School Board Candidates Forum Questions 4, 5 and 6

  • Image 1 of 3

  • Image 2 of 3

  • School board member Stephen Kiouses addressed air quality study presenter Linda MacKay in a manner that board member Anita Anderson said was disrespectful. Kiouses said the organizers of the study should have used their funding to plant trees instead of conducting their study which he called &quotgarbage science." Letters to the newspaper echoed the dismay expressed by Anderson.

    Image 3 of 3
    School board member Stephen Kiouses addressed air quality study presenter Linda MacKay in a manner that board member Anita Anderson said was disrespectful. Kiouses said the organizers of the study should have used their funding to plant trees instead of conducting their study which he called "garbage science." Letters to the newspaper echoed the dismay expressed by Anderson.

Question 4: The board is facing tough decisions regarding closing a school campus. What are your viewpoints on this question?

John Fleming
I believe the community can come together and make the best decision for our children. I spoke of this in a board meeting and voted against spending $14,500 for the consulting firm selected by the superintendent. Closing a school should be a community decision.

Lark Shillig
With the right school board leadership, no campus need be closed.

Vickie Mullen
I have to objectively review the evidence but I am skeptical that we can save enough money or improve the educational opportunities of our kids by shutting down one campus while another campus has wallto- wall bungalows and a dearth of open space.

Scott Robinson 2 Yr
I do not believe any school campus should be closed. Once it’s closed it will be difficult to re-open even after our economy improves and enrollment begins to climb. I am aware of the overcrowding and its negative impact on education.

Linda Sheldon
With three schools, only one for each level, it is imperative that all possible solutions be considered—fully evaluate spending, funding sources, and financial controls. Also, calculate what costs will continue even with a closed campus—determine the best solution for the students.

Tim Schantzen 2 Yr
This decision should be examined from both a short and long term view. Major decisions are being made with blinders and short term vision. The board must involve the community on the decision by presenting them with all the relevant facts and soliciting their input.

Bob Anderson
This, appeasers to be a budgetary issue and the cost of operating as a going concern or a moth balled will be the deciding factor along with the availability and cost educating the students elsewhere and the effect moving them will have on their education.

Dean Crabb 2 Yr
I do not believe any of ETUSD schools should close. The way the Superintendent is trying to push this issue with her rushed school evaluation, adds to my disbelief. I’m concerned, there are no financial numbers to back up her school closure savings theory.


 Question 5: The superintendent was given a three year contract this spring. Philosophies vary about the role of trustees in regard to the superintendent. Some say trustees’ role is to be a loyal support team. Others say they should ask questions, provide oversight and course correction. What do you believe the trustee’s role in relation to the superintendent should be?

John Fleming
The contract was wrong. I voted against her contract. I am pro-active in seeking information from this superintendent and have been shut down by three board members every time. We need a drastic course correction.

Lark Shilling
Giving any one person carte blanche is a recipe for disaster. Many minds make a better decision. The board’s correct title is "Governing Board." We are to be a check and balance, not passive subordinates.

Scott Robinson 2 Yr
Trustees are the critical link between the people and administration. In a community, such as the Hill, that highly values community involvement in school administration; the trustees are the people’s voice in overseeing administration’s decisions.

Linda Sheldon
Trustees hire, oversee, and evaluate the superintndent’s ability to meet the objectives, visions, and directions as set forth by the board: such as, fiscal policy, budget guidelines, staff issues, student achievements, and providing accountability reports.

Bob Anderson
The trustees’ role is clearly articulated in the By-laws and must be followed. The trustees role is “to ensure accountability to the public for the performance of district schools” which includes oversight of the superintendent.

Dean Crabb 2 Yr
Trustee’s role is to evaluate issues for the Superintendent. Trustees are to bring the voice of the community. Trustees need to direct the Superintendent to perform duties correctly with all our children’s educational interests first.


Question 6: We have seen outbursts of temperament at the board meetings this year, and rudeness, on the part of trustees, the superintendent and the public. What role should the expression of emotion play in the conduct of ETUSD affairs?

John Fleming
Emotional outbursts have no place in school board meetings. They build barriers, making problem solving difficult. Emotional outbursts make it impossible to accomplish necessary ETUSD business when trustees walk out.

Lark Shillig
The “Golden Rule” states that we ought to do unto others as we would have them do unto us. We would do well to remember and apply this rule always.

Vickie Mullen
I am not going to characterize any of these past remarks or emotional appeals as rude here in the paper. Personally, I typically use civil courtroom demeanor when speaking publicly.

Scott Robinson 2 Yr
Leave emotions at the door and calmly agree to disagree. It is a disservice to our students, parents, staff, and administration by not getting anything accomplished for the district.

Linda Sheldon
It is great that there is passion for our schools; however, we must all conduct ourselves in a professional, respectful, and courteous manner – not walking out, yelling, or being rude.

Tim Schantzen 2 Yr
Emotion is part of any group making difficult decisions. But adults must avoid outbursts and rudeness, instead appropriately channeling emotion to zealously advocate for what is best for the students.

Bob Anderson
Not to mention the publics outburst. This type of behavior is completely unacceptable and totally unproductive; we all need to act responsibly, respectfully, and maturely, to achieve our common goals.

Dean Crabb 2 Yr
I will bring transparency to the board. Trustees must vote the will of the people. The board must be professional. I would like to include the community in the meetings.

Hot links to QUESTIONS
0) Candidates photos and introduction
1) Candidates’ goals as trustees
2) Students’ performance
3) Charter school’s leadership

4) Closing a campus
5) Role of trustees in regard to superintendent
6) Temperament and the board

7) Transparency
8) Possible Conflicts of interest: Religion
9) Possible Conflicts of Intereat: Financial

10) Impact of schools on local economy
11) The last word

This is part of the October 12, 2012 online edition of The Mountain Enterprise.

Have an opinion on this matter? We'd like to hear from you.