District 5 School Board: Pete Gindl

August 25, 2008

NAME: Peter R. (Pete) Gindl Sr.

OCCUPATION: Retired Farmer and Teacher and presently serving as District 5 School Board Member

BRIEFLY EXPLAIN YOUR EXPERIENCE AS IT RELATES TO THE SCHOOL BOARD POSITION YOU ARE SEEKING: I have 24 years experience on the School Board -16 years as Chairman, served 1 ½ terms as president of the Florida School Board Association. I have served on many and various local and state committees concerning education. I served on the Board during the implementation of integration in our school system and during the “teacher walk-out.” I was a part in developing a successful plan/compromise in both of these situations that was acceptable and workable to all concerned parties. I was a classroom teacher for 18 years. This allowed me to see and understand both sides of the spectrum.

WHAT ARE THE THREE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUES FACING THE ESCAMBIA SCHOOL DISTRICT IN THE NEXT FOUR YEARS:

  1. Funding: With the reduction in funding from the state it is going to be challenging to furnish our children with a good education and opportunities they deserve to become successful citizens.
  2. Transportation: The School Board and state must offer safe transportation to school for all children. The state funds transportation for elementary students and students who live more than 2 miles from the school.
  3. Facilities: Good safe facilities for all students. Due to the change in populations, it will be necessary to close, build new, build onto existing schools, and keep all facilities in good repair. The School Board and District Staff must use the money provided by the state and local revenue appropriately to ensure we have a top quality educational system in all of Escambia County

WHAT CHANGES DO YOU SEE, OR DO WE NEED, IN NORTH ESCAMBIA SCHOOLS?

We need to see that the children of North Escambia County are offered the same opportunities as all other students in our schools. We need to be sure that all students have the right tools/education to pursue their career choices. Not all students need or want to go to college. We need to help these students prepare for their careers through vocational and technical training. Because North Escambia County Schools are rural schools, transportation is always an issue that needs addressing. It is not feasible or logical for students to be walking to school in isolated uninhabited areas, inclement weather conditions; busy highways. Rural areas are not provided with sidewalks and safe crossovers like many other areas in Escambia County

WHAT SHOULD HAPPEN TO CARVER/CENTURY K-8 SCHOOL, AND WHEN?

There are several options. It could become a charter school. It could be used for an alternative school, adult education programs, or a career technical/vocational center. It could be used for other types of educational facilities or government programs. This needs to be a community effort and must have cooperation and understanding. We need our future generation to learn compromise, understanding, and compassion for others. We want all our people, adults and children, to be united.

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT WALK LIMITS FOR STUDENTS, ESPECIALLY IN A RURAL SETTING LIKE NORTH ESCAMBIA?

I think all students should be transported to and from school. In rural areas we do not have the luxury of paved sidewalks, designated and guarded crossovers, traffic lights, etc. We have heavily traveled narrow roads with houses spaced miles apart. In this present day it is not safe for children to be walking to and from school. In bad weather, the children would arrive at school wet, muddy, tardy, and in many cases would not got to school at all. This is not to mention the horrible lightning we have in Florida. I am in favor of transporting all students to and from school.

WHAT ELSE SHOULD NORTH ESCAMBIA VOTERS KNOW ABOUT YOU?

I was born and raised in Escambia County Florida. I attended the Escambia County Schools, PJC, graduated from Auburn University, and UWF with a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership. Until my retirement, I was a successful farmer in Barrineau Park for 50 years. I have been married to Sue (Wilson) Gindl for 50 years and we have five children, eight grandchildren, and one great-grand child all of whom attended Escambia County Schools. We are very proud of our family and the successes they have enjoyed largely due to the education they received in public school.

My most rewarding and enjoyable experience was the 18 years spent teaching students. I loved all my students and I am very proud of all their accomplishments and successes. I have always made decisions based on what I thought was best for the children and citizens of Escambia County. As senior citizen myself, I am aware and concerned about the needs of our “senior” communities. I will always listen to your concerns. You can reach me at 587-5524 day or night. I will return your calls and do everything in my power to help solve your problem. I will continue to work for safe and quality education for all children of Escambia County. Pete Gindl

Comments

2 Responses to “District 5 School Board: Pete Gindl”

  1. rudy gindl on November 14th, 2011 2:25 pm

    my papa was a great man an im glad to no he is in a better place but its sad to no he is gone but hes up their walkin an he might even be farmin up their in heavihe will be missed dearly. i love an miss u papa

  2. Mccants on September 25th, 2008 1:58 pm

    I have great concerns regarding the well-being of Carver students. The concerns are presented in the 2008 graduating class of Northvew High School. There were approx. 17 black students of that graduating class. There should have been a total of 198 graduating students, instead the graduating class consisted of 97. There were 3 black students from Walnut Hill and 14 black students from Century. In looking at the ratio of teachers in this area one can conclude that Bratt Elem. Molino Elem, Bryneville Elem, Erenst Ward Middle consists of a all white teaching staff. North view have a total of 2 black teachers with the exception of two black ROTC offficers. We are loosing the future of Century. What can we do?. I am afarid that only the strong will survive and the the weak will be thrown over board. How do you encourage a black student when none of the professional staff look like him with the exception of the janitorial staff. There is a major problem when we move students to a unknown culture acceptance and without a resource handbook. Do you think that the citizens of that area would allow us to buy land to accomodate our living arrangements? Would this living arrangement require us to be seperate, but not equal?

    There is a large number of students attending our North end schools from Escambia County AL. The number continues to increase because this county is faced with the same situation as Century. Can there be a answer? Have you seen this before? I have seen it is my past and now i SEE IT IN MY CHILDREN FUTURE. Can we break the cycle OR DO WE CLOSE OUR EYES AND SAY THIS DOESN’T HAPPEN HERE?

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under General