The Principals of This Matter Aren’t Key to a County Section

You’d think someone at the Southern Section would have set up an 800 number by now. You know, as in 1-800-NO OC CIF, Stan Thomas standing by to take your call . . . If nothing else, it would score points on the trend-o-meter.

As it is, though, Southern Section Commissioner Thomas seems to be counting on the survey he administered recently of the section’s 484 principals, asking them--in writing--whether they support the idea of Orange County breaking away to form its own section of the California Interscholastic Federation.

Now it should be noted that Thomas, publicly at least, says he takes no side when it comes to this Orange County breakaway issue. If Orange County thinks it’s best to leave the Southern Section nest, they have his blessing, he says.

But back to reality--and the survey.

A fine idea, this survey. Everyone seems to want to know how everyone else is thinking on this issue. But there are problems. Among them, the seven-page “Southern Section position” that the principals were asked to digest before making their decision.

Some call it propaganda, or at least creative writing. Others see it as the pure and simple truth why no one--not even Orange Countians themselves--should think of a Southern Section without Orange County.

In any case, the text includes a variety of facts and figures, considerations and implications, none of which shine too brightly on Orange County’s side--especially if you have an out-of-county viewpoint.

A quick read through all the financial ramifications is enough to send shivers through your school’s checking account.

A few examples:

- “It is conservatively estimated that with Orange County forming its own section there would be an across-the-board decrease of approximately 20% to 25% gross revenue for the Southern Section. . . . “

- “The financial implications of revenue lost by the Southern Section and start-up costs, month to month expenses for a new section remain unanswered and very questionable. . . . “

- “Obviously, the Southern Section could be placed in a position of either having to reduce services and/or staff or increase revenue, i.e., dues, playoff expenses, sports fees, etc. . . . “

You’re the principal at Mojave High. Which way do you vote?

Apparently--according to this survey, anyway--the majority of those out of Orange County sided with the Southern Section position. And Orange County principals didn’t exactly give it a whopping hip-hip-hooray, either.

Of course, this brings us to Point No. 2:

What difference does it make what the principals think?

Sure, the Southern Section is a body of principals. No doubt you’ve heard that one before. But principals don’t often have the authority to make their own decisions, not in cases such as these, anyway. They follow their superintendents.

And last time we checked, 13 of 15 Orange County superintendents, guided by their school boards, voted to pursue a separate section. That means, whatever a principal’s personal opinion might be on this thing, it probably doesn’t mean zip if it’s not in line with his or her boss.

At 10 a.m. Thursday, the CIF Section Relations Committee will meet in Irvine to hear presentations from both sides. From there, the committee will present its recommendation to the State CIF, which will vote on the issue at its May 8-9 meeting.

James Fleming, superintendent of Placentia Unified School District and a member of the Southern Section’s executive committee, says the group of county superintendents supporting the Orange County Section isn’t on a power trip, but there is a reality involved that some apparently overlook.

“This isn’t an issue of power--that’s not what we’re after,” Fleming said. “Technically, the CIF is made up of principals. Principals work for us, so technically, the CIF works for us. If we think something is the way to go, I think they need to listen.”

At least technically.

Survey Results

How high school principals in the Southern Section responded to the question: Do you favor a separate section for Orange County? (DNR--Did not report). Orange County Public Schools:

Yes 34 60% No 8 14% DNR 15 26% Total 57 100%

Orange County Private Schools:

Yes 0 0% No 13 93% DNR 1 7% Total 14 100%

Orange County Parochial Schools:

Yes 0 0% No 2 40% DNR 3 60% Total 5 100%

Orange County, All Schools:

Yes 34 45% No 23 30% DNR 19 25% Total 76 100%

Section Schools Outside County:

Yes 48 12% No 238 58% DNR 122 30% Total 408 100%

All Section Schools:

Yes 82 17% No 261 54% DNR 141 29% Total 484 100%