SIMON EXHIBITS SHOCKING HYPOCRISY
October 13, 2021
Let’s play a game of “Simon Says”!
“Simon says, mask!”
Simon wants everyone to be masked. However…
On September 7, 2021, Simon was guest speaker at the Alachua Chamber monthly luncheon at the Alachua Woman’s Club. Simon did not wear a mask during or after the speech, even while chatting with several citizens at arms length. This occurred at the peak of the “Delta wave,” and in spite of mask mandates by both ACPS and Alachua County.
Similarly, on September 23, 2021, in the staged Twitter video with U.S. Secretary of Education Cardona, Simon was not wearing a mask while just a few feet away from another unmasked ACPS employee in the confines of a hotel room. It is astonishingly hypocritical to see Simon violating her own mask policy on national media, while accepting federal funding issued specifically because of her mask policy!
“Simon says, follow the rules!”
Simon wants everyone to follow her rules. However…
Simon does not follow District HR policies on hiring or disciplining employees. Simon does not follow the COVID-19 rules provided by the Florida Department of Education or the Florida Department of Health. Worse, Simon lacks the basic job qualifications required for the Superintendent position and cannot seem to follow the conditions of her employment contract. Shockingly, as noted above, Simon does not even follow her own rules regarding face masks!
How can the children of Alachua County be expected to follow rules, if the Superintendent does not?
“Simon says, come together!”
Simon wants everyone to come together. However …
Simon sows intimidation and destroys employee morale. Simon supports disruptive District staff, yet dismisses respected, long-time employees. Simon refuses to communicate with parents who may be critical of her policies. Simon fuels divisive politicalization and polarization in our District. Simon alienates parents, teachers, and staff, while relishing in the national spotlight.
Simon proclaimed to be an effective bridge-builder back in December 2020. However, time has shown she is not. Simon’s words and behaviors show she is divisive, hypocritical, entrenched and uncompromising. Her attitudes and actions have most definitely NOT brought the District together.
“Do as I say, not as I do!” she shouts.
“Whoops! Simon didn’t say ‘Simon says’ … You’re out!”
Take Action
The Alliance for Responsible Government encourages you to voice your opinions with the Board Members of Alachua County Public Schools.
- All five Board Members, boardmembers@gm.sbac.edu
- Dr. Leanetta McNealy (Chair), mcnealy@gm.sbac.edu
- Mrs. Tina Certain (Vice Chair), certain@gm.sbac.edu
- Dr. Gunnar Paulson, paulson@gm.sbac.edu
- Mr. Robert Hyatt, rob.hyatt@gm.sbac.edu
- Mrs. Mildred Russell, russellmc@gm.sbac.edu
- Phone: (352) 955-7546
- Mail: 620 East University Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32601
Please be aware that emails and letters received by School Board members, the Superintendent, or School Board employees may constitute “public records” within the meaning of F.S. 119.011, Florida Statutes, which would require that the School District make them available for inspection and copying on the request of any person, except for personally identifiable student information, which is confidential and exempt from disclosure without your knowledge and consent. In addition, under Florida law, F.S. 668-6076, email addresses are public records. If you do not want your email address released in response to a public records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity. Instead, contact this office by phone or in writing.