Editorial

The Monroe County School District is about to name a new superintendent who will have a hand in shaping education in our island chain for years to come. We believe there is one person for the job.

Amber Acevedo has the qualifications to be the next MCSD superintendent, including being selected as Principal of the Year for her work at Key West High School / MCSD

The Monroe County School District winnowed down its field of candidates to replace long-time, dedicated educator Teri Axford in its top job. All of the candidates CVs as well as written and video answers to interview questions are available at the link above.

It is one of the most transparent searches for an appointed official that we have seen in the Florida Keys in quite some time. The board deserves kudos for that.

Two candidates are from out of county but within Florida, one is from Key Largo and the fourth has a last name that is the figurative 300-pound gorilla wearing the size 52L suit over there in the corner of the room.

That would be Amber (Archer) Acevedo.

Amber comes from an incredible education and curricular sports background; her father, Gynn Archer, was a legend in the Florida Keys.

Her husband — former Superintendent of Schools Randy Acevedo — is also legendary but for different reasons.

Randy is best known for his ex-wife, Monique, defrauding the school district and buying things on the public dime like “Naughty Flight Attendant Lingerie” and a “Ride ‘Em Cowgirl” outfit. And suits for her husband. And computers for their son.

I have been hearing a lot of rumbling — particularly north of about Big Pine — that we shouldn’t have a Superintendent whose husband’s former claim to fame was stealing money from children’s educations.

And you have to remember that at the time, about 99.999998% of district employees would have approved a can of tuna over local philanthropist John Padgett.

But regardless of whatever Mr. Acevedo’s involvement, he has served his time, paid the price and deserves another chance.

And you certainly shouldn’t be able to hold the sins of the husband’s past to taint what has been an outstanding career in the thankless field of public eduction.

Given the Gilligan’s Island version of Watergate at 1300 White Street, I am usually not a fan of considering being a Conch as a prerequisite for a job.

So, let’s hear what you think. Is Amber Acevedo a viable candidate for Superintendent of Monroe County Schools?

I believe she is.

The MCSD will announce its final selection during its meeting beginning at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, May 6.