“I believe a School Board Chairman elected directly by the people of Orange County – not the School Board members themselves will change the way the School Board currently does business. It would provide greater accountability to all voters – especially parents, improve citizen interaction and communication, and give us the opportunity to choose someone who can articulate a broader, countywide vision for our children’s education. An elected School Board Chairman can give the school system greater visibility by giving this Chairman a platform to convey the many positive stories about our school system, communicate the district’s needs in Tallahassee and ultimately give citizens a face and a strong leader for Orange County Public Schools. This Chairman representing our schools should be at the table with the mayors of Orange County and Orlando when important decisions are made in our community.”
         -Roger Chapin, Chairman, “Let Us Vote”

It has been a long road to the ballot this November…

Orange County voters will finally have the opportunity to decide if they want to directly elect their own School Board Chairman countywide. After four years of debate and discussion – the School Board placing it on the ballot – and then taking it off of the ballot - we were forced to launch a petition drive to allow their voices to be heard. History was made this summer when 51,411 voters in Orange County signed petitions to place this - the first citizen led initiative on the ballot.

Despite this historical feat, the School Board still refused to acknowledge the will of the voters. Finally after legal counsel advised them they must follow the law and place it on the ballot they begrudgingly complied but went on the record in their strong opposition to an elected chairman and vowed to fight against it in November. Simultaneously they filed litigation against the citizens questioning the constitutionality of the law although a judge recently ruled against them.

The School Board has used stall tactics, foolish litigation, and false claims over the past four years to prevent the voters from Orange County from having a say on this issue. During some of the most serious economic times we have seen in our lifetime, they have spent tens of thousands of taxpayer’s dollars on out of town lawyers to fight this issue.
This could have all been avoided if they would have just honored the will of the voters from the beginning and allowed them to have their say.

On November 4th…you will have your say…

If you are tired of the status quo at Orange County Public Schools.

If you are tired of decisions like the “schedule swap” being made without adequate public input.

If you want a strong leader responsible for a broad vision for our schools.

If you want more accountability – as a parent and as a voter.

Go to the very last question on your ballot and vote “YES” for an Elected School Board Chairman.

For more information or if you have questions please contact us at campaign@letusvoteorange.com

Orlando Sentinel, October 15, 2008: We think: An elected board leader is needed to steer schools in Orange County

Orlando Sentinel, September 25, 2008: Unbelievable

Orlando Sentinel, July 24, 2008: The Battle's Not Over

Orlando Sentinel, July 22, 2008: Respect the Public

Orlando Sentinel, June 9, 2008: Why an elected School Board chair? Visibility

Orlando Sentinel, September 30, 2007: Stop the Circus

Orlando Sentinel, September 21, 2007: Real Leadership

Orlando Sentinel, June 3, 2007: Playing Games

Orlando Sentinel, April 30, 2007: Needed Leadership