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Superintendent of Schools Candidate Profiles

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 11, 2008

Democrat Steve Donaldson is seeking to deny Republican incumbent Heather Fiorentino a second four-year term as Pasco superintendent of schools.

Heather Fiorentino
Superintendent of Schools (Republican)

Pasco Schools Superintendent Heather Fiorentino has no challengers among fellow Republicans as she seeks a second four-year term, running against Democrat Stephen Donaldson in the Nov. 4 general election.

Complex challenges face the district, Fiorentino said - managing growth, improving student achievement and providing competitive compensation for employees, all while facing funding cuts.

FIORENTINO

As for a recent idea floating around educational circles of switching to a four-day school week to save money, Fiorentino doesn't like it. Aside from making it all but impossible to meet state requirements of a 180-day school year, she believes it would hinder students' performance and place strains on families and communities.

Education should be well-rounded, Fiorentino believes. She would like less emphasis on the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test. Extracurricular activities are part of an education, she added. While hard times require cuts, she is conscious that students' interests are varied, and believes cuts should be done evenly, so there is still something for everyone.

Bio Snapshot

Fiorentino, 50, lives in New Port Richey with her husband, Joseph Fiorentino III. She has a daughter, Jennifer, 20; and a stepson, Joseph, 33.

Education: Associates degree, Pasco-Hernando Community College; bachelor's degree in elementary education, University of South Florida; Florida Department of Education, Level I and II State Certification for Superintendents.

Occupations, elected posts: Pasco Superintendent of Schools, 2004-present; State Representative, District 46, 1998-2004; New Port Richey City Council, 1993-1998.

Memberships: United Way of Pasco County; Pasco Economic Development Council; West Central Florida Council, Boy Scouts of America Executive Board; Junior Achievement board of directors; Phi Delta Kappa; Bayonet Point Regional Medical Center board of directors; Sept. 11 Memorial Planning Committee; VFW Ladies Auxiliary; West Pasco Historical Society.

Awards: HOPE Youth Ranch Trailblazer, 2007; U.S. Army Freedom Team Salute for Outstanding Support, 2007; VFW Ladies Auxiliary Certificate of Appreciation, 2007; Panasonic Foundation Leadership, 2006; Junior Achievement Leadership, 2005; West Pasco Habitat for Humanity, 2005; Florida School Counselor Association Legislator of the Year, 2004; Florida Association of School Social Workers Legislator of the Year, 2004; Florida Association of School Administrators Legislative Achievement, 2004; Florida Association of District School Superintendents Legislator of the Year, 2001; Mittye P. Locke Elementary School Teacher of the Year, 1994; District School Board of Pasco County and USEP.

Stephen Donaldson
Superintendent of Schools (Democrat)

Democrat Stephen Donaldson is seeking to unseat the incumbent, Republican Heather Fiorentino, in the Nov. 4 general election.

The biggest challenge facing our schools in the next four years will be overcoming budget shortfalls. As superintendent, it would be my responsibility to ensure that "real", open discussion about the budget occurs between district personnel, Pasco County School Board, United School Employees of Pasco union and the community.

DONALDSON

Teacher turnover and retention is a serious concern. We must do a better job of attracting and retaining top notch professionals. To do so, the "tone at the top" must be that of support for those on the front line. If superintendent, Donaldson proposes to continue to teach a single class per day and will initiate a plan whereby assistant principals and district supervisors teach one class per day or be first up for substitute duties.

A four-day school week offers more negatives than positives, Donaldson believes, such as the supervision of teenagers and daycare for younger students. Instead, he thinks cost cutting could be found if the district looks at an extended-year program. I firmly believe in accountability; however, the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test is not the answer. This "high stakes" test places undue pressure on our kids and on our teachers. There are other ways to measure student performance and hold students and teachers accountable without creating the yearly "shut everything down for a month and teach the FCAT!" effect. Our schools' effectiveness and our students' academic growth can be measured by end-of-year exams, and by taking and scoring acceptable scores on national tests such as the ACT or SAT.

Bio Snapshot

Donaldson, 50, lives in Trinity with his wife, Ingrid. They have three children and two grandchildren.

Education: Bachelor's degree in political science, Bellevue University, Omaha, Neb.; Master of Education, Educational Leadership, St. Leo University, St. Leo, Fla.; Instructor, HCC Apprenticeship Program; Air Force Leadership School, Squadron Officer School.

Occupations, elected posts: Major, U.S. Air Force (25 years - retired).

Memberships: Veterans of Foreign Wars, Home Owners Association president and current vice president, United School Employees of Pasco, National Education Association, Retired Officers Association, Democratic Veterans Caucus of Florida, Young Democrats Club, Gulf High School girls' tennis coach, Gulf High School Academic Team, Gulf High School Leadership Team, Kids Voting Tampa Bay, Gulf High School ABC Committee Contributor.

Awards: Air Force Commendation medals, Air Force Good Conduct medals, Air Force Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Overseas Tour Ribbon, Air Force Longevity Service Award, NCO Professional Education Ribbon, Air Force Outstanding Officer of the Quarter, NCO of the Quarter, and school letters of appreciation.

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