STRAIGHT TALK—March 18, 2010
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Yesterday we received word of an investigation about our Promethean purchases, and two
planning consultants used by the district, Bob and Lora Hanson from Sarasota, FL, and my
involvement with both.
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The Sarasota, FL school district also received a subpoena today asking for similar information.
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Promethean, Inc. had informed Sarasota Schools that they had received the same request for
information.
The consultant I spoke about, Bob Hanson, who recently retired from Sarasota County Government was
the CIO, Chief Information Officer for Sarasota County Government, first, and then jointly for the School
District and the County. Bob has earned a reputation nationally as a governmental innovator and
collaborator. He was also very successful in the private sector. He is currently working for a number of
Florida School Districts, as a consultant.
BACKGROUND:
I arrived in Sarasota in April of 2004 and became acquainted with County Administrator Jim Ley. Jim was
incredibly supportive of the school district, and believed in governmental collaboration. A year or so
later, the county and the school district began to share Bob Hanson’s services as Chief Information
Officer of both organizations, each paying one-half of his salary. That partnership saved the taxpayers
nearly one million dollars per year and provided amazing technology support and service for our 3500
classrooms. Both of the organizations and Bob Hanson were praised nationally for the creative
partnership.
The school district, originally considering one-on-one computing (a laptop for every student), decided
instead to purchase interactive white boards at $4K to $5K per class rather that $20K+ per class for
laptops. A committee made that recommendation to Bob, and also suggested a company from the UK,
with which I wasn’t familiar—Promethean. After a successful pilot implementation, we installed the
ActivBoards in every room.
A few teachers did not appreciate the white boards, but by in large, they were well received. Sarasota
classroom engagement, student achievement and graduation rate continue to increase.
Fast forward to July 2008, and I became your Superintendent. Shortly after I arrived, I hired Bob Hanson
to help us develop a broad based technology strategic plan including, a new student information system,
a new financial system, and new H R system, upgrading our network, purchasing replacement computes
and a 140 board pilot of ActivBoards.
Bob and Lora Hanson continued helping us with our overall strategic plan. Lora, an Electrical Engineer,
and a process specialist was the facilitator. The total amount expended by the district for the all of the
consulting work over a year’s period was $25, 352. All but $1244 was funded by a grant from the
Wallace Foundation.
I used Bob Hanson to help with our technology issues, because over the years, I have known him to be
the best and most reliable technology expert in the country. I utilized Lora to help with our strategic
planning because she is also of highest caliber and cost less than half of what some have spent on
consultants to help with their strategic planning.
I have decided that I am not going to waste much time and energy trying to determine the root cause, or
the source or nature of the complaint, rather we will cooperative fully with the investigation.
It is too bad that this is happening. Our employees are working so hard right now implementing our
strategic plan, and do not need any distractions. I have made and will continue to make the very best
recommendations and decisions I can. I sincerely believe that these decisions will eventually result in
higher student achievement. I have not done anything immoral, illegal or unethical in Sarasota or
Waterloo (or anywhere for that matter) that would result in me being personally investigated—except
because of my position. The buck always stops with the superintendent.
The most problematic thing, is it will needlessly impinge on the good work we have going on now.
People tired of reading stuff about individuals or organizations that are under investigation, will no
doubt become skeptical. Unfortunately, there is absolutely nothing I can do about it except cooperate
fully. I will try hard to keep you posted as more becomes known.
Dr. Gary W. Norris, Superintendent
Waterloo Community Schools
"Would you please tell me how this
request is good for our kids?"