurel Robinson
  • | 12:00 p.m. December 17, 2024
  • Ormond Beach Observer
  • Opinion
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We are writing on behalf of Citizens for Truth and Justice in Education of Volusia County regarding the August 2024 comments of School Board Chair Jessie Thompson at a Moms for Liberty Summit breakout session.

Thompson’s comments have raised significant concerns about ethical conduct and accountability. Specifically, Thompson publicly admitted to intentionally submitting false data to other School Board members for the purpose of influencing votes on an agenda item. If her claim is accurate, it represents a serious breach of trust and a violation of the integrity expected of an elected official. Decisions made on the basis of incorrect information undermine the credibility of the School Board and jeopardize the well-being of Volusia County’s students and staff.

Further, we are deeply troubled by the disparaging remarks made by Thompson about public school students and her fellow board members. While we acknowledge her apology on Dec. 10, Thompson never retracted her disparaging remarks; she only said she wished she hadn't said them. Her statements reveal a concerning attitude that does not align with the principles of respect and representation that the School Board should embody.

We request the following actions from the Volusia County School Board and the superintendent as appropriate:

  1. Arrange for a Formal Investigation: Examine Thompson’s admission that she submitted false data to influence school board votes. An independent review should determine the extent of her claims and recommend appropriate consequences if substantiated.
  2. Reconsider Thompson’s Leadership Role: In light of the above concerns, we support the school board’s action to reconsider Jessie Thompson’s position as chair. Leadership must reflect accountability, respect for all community members, and a commitment to ethical governance.
  3. Reaffirm Commitment to Inclusivity: Establish clear guidelines to ensure that School Board members and their meetings remain inclusive and representative of the diverse student population by removing Thompson’s Christian Bible off the public dais during public meetings.

We stand with community leaders, including Deltona Mayor Santiago Avila, School Board Member Ruben Colon, and dedicated public school community advocates like Dana McCool, in calling for actions that uphold the integrity of the Volusia County School Board by reconsidering and removing Jessie Thompson as the 2024-2025 School Board Chair.

Learn Truth, Seek Justice.

 

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