newsletter

President's Message (continued)

First, I encourage each of you to become a member of our Florida Association of School Administrators (FASA). FASA is our voice in Tallahassee that works hard on our behalf. They voice our views and concerns. Without this voice, we allow others to make decisions regarding our retirement, our benefits, and our job responsibilities. Together with FASA we can make things happen in our favor. Divided we will fall.

If you are a school site-based administrator, you can fund an Institutional FASA membership through your internal accounts. In order to do this you need to make sure you have approval from your area leadership director. If you have any questions about this, please give me a call.

Next, we are still working on the salary study. In the upcoming months, we will make presentations at various meetings. We will attempt to get the information out to you in a timely manner so that you will be able to attend the presentations to learn how the plan applies to you. Currently, our school district is in some tough financial times, but we want to work out a plan now that we can utilize when times are better. Finally, I ask each of you to encourage your colleagues to vote. While there are thousands of Florida educators, many do not vote. When we neglect to vote, we allow others to decide things for us rather than exercise our voice.   We must be heard in Tallahassee. The best way we can do that is by voting and by letting our legislators know that we are not going to sit back and let things happen to us. So when election comes around, please encourage your fellow educators and administrators to vote.

I appreciate your taking time to read this newsletter. And by the way, if you are not a member of HASA, please join us. We work very closely with FASA to make positive changes on your behalf and on the behalf of all administrators in Hillsborough County and around the state.

Until next time!

Herbert Peeples
HASA President

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MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (continued)

The 2011 legislative session as you know did some things that we educators were not happy about. The legislature took away some hard-earned benefits that we have struggled many years to earn. Some members of the next legislature will want to revisit some benefits that they missed last year. This is the time, the best time ever, to connect with your local legislators and tell them how you feel. Since they are all up for re-election, we hope they will be in the mood to listen.

To help you be more informed of what the issues are HASA, in collaboration with FASA, will be sending information to its members both employed and retired, that will tell them what needs to be said. Please take this responsibility very seriously and decide now that you will do your part. Do not wait with hopes that someone else will speak up for you. If you do not do it no one else will.

If you have not yet registered your home email with HASA’s Email Tree do it now by emailing Marilou King at mking813@verizon.net.
Check your email periodically and read the legislative updates that may be sent to you via your email.
Log on to HASA’s website and click the flashing legislative updates that are posted for your benefit.
Take action by contacting your Hillsborough County legislator. Click here for a list of Hillsborough’s legislators.
Send a FAX, an email, make a quick telephone call, and write them a letter. Be brief; be positive. Start by thanking them for their hard work in the legislature. Then tell them what you think and what you want them to do. Tell them that you are an educator who votes. Please do not make these contacts during your work time or use school system equipment or stationery.

Remember that we are educators but we are also tax payers and voters.

Dr. John Miliziano

Every year HASA sends a delegation of its members to Tallahassee to participate in FASA’s legislative Days. The purpose of this event is to learn more about which bills the various legislative committees have approved to be considered during the legislative session.

The first day is devoted to FASA Board and Department Meetings. The Regional Coalition directors will also meet to review progress made in developing the regions. The second day will be spent in legislative forecasting and issues briefings and some Capital legislative visits. The third day is devoted to a breakfast where legislative awards are presented to those legislators who helped administrators during the 2011 legislative session. The rest of the day is spent Capital legislative visits.

During this three day visit, FASA staff do a great job in helping local district representatives to learn about the legislative process and be educated as to what are some of the critical issues for the 2012 legislative session.

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2012 LEGISLATIVE UPDATE (continued)

Figuratively, educators, including administrators, still have huge targets on our backs at which certain legislators will be aiming. Last year, we were successful in preserving Cost of Living Adjustments and Health Insurance Subsidies, but these and other benefits will most likely be challenged.

The strategy that HASA and FASA adopted two years ago seems to have had some success. We look for legislators, regardless of their political alignment, who are willing to help us on key issues and we agree to support them in their campaigns. I know it sometimes seems hard to believe, but we really do have some very loyal and effective friends in the legislature.

