Parents Camp Out To Pick School Teacher
Published June 24th, 2012
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By: Yaremi Farinas
It's considered a tradition in Union County.
Parents camping out at Lake Butler Elementary School to pick their childrens school teacher. Some parents think this system isn't fair for children, teachers and parents.
"We came by here Friday night there was already nine cars. people were already setting up to get in line," said Richard Johnson.
Even though it's been raining out, some parents have spent the weekend sleeping in tents and on lawn chairs at Lake Butler Elementary school.
Johnson has two kids who attend this school.
He said this "teacher request process" isn't fair.
Johnson tells us that teachers who are not picked by parents most likely get a large number of kids who need more attention and he believes that could effect the teachers salary since it's based on student test scores.
There are so many other reasons he thinks this system simply doesn't work.
"This year there was one teacher that had mostly male students in his class and there was another teacher who had mostly female students in her class," said Johnson.
Parents said this has been going on for years, but it's become more competitive.
"There was campers in the parking lot and there was over 50 people here last year," said Johnson.
The "teacher request process" is scheduled for Monday.
We checked out the school to see how many people were already there.
We saw about fifteen people on campus who put their name on a list, which is not monitored by any school official.
None of the adults wanted to speak to us on camera.
Some said they're afraid if they speak up their child may be effected.
On the other hand Johnson wants to be heard.
He's written letters to Governor Rick Scott and Florida School Board Commissioners in hopes of getting it changed.
"They all send me letters back basically saying that Carlton Faulk this is his district and he can do what he wants," said Johnson.
We were unable to get in contact with the Superintendent of Union County Carlton Faulk..
We hope to talk to him tomorrow.
Reporter:
Yaremi Farinas
