The Collier County School Board building. (Photo: CCSB)
April 25, 2023 by David Silverberg
A newly-formed interfaith group in Collier County, Fla., is warning members of the county School Board to avoid allowing religious indoctrination in the school system by selecting a religiously-oriented new superintendent of schools.
“We strongly encourage the Board of Education to ask its finalists their position on this important issue: Does the candidate understand that public schools cannot seek to promote, teach, or persuade students—either directly or indirectly—to adopt the specific values and worldviews of any religion? Or, does the candidate believe that we should ‘return God’ to schools and teach Christian values? If yes, that candidate should be disqualified,” says the statement from Kristin Muschett and Rev. Sharon Harris-Ewing, the co-leaders of the Interfaith Alliance of Southwest Florida.
Selection of the superintendent is down to two candidates: Leslie Ricciardelli, who is currently serving as the interim superintendent of the school system and has 23 years’ experience in the district in a wide variety of capacities, and Charles Van Zant Jr., whose chief qualification is service as superintendent of the Clay County School District in Green Cove Springs, Fla., for four years from 2012 to 2016.
Both candidates will be interviewed for the position at a special board meeting at 8 am tomorrow, April 26.
A final selection is scheduled to be made at the regular Board meeting on May 9 at 4:30 pm.
Ricciardelli rose through the ranks of the Collier County school district, serving as a teacher, principal, assistant principal, dean of attendance and discipline, executive director of teaching and learning and then assistant superintendent of school learning before stepping into the role of interim superintendent upon the departure of Kamela Patton, who abruptly left the school district last December following the election of the new school Board.
“Throughout my career I have focused on ensuring that all students have the support and resources they need to succeed, regardless of their background or ability level,” Ricciardelli stated in her application to the Board. “Those who know me best will describe me as serious, collaborative, and passionate about my work. I am committed to making decisions that are transparent, data-driven, and in the best interests of all students, staff and administrators while being mindful and respectful of the desires of our parents.”
The initial search for a superintendent was made by the executive search firm Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates (HYA).
HYA described Van Zant as a “nontraditional hybrid candidate.” He served for 32 years in the US Army, rising to the rank of lieutenant colonel. His experience is primarily in the field of human resources and education-related business development. He told the Board in his application that, “I am encouraged to see traditional and conservative values returning to Florida schools.”
During the 2022 campaign for school Board there was a strong inclination to inject religious indoctrination into the school system among many of the candidates.
The Interfaith Alliance’s concern that religious indoctrination from a single faith might be introduced into Collier County’s schools is based on these statements. The Alliance supports separation of church and state in the classroom.
The Interfaith Alliance was formed this month in Collier County. It consists of lay people and clergy from different traditions and is committed to “advocate for an inclusive vision of religious freedom challenging both the idea that any religion is the single, authentic voice of faith and the deeply harmful effects of extremist rhetoric and legislation.” It also seeks “to protect local communities from bigotry, discrimination, prejudice, racism, and all forms of hate.”
Liberty lives in light
© 2023 by David Silverberg