It will soon be time for us to put together our legislative team, not only to go to Tallahassee for HASA Legislative Days to meet with as many legislators as possible, but to also work here at home on strategies and campaigns. Any member of HASA, please let me know if you desire to participate in this effort (kallen1724@tampabay.rr.com).

Lastly, as our Executive Director has urged, please consider joining FASA. They have partnered with every administrative organization in Florida to fight for our future. For questions or information on FASA, please contact Dr. Miliziano or Juhan Mixon (Jessica@mixonandassociates.com). Thank you for the great work that you do and for your support of HASA and FASA.

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Spotlight (Continued)

Dan met his wife Laura Bonilla in Tampa where after graduating high school, he followed her off to Jaycee Jr. College. They both became educators and built a fairytale life together. The Bonillas became the proud parents of a daughter, Denise Laurine Bonilla-Lopez and a son, Davin Allan Bonilla.

Path to Education

If you follow their career path, you will discover the Bonillas built a lasting legacy as educators. His wife Laura became an elementary educator and Dan obtained both a B.A. and M.A. degree in Physical Education from University of South Florida. Dan began his career in Pinellas County as a physical education teacher, where he was recognized as beginning teacher-of-the-year for physical education. He continued his journey as an educator and taught driver’s education at Tampa Bay Tech and Jesuit high schools. Dan’s administrative years in education allowed him to obtain a vast amount of professional experience in leadership. He served as an assistant principal at Jesuit, Leto, and King high schools.

From 1998 – 2006, Dan first made his mark as the principal leader at Leto Comprehensive High School. Continuing to make his mark a lasting one in Hillsborough County

Schools, Dan currently serves as principal of Jefferson High School.

Whenever anyone talks to Dan, they quickly realize his best friend is the love of his life, wife Laura Bonilla. She and a group of childhood friends solidified the moment of him coming full-circle in his life from childhood to principalship at Jefferson High School. They accomplished this by adorning his office with his high school senior photo and his high school letterman’s jacket, proudly mounted on the wall of his office.

Awards & Accomplishments

Dan Bonilla has been recognized for many awards and accomplishments in his life. When you enter his office, you will see a dynamic timeline of his life with an array of plaques. Countless news articles, awards and certificates outline the fine father, husband, educator, leader, motivator, and community advocate that he has grown full-circle to become. Recently, Mr. Bonilla became the recipient of more awards as the Hispanic Heritage Council Outstanding Hispanic Leader of the Year and he also received the Hispanic Sheriff′s Advisory Committee Hispanic Advocacy Award where School Board Members and his wonderfully dedicated Jefferson High team of teachers, school administrators, friends and family gathered to recognize him.

Once you get to know Dan, you will see how much pride Dan Bonilla takes in his family and community where he serves as a leader and role model. Dan Bonilla’s favorite motto in life is… always strive to be a winner! Mr. Bonilla holds high beliefs that every student has a bright future ahead and sets high expectations that all students can learn and excel just like he did from his humble beginnings. And now coming full circle, Dan has been a loyal and active member of HASA for many years and has served on the HASA board in various positions, including President.

Submitted by Mia Small, HASA Historian

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FASA (Florida Association of School Administrators) Speaks at State Board of Education Meeting (continued)

FASA made the following recommendations to the Board based upon our belief that “free quality public education is the bedrock of democracy and the fuel of America’s competitive economy.

