Don't forget to include your name, address, and phone number in letters to the editor - most papers require this. Length restrictions are 300 words or less for the Lakeland Ledger and 250 words or less for the Tampa Tribune.
This is very important - these are the only people who will make the decision on whether or not to remove the opt out policy. Even superintendent Jim Thornhill (who replaced Glenn Reynolds in Nov. 2000), although he is very influential, has no say on the final decision of the school board. If we are going to retain the opt out policy, we must convince a majority of this group that the opt out must be restored. Nothing we can do will be more effective than contacting these folks by any means available and making it very clear to them that we demand that the opt out be restored and that they will be sued if it is taken away. The lawsuit has already begun, and we will not quit until either the opt out policy is restored, we win, or we have exhausted all appeals.
Former superintendent of schools Glenn Reynolds (who is responsible for the current uniform policy) has shown precious little concern for public opinion regarding the uniform policy. Fortunately, Reynolds wisely chose not to run for re-election, so we have a new superintendent as of November, 2000. Jim Thornhill stunned the community by beating Denny Dunn, who had the full support of the folks who usually run things in Polk County. We are optimistic that Mr. Thornhill will be able to make a positive impact upon education in this county.
Please e-mail us (through Darlene Williams ) with any other individuals or organizations that you think should be contacted.