Is there corruption in the Orange County Public Schools’ system?
This was one of the questions voters put to two candidates in the race for Orange County School Board Chairman and who participated in a Candidates Forum on Thursday at the Pine Hills Community Center.
Ms. Leona Rachman, a teacher/educator and Mr. Homer Hartage, a former County Commissioner, squared off on the issue of corruption, with voters mindful of the recent over-billing scandals with which OCPS system has been plagued. Several audience members applauded when the issue was raised.
Hartage responded that there was “a need for greater fiduciary responsibility” on the part of OCPS.
For her part, Rachman strongly disagreed, telling an audience of more than 75 persons that there was corruption in OCPS. In particular, Rachman referenced the millions of dollars that vendors over-billed OCPS, resulting in a settlement in on instance. She was clear on the fact that school board members should not have personal dealings with vendors.
Candidates were limited to one minute each, in responding to the questions.
Mr. Bill Sublette, another candidate in the race for Orange County School Board Chairman, was not present for the forum.
The Candidate Forum was moderated by Ms. Becky Ellis of the Robinswood Association and Ms. Nicole Jackson of the Pine Hills Community Council.
