We currently have six people running for the Board of Education, Elizabeth Redenbaugh (R-Incumbent), Jeanette S. Nichols (R-Incumbent), David G. Martin (R), Dorothy De Sheilds (D-Incumbent), Pat Chappel (D), and Jan Brewington (D). I'm going to quote these six directly from the LWV website to allow you to make up your own mind. I will also give my two cents at the end. I am going to reorganize by question instead of by person to make it a little easier to find the question that most relates to you and see EXACTLY what ALL of the candidates stated.
Question #1: The school administration has already indicated that redistricting will have to take place during your term in office if elected. When it comes to redistricting what are your priorities and what input do you think the public should have?
Redenbaugh:
Nichols:My top priority is to create and support environments which foster high academic achievement and prepare our children to be contributing members of a global society. In my opinion, the current elementary school attendance zones, as well as the proposed redistricting maps presented at the July 7, 2008 Board of Education meeting, do not support such environments and, sadly, the evidence buttresses this conclusion. This summer it was announced that 27 out of 38 New Hanover County Schools failed to meet federal testing expectations. Residential segregation and the neighborhood school criteria adopted by the current Board of Education for purposes of redistricting elementary school attendance zones have helped to create and maintain schools that are isolated not simply by race, but also by socioeconomic status. For example, in New Hanover County we have an elementary school where, of the student population, 80% are African American and 87% are eligible for free or reduced-priced lunches (a stand-in for poverty). On the other end of the spectrum is an elementary school where 0% of the students are African American and only 4% are eligible for free or reduced-priced lunches. The effects of such isolation cannot be adequately addressed by school finance reform, as students in schools with high concentrations of poverty need more than increased funding to improve achievement. Research supports the argument that significantly increasing expenditures will not necessarily increase the educational achievement of poor, minority students.
As a member of the Board of Education, I would move that the Board make economic integration a main element in the district's strategy. Since 2000, school officials in Wake County have used income as a key factor in assigning students to schools, with the goal of limiting the proportion of low-income students in any school to no more than 40%. The overwhelming majority of the 120,000 children in that district go either to a local school or a school of their choice. Slightly more than 85 percent of students attend a school within five miles of home and another 12 percent or so voluntarily attend magnet or year-round schools. The result of Wake County's seemingly innovative strategy: 91% of its students are performing at or above grade level. In addition to the Wake County example, numerous studies support economic integration. For example, one study revealed that low-income students who attended more-affluent schools scored 20 points higher than low-income students attending high-poverty schools, a difference equivalent to almost two years worth of education.
Opponents of my plan will argue that economic integration will lead to increased bussing. Admittedly, this is a legitimate concern given the soaring price of a gallon of gas. However, the economic impact of my plan on the overall school budget will be far less than the "hazard duty pay" our county will have to pay teachers who work in our high poverty schools. Moreover, if we fail the poor, minority members of our student population, we will all pay the price. Each class of high school dropouts costs the US economy more than $8 billion in incarceration expenses and lost wages per year. America loses more than $26 billion in federal and state income taxes each year due to high school dropouts.
The public should have a great deal of input into the direction our schools are heading. Throughout my volunteer and professional careers, I have learned that stakeholder input and buy-in is absolutely essential for organizational success. Unfortunately, the majority of the current Board does not agree with this viewpoint. At the September 11, 2007 meeting of the Board of Education, Board member Nick Rhodes made a motion that the Board have meetings with the community three times per year. This motion was seconded by my opponent Dorothy DeShields. Unfortunately, the remaining five members of the Board voted no and the motion failed. As a member of the Board, I would support and welcome public input in the redistricting process. Without an open and transparent process in which community input is valued, I do not believe New Hanover County Schools will achieve public support for whatever redistricting plan it adopts.
I believe that YOUNG children should be assigned to a school as close to their home as possible. During the years I have served on the Board of Education, I have listened to and read the many requests of parents from all neighborhoods who share the same priority. Many parents say it most difficult to become involved if they have no transportation or feel no connection to the distant school. Public forums, school board meetings - as well as direct contact with Board members + provide an opportunity for parental input. The escalating cost of transportation and congestion of traffic make it difficult for me to support assigning children to a school in order to achieve socio-economics diversity. The Redistricting Committee has adjusted the number of children who would be moved from the estimated 10,000 -- which included middle school students -- to only elementary children, which is now 3,892.Martin -- Unanswered
However, I support the School Assignment Plan that provides for parents to apply for another school if space is available.
De Sheilds:
Chappell:My priorities for redistricting are as follows: a. that we move as few students as possible; and b. that we allow for diverse student bodies without students having to travel extremely long distances.
I think the public should have a chance to voice their concerns about the plans and that the board should take those concerns into consideration when making final decisions.
