01/30/2025
Hey everybody, it’s Carl, co-founder of the Daily Ridge. Yesterday, I posted a story by Anita Todd, our special correspondent, regarding a recent meeting at the Lake Wales Charter School System. I chose to use a photo of Bok Academy North to accompany the article since it is one of the schools in the charter system. It’s also arguably the most stunning architectural achievement within the charter system. Some may say the high school is a bigger, more impressive building, but that building is actually still owned by the Polk County School Board.
Additionally, some people were offended that we used a dramatic headline, which they felt had nothing to do with Bok Academy North. However, I’m confident that it does apply and is directly related to the story. That said, it isn’t exclusive to Bok Academy North. If people read the article, they would understand that the headline was almost a direct quote from one of the trustees.
Some have suggested that all the issues stem from the central office. That may or may not be true. What I know for a fact is that teachers at many of the schools, including Bok Academy North, mistrust the direction of the board. So, I believed—and still believe—it was entirely appropriate to use a photo of one of the schools. I’m reposting the article, as I originally posted it around 5 p.m., and some people may have missed it. This time, I’m using a photo of the beautiful Bok Academy South. Again, I have heard directly from at least one teacher who is frustrated with the direction the board is taking regarding the superintendent position.
I don’t apologize for using a photo of Bok North, Bok South, or any of the charter schools under the program. What concerns me more is that people seem to be focusing more on a photo than on the school system’s future. We are not for or against any changes, but if trustees are receiving a multitude of calls and emails about the board’s direction on the superintendent, then people should pay attention. The people of Lake Wales control the charter school system. It may not always seem like it, but if the community gets involved and makes its voice heard, change will happen. It’s not something that can be changed overnight, but it is absolutely possible.
People must remember that this charter system was originally created by parents/citizens who wanted change. The government isn’t the answer to all your problems. The answer is getting the best and brightest citizens involved—whether by serving on the board or by keeping a close watch on its decisions. Listen, folks, the old guard is gone. Their kids have grown and moved on. It’s time for the next generation of parents to step up and get involved.
As a parent who had two children go entirely through the charter school system, I can confidently say that the best thing about it was the staff. Over the last several years, that has been changing. If staff members are calling and emailing board members, it’s a sign that they are not happy. If they leave, I personally believe the system will not recover.
Reportedly, this charter system operates on a budget of nearly $70 million (I will provide a link to the budget source in the comments). When you read the article, remember that all the statements come from trustees. This isn’t Lake Wales Daily or the Daily Ridge writing an editorial or taking a side—we are simply providing you with the information.
I personally know at least half of the board members. These people are volunteers who are not getting paid for their work. They need to hear from the community to help inform their decisions. When I say that, I don’t mean people should browbeat or stalk them—I mean contacting them with a well-thought-out, educated opinion. It’s fine to say you agree or disagree, but it makes a bigger impact when you explain how you arrived at your position.
I hope the content of the article is what people will be discussing going forward.
Lake Wales Charter Schools Board of Trustees: Rumors and Mistrust Remain Present in LWCS - Details Here: https://lakewalesdaily.com/2025/01/29/lake-wales-charter-schools-board-of-trustees-rumors-and-mistrust-remain-present-in-lwcs/
