Editor, The Beacon:

Esteemed members of the board, fellow educators and members of the community, as a former retired teacher at Deltona High School, I am emailing you today deeply concerned about the recent conduct of School Board Chair Jessie Thompson. My perspective is rooted in years of experience within those very halls, witnessing firsthand the dedication of our students, faculty and staff.

Chair Thompson’s recent remarks at the Moms for Liberty summit, as well as prior actions, raise serious questions about her fitness to lead this board. While I understand the importance of open dialogue, her statements crossed a line, damaging the trust between the board, our students and the community.

First, her disparaging comments about Deltona High students and their “participation trophies” reveal a fundamental misunderstanding of the complexities of our educational system. Her questioning of graduation rates is not only misplaced, it’s demonstrably inaccurate. It reveals a lack of understanding of the processes in place.

It’s crucial to understand that achieving high graduation rates isn’t about simply “passing” students regardless of their performance. Rather, it involves strategic intervention and support, where the administration works diligently to identify students facing significant academic challenges and guide them toward alternative educational pathways, such as homeschooling or charter schools like Richard Milburn Academy (RMA), which offer specialized support and resources. This targeted approach, while sometimes resulting in students transferring out of traditional public schools, is done in the best interest of the student and is a legitimate yet ethical method of improving graduation rates.

It’s incorrect to suggest this is somehow a deceptive practice being done by our dedicated counselors and administrators that should be scrutinized closer.

Furthermore, Chair Thompson’s comments raise serious questions about the integrity of the school’s performance metrics, specifically the connection between the 100-percent graduation rate and the school’s A rating.

These metrics must be examined in light of recent events at Deltona High, including the incident where the Health Academy/Test Coordinator admitted to and was subsequently suspended for allowing students to use their phones during CTE tests. This incident raises concerns about test security and the validity of test results, which directly impact the school’s overall rating.

It’s imperative that we investigate whether there is any correlation between these events and the pursuit of a 100-percent graduation rate and an A rating. We must ensure that these achievements are based on genuine student progress and not compromised by any unethical practices.

This investigation is not about casting blame, but about ensuring the integrity of our educational system and maintaining public trust.

I believe Chair Thompson’s actions warrant an ethics investigation. There are serious questions surrounding her actions and whether they adhere to the ethical standards expected of a school board member. There are questions about the validity of information presented to the board, specifically regarding agenda items and the sheriff’s contract. There are concerns about what information was withheld or misrepresented.

This requires a thorough and independent investigation to determine the facts and ensure transparency and accountability. The public deserves to know the truth about these matters.

I fully support the call for Chair Thompson’s censure. Her comments about a fellow board member were disrespectful and unprofessional, creating a divisive atmosphere that hinders productive discourse. Censure is a formal expression of disapproval and sends a clear message that such behavior is unacceptable.

Victoria Encarcion

Daytona Beach