Emailgate: United Teachers of Dade properly uses email system. Why not Sarasota?

We have written about the Sarasota Classified/Teachers Association (SC/TA) using the Sarasota County School District email system for political purposes. We have pointed out that this practice violates district policy and is prohibited by Florida Statutes. This practice is considered a First Degree Misdemeanor.

We are now reporting that this practice is being used by a teachers unions in another school district. What is different? The email is from the United Teachers of Dade (UTD) private email system and was sent to the private email of the receiver. There is no provision in the UTD contract for use of the Miami-Dade School District email system.

We have suggested that the Sarasota County School Board consider taking the SC/TA off of its system. UTD is doing it right by having their own email system.

Page 186 of the UTD contract states:

Section 23. Electronic Mail Hook-up for UTD

In pursuit of the M-DCPS/UTD goal of professionalization of teaching/education and increasing collaboration, as well as consensus management, the parties have agreed that electronic mail equipment and privileges will be provided to UTD. This equipment is on loan to UTD for an indefinite period of time. UTD will assume all phone line costs associated with its use.

Trevor Colestock, a librarian in the Miami-Dade School District, received the following unsolicited email from the UTD:

From: “Fedrick Ingram” <FedrickIngram@utd.org>
To: twcolestock@comcast.net
Sent: Sunday, October 26, 2014 2:39:19 PM
Subject: UTD Recommends Charlie Crist for Governor

Dear TREVOR, (220610)

Public education in Florida needs new leadership. We need a Governor that will improve funding for public education, not cut $1.3 Billion. We need a Governor that supports public schools, rather than a Governor that diverts all possible public resources into the hands of for-profit “education reformers.” We also need a Governor that will reevaluate the state’s testing scheme. I could go on, but you are already aware of the problems we face.

I am writing today to encourage you to Vote and Vote Early. This election is all about turnout. If we stay home, we will be part of the problem. You can get information about absentee or early voting at: http://www.utd.org/information/upcoming-election-election. Once you have voted, remain a GOTV advocate. We need you to encourage friends and family to “Get Out The Vote” as well.

I have included some links below to the Herald endorsement of Charlie Crist, the Sun-Sentinel endorsement of Charlie Crist and a couple youtube videos of Mike Fasano’s endorsement of Charlie Crist. I included Mike Fasano because he is a longtime Republican lawmaker that is not only very supportive of Charlie Crist for Governor, but blasts the false allegations and attacks that have been used in this election cycle. Make no mistake, the tone of the current Governor’s campaign is designed specifically to reduce voter turnout and further radicalize/polarize politics in Florida.

Take a Stand, Vote!

In Unity,

Fedrick Ingram

Note that the email is sent from the UTD.org email server to Mr. Colestock’s private email system. While the email was unsolicited, it does not appear to violate Florida State Statutes.

Perhaps Sarasota’s elected school board members should take note of this and use this as an example. Even the “perception” of using publicly funded resources for political purposes violates district policy and raises the issue of violating state the laws and fairness. If one person can use the district email system to endorse one candidate why not allow others use it to endorse the opposing candidate?

The Sarasota County School Board has opened a Pandora’s box. Perhaps it is time to close the lid before more damage is done?