Ms. Elia, a person should avoid using words about whose meaning they are not sure. “Fortuitous” means “happening by chance” or "accidental." You need the familiar word“fortunate.” I could scream at board meetings when you say “indicate” instead of“say.” Don’t use a sesquipedalian word to replace a one-syllable word that means the same thing. Doing so says the person is trying to sound learned but instead sounds foolish. lee drury de cesare

Greetings,

I have some good news. Next week we will be able to get your paycheck to you a couple of days early, on Wednesday, November 21. That’s the day before Thanksgiving and two days before the scheduled payday.

Not long ago, I asked the folks in payroll if they could get the paychecks done early as a favor to our employees. It wasn’t easy, but due to some hard work and fortuitous circumstances we’re able to get it done.

I want to thank the employees who have worked hard to make this happen. Please have a great Thanksgiving, enjoy a long weekend with your family, and get an early start on your holiday shopping.

MaryEllen Elia
Superintendent
Hillsborough County Public Schools
Phone: (813) 272-4050
Fax: (813) 272-4038