That the State Board of Education be a champion of public education in Florida. The Department of Education (DOE) should work with the Governor’s Office, Education Associations, and Florida’s business community groups (i.e. Tax Watch, Associated Industries, Retail Federation, the Chamber, etc.) to spread the news nationally and internationally to business and industry that Florida’s public education system is in the top 5 in the U.S. Despite the fact that Florida has had wonderful success, the public education system is still perceived to be a failure. Promoting our system will attract businesses to our State which supports of Governor Scott’s priority to attract jobs to Florida.
That the State Board of Education should advocate for vocational and technical career education. These types of programs are having great success in small numbers throughout the State. One such example is Okaloosa County’s program which Senator Gaetz helped to create. The program allows students to graduate from high school with a diploma as well as a certification in a technical field, giving them an edge as they enter the job market. Business groups like the Florida Chamber and AIF support this type of education, as it promotes a skilled workforce. The State Board and the DOE should summit with the business industry and develop legislation to develop these types of programs in the public schools.
That the State Board of Education should promote art education and student wellness programs. Health and the arts are inextricably linked to achievement. While the common core classes are recognized as essential, often times other factors which are just as impactful to the education of our youth are neglected. The CDC in Atlanta has collected and analyzed irrefutable data which suggests that issues such as visual problems, asthma, teen pregnancy, violence, physical activity, poor diet and hyperactivity are directly correlated to student achievement. The State Board must work with the Department of Health to create ways to ensure students have instruction, counseling, and basic services to meet their health needs. This can be done at virtually no cost due to the fact that there are many programs already in place; they simply need to be targeted in a more effective way. The arts are also linked to achievement. The Board should work with the arts community to fund and provide these studies to all students. There is evidence which suggests that arts instruction boosts student success across all subject areas. Additionally, the arts provide a way in which students can express themselves, and often act as an incentive to attend school.
That the State Board of Education should recommend that the DOE meet with business groups such as AIF, Tax Watch, the Retail Federation, the Council of 100, and the Florida Chamber on closing the tax loophole on Internet sales and earmark that revenue for technology in public schools. Public schools are excited to make the transition to more modern devices, we simply lack the funds to purchase the necessary tools. Florida has the opportunity to lead the nation in transitioning to digital materials in responsible and thoughtful way to ensure success.
That the State Board of Education should empower all public schools by having the DOE meet with various school districts to review all regulations/legislation and determine what could be eliminated to make public schools free of oppressive regulation much like charter and voucher schools are. Leaders from Reagan to former Governor Bush believe that creativity, efficiency and effectiveness are crushed with over regulation. The State should create pilot programs in several districts and allow them to identify and eliminate all the layered rules and regulations from school start date mandates, reporting requirements, staffing rules, expenditure directives, to teaching requirements which go beyond simply basing instruction on the Common Core Standards. If schools do not perform after the release from these mandates, the DOE should reserve the right to require districts to return to following the original regulations as needed.
That the State Board of Education should request that the Legislature increase per student funding, beginning this year and continue to improve it as the economy rebounds. For any increase in state general revenue approx. 52% should be allocated to education with no reduction in current funding levels. Do this not only for K-12 traditional public schools, but for charters, colleges, universities and vocational/technical programs. Public education in Florida is surviving, but our students are being hurt as we continue to cut programs and services. Additionally monies would allow schools to provide the programs and services the students of Florida need and deserve. We owe our students the best hope for success. This would show the nation and the world that the State of Florida highly values education and it would be an investment in Florida’s most precious resource, our children.

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HASA Offers Professional Development Grants (continued)

HASA members can apply for a professional development grant to pursue these professional development opportunities. Check out the following websites to find conferences and online courses for administrators: www.aasa.org, www.fasa.net, and www.ascd.org.

Contact Francine Lazarus at 872-5387 or e-mail her through IDEAS for more information or to apply for a grant. Don't miss your chance to strengthen your leadership skills and receive funding through HASA.

HASA Provides Eight $1000 Scholarships (continued)

Patricia Z. Smith Scholarship: $1000

Application Criteria: Any Hillsborough County Public School Administrator or teacher who intends to further their education may apply for this scholarship. The applicant does not need to be a HASA member. *If awarded, the money is given to the University toward the student’s account. There is no money directly given to the student.

HASA Members Only Scholarships: $1000 (2 awarded)

Application Criteria: Any HASA member who intends to pursue additional training at any Florida University. *If awarded the scholarship funds are paid directly to the University toward the student’s account. No funds are paid to the student directly.

Hillsborough Community College/HASA Scholarships: $1000 (2 awarded)

Application Criteria: High school seniors or first year HCC students planning to major in education. Students must be a dependent of an active or retired HASA member. Also, any employee of Hillsborough County Public Schools planning to attend HCC and major in education may apply. *If awarded the scholarship funds are paid directly to HCC and credited toward the student’s account. No funds are paid to the student directly.

