Shake Washington Discusses Running For Hillsborough School Board

Letter to the editor:

For far too long, the students in District 5 have faced challenges with school and student achievement. School and district leaders often tout that students in Hillsborough County receive a quality education regardless of their zip code. If this is true, then why are 22 of the 27 transformation schools found right in District 5? Well, I'll tell you that this is unacceptable and enough is enough.

In a few short days, you can help me put an end to this once and for all! We can begin the process of ensuring that District 5 schools have access to adequate funding and resources, attract the best teachers and leaders and implement discipline policies that are both fair and restorative. We can finally begin the process of giving all students the fair and equitable education that they deserve.
Our campaign was overjoyed yet humbled to win the District 5 primary race in August. Still, this race is far from over.

I am actively campaigning daily and will fight for every vote in November. I continue to need your support and I ask that you partner with me in these final days so that we can run together across the finish line. Our children deserve it.

My college career was aided by a football scholarship from Kentucky State University and Southern University. College years were interrupted by active service with the U.S. Army. I later graduated with a degree in education from the University of Southwest Louisiana. My choice of a career in education was the result of my personal observation of the positive effects of leadership, teamwork and dedication that can be gained from a combination of academics and athletics. Later, I earned a master’s degree in educational leadership from Nova Southeastern University.

My professional career as an educator was in parallel with my continued service in the U.S. Army Reserve and the Florida National Guard. I served in various maintenance, signal and engineering units - eventually retiring from military service as a first sergeant after 22 years.

My 42-year career with the Hillsborough County School System began as an assistant teacher at B. T. Washington Elementary School – the same school that I attended as a student many years before. I continued as a teacher and coach at Turkey Creek Junior High School and King High School. During these years, I was honored to be selected as Coach of the Year. I moved from the classroom to school administration as an assistant principal at McLane Junior High School, Chamberlain High School and Brandon High School.

I returned to Chamberlain High School when I was appointed as principal. For five years, I was recognized as Principal of the Year. Once again I returned to my roots when I was appointed as the first principal of the new George S. Middleton High School. Continued challenges awaited me when I began a 12-yearsperiod first as an area director and finally as an area superintendent. My educational career finally ended upon my retirement from this school system after 42 years.

During my career, I have been supported by Cheryl B. Washington, my wife of 39 years, and my wonderful mother-in-law, Hattie Byrd White. We are the proud parents of Henry Washington Jr. (husband of Ivy) and Dr. JaMia Washington – both successful products of Hillsborough County schools. My wife and I are also now blessed with four wonderful grandchildren: Zoi, Destini, Zion and Skye.

Differing from the concept of equality where all students would receive the exact same support as they are educated, equity dictates that we make judgements about the needs of students as individuals and give those students what they need to ensure their success. Different students require different things to ensure their success.

The inequity that has been a part of the school district and overall community has given rise to such issues as the school to prison pipeline and inconsistent disciplining practices for students of color. These discipline practices have led to suspensions and expulsions being overused for those same students.

Comparatively, students of color are overrepresented in our ESE programs. The gap in achievement between students of color and their non-white counterparts is significant and persists from grades K-12 across all subjects. All of these issues represent the huge disparities that exist in our district for students from underrepresented and underserved backgrounds. These issues must be rectified because students deserve to be educated in a building that they can be proud of and receive the very best education possible regardless of their zip code.

A report on teacher quality and student outcomes by the Rand Institute shows a long-term positive correlation between increased teacher pay and increased student performance. We must find the money to pay our teachers competitive salaries. Too often we find teachers that must work multiple jobs to meet their financial obligations. This is unacceptable. Our teachers will be at their best when we give them our best.

In order to recruit and retain the best teachers to our district, our teachers must be treated as trusted professionals. To show our support, we must offer them job conditions that will set them up for success. These things may include providing teachers: A fair evaluation system, opportunities for advancement that are not limited to leaving the classroom, meaningful professional development, a seat at the table for developing policies and procedures, classrooms where fair and consistent discipline practices are utilized across the district and protected time for planning.

School districts cannot operate effectively without proper funding. Florida per pupil spending is $9,075 compared to the national annual average of $12,000 per student. As a member of the school board, I will put pressure on Tallahassee to appropriately fund our schools.

Each function of the school district is tied to funding and student achievement cannot be realized without the appropriate resources. Additionally, the school district needs to be a good steward of the funds that it has. I will hold the superintendent and my fellow board members accountable for prioritizing our initiatives, reducing waste and ensuring that are resources directly impact our students.

Schools are a direct reflection of their community. I want to be accessible and responsive to their needs. I will work hard to strengthen relationships between schools and communities by inviting the community to come and tutor students, adopting a classroom or the school, and they can mentor students that are under performing.

Henry "Shake" Washington

Candidate for Hillsborough County School Board District 5