Nova Southeastern University Voucher: $1000 (2 awarded)

Application Criteria: Any current or prospective student of NSU pursuing a graduate degree (Masters or doctorate) in Education may apply. NSU student must be an employee of Hillsborough County Public Schools. **If awarded NSU applies the $1000 voucher toward tuition during the attendance year awarded. Voucher is valid for only one year, from August 2012 to August 2013.

Click here for scholarship applications. For questions or additional information about HASA scholarships, please contact Celeste Johnson by district email at celeste.johnson@sdhc.k12.fl.us, or by telephone at 813-276-5717

Text Box: Make a $5 Phone Call for HASA Scholarships!

HASA Business Partner Liberty Mutual Insurance is making an offer members can’t refuse. For every HASA Member who calls Liberty Mutual for a no-obligation auto quote, Liberty will donate $5 toward HASA’s scholarship program. Coordinated by Eileen Cuesta at Liberty Mutual, this initiative was introduced to the HASA board at the end of last school year and is still in effect. Remember, you MUST identify yourself as a HASA member. For more information, please contact Eileen Cuesta at 813-264-8890, ext. 55643. There is absolutely NO obligation to purchase!

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HASA's FALL FESTIVAL (continued)

Deputy Superintendent Dan Valdez

Board Member Candy Olson

Dr. Larry Wood

Executive Director Dr. John Miliziano informed members that HASA will be scheduling meetings with component groups to further explain details concerning the salary study’s indexing plan and career ladder being studied by HASA. Dr. Miliziano also discussed opportunities available to HASA members through our business partners, such as Liberty Mutual's offer to contribute $5.00 to the scholarship fund for each member who calls Liberty Mutual to receive a no obligation free automobile insurance quote.

Dr. Larry Wood, a special guest from FASA, was also in attendance during the Fall Social. Dr. Wood stated that now more than ever a strong voice for educators and administrators is needed and asked for non-FASA members to consider joining. There is strength in numbers and the more members FASA has, the more likely legislators are to listen and act in the best interests of those who touch the lives of students on a daily basis.

Carla Bruning, HASA President-Elect, also expressed the importance of membership in discussing the current HASA "Each One Recruit One" membership campaign. By adding new members HASA will help ensure the future of our association and help keep administrators on the "cutting edge" of our profession. Carla said that now is the time to join both HASA and FASA.

Following an evening of camaraderie, HASA's business partners presented outstanding door prizes consisting of a sports themed gift basket, gift certificates to restaurants such as Bern's Steakhouse, Bonefish Grill, Mise en Place, American Express and VISA gift cards, photography services, and an IPOD touch (donated by VALIC Financial Associates). A deep expression to gratitude is extended to business partners Baccarella & Baccarella, Greg Fenlon/Balfour, Prestige Portraits, Herff Jones, Karp and Associates, Liberty Mutual, Suncoast Schools Federal Credit Union, VALIC Financial Associates, and Westshore Financial. In addition, HASA Board Member Christine Hanjian donated a lovely handcrafted afghan as a door prize.

In his closing remarks, Herbert Peeples reminded HASA members that our organization will continue to work for its members through its discussion of issues relevant to school board employees, business partnership program, legislative advocacy, and scholarships and awards. Note: Be sure and mark your calendars now for the Spring, 2012 Social to be held Thursday, April 19, 2012!!

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HASA Mentoring Program Fall Orientation (continued)

The orientation consisted of a program overview as well as two interactive activities among mentors and mentees . There will be three workshops/sessions for Cadre 2. Gifts were presented to all participants as well as tokens of appreciation from the chairman to committee members Bertha Baker and Mary Cunningham. Not shown in the photo are two additional committee members, Maria Singfield and Sylvia Albritton, who were unable to attend due to prior commitments.

There was an enjoyable fellowship, soft music, and delicacies to enjoy. Our group photo and others are compliments of our business partner, Mr. Eddie Ocasio of Prestige Portraits.

Tee Solomon