Brewington:Since re-districting is such a challenging and emotional issue for parents, students, community, and school personnel, it is imperative that the process take place in an open and fair manner. School officials must understand that people feel better about change when they have had the opportunity to share their thoughts and feelings. Priorities and perceptions can be extremely different from person to person or from group to group. No one plan will completely satisfy the needs of everyone. Factors that should be considered when developing a plan should include:
What input do you think the public should have in re-districting? Communication between school officials and parents is priceless during this process and should take place from the very beginning. The Re-districting Committee should be made up of parents, community leaders, county commissioners, teachers, and school officials. Currently, it is comprised only of Central Office Administrators. Input from parents, community members, and school personnel can be received via public hearings in alternating locations, making the process convenient to everyone. There should also be less formal conversations with school officials via "coffee hours", letters, emails, and public comments during Board Meetings. Individual and county-wide PTA/PTO groups, School Improvement Teams, and Advisory Councils should participate in the process.
- Least intrusive and most efficient scenario
- Effective Programs that are currently being offered and planned (magnet schools, open choice, open enrollment, etc)
- Efficient bussing
- Budget impacts
- Closeness to school
- New housing developments being planned
- Socio-economic factors No one of these factors should be considered in isolation of the others.
My priorities for redistricting are the same priorities I have for the schools in general. Each classroom teacher should be equipped to bring each child from their own starting point up to the next level. In order for the teacher to accomplish this, no teacher or school should have a disproportionate number of at risk children. This is taxing on a classroom. Therefore, diversity in ability is important in the classroom. A mix of children who can learn from each other is ideal. I would rely on the administration staff to come up with a model of ideal educational mix for the schools, and then redistrict accordingly, keeping children as close to home as possible. Public input would be important because a certain understanding is often lost in numbers alone, but the school board needs to make decisions on what is best for educational purposes.Question #2: Teachers in New Hanover County often remark that lack of discipline in the schools and non-attendance by students are their greatest problems. What policies could the School Board adopt that would help address this problem?
Redenbaugh:
Nichols:I believe the Board of Education can begin to address these problems not by adopting additional policies, but by creating a system-wide (and community-wide) "culture of achievement." Such a culture would naturally lead to better behavior on the part of our students and would discourage non-attendance. How do we create such a culture in our community? I believe the answer lies in strategic planning, accountability, focus on our mission, communication of the system's strengths and weaknesses, stakeholder input (families, students, faculty, and community), full support for school administrators and teachers to enforce their school's code of conduct, proactive as opposed to reactive strategies, and an open dialogue. Although the foregoing may sound like the stuff of which dreams are made, it is actually supported by several studies, including one conducted by Harvard University.
As a Board member, I would also support the adoption of a school uniform policy to address the lack of discipline. Multiple credible studies credit school uniform policies with helping bring about a sharp drop in crime in schools, including reduced numbers of drug cases, sex offenses, violence and theft. A dress code would help prevent gang members from wearing gang colors and insignia at school and help school officials recognize intruders who come to the school.
In North Carolina, the legal dropout age is 16. I am in full support of raising the age to 18, which I feel would also help discourage non-attendance.
I don't think there is a need to adopt additional policies since there are 27 pages of policies and procedures relative to student discipline. What is needed is the enforcement of the policies and support for the teachers from the administration and parents. However, the new standards set forth in the Code of Ethics for Athletics and Student Representatives should dramatically improve discipline and attendance.Martin -- Unanswered
In accordance with state law, a policy is in place that outlines requirements for student attendance. Enforcing the policy is difficult when parents do not assume the responsibility of ensuring their child is in school and on time. If the state would resend it rule and allow students who have exceptional grades and attendance be exempt from end-of-course/grade tests, attendance would improve. Also, if participation/seat-time were factored into grades, attendance should improve. However, the most important approach is to help our students feel a part of the school and provide the necessary support for them and their family.
De Sheilds:
Chappell:It is my belief that State laws and County policies on discipline are adequate. However, individual schools can strengthen their rules and administration of those rules. Most importantly strengthening parental involvement in each school would help tremendously.
The School Board certainly needs to rethink the idea of developing an attendance policy. If the children are not in school the school cannot teach them!
Brewington:Teachers are correct when they say that discipline and attendance are two of the biggest challenges that public schools have faced for many years. I hear this consistently from the teachers with whom I work. The more you research this issue, the more "programs" you will find claiming to improve student behavior. There are several common themes that I have observed in schools with little or no discipline issues. Those include:
It will be my responsibility to make certain that the school system provides adequate training in classroom management for all new teachers, and that they follow through with appropriate support. As a School Board member, it will be my responsibility to maintain expectations that all teachers, staff, and administrators serve as role models for their students. This includes how they dress, how they present themselves to students, how they communicate with each other and the community, and the consistency to which they follow the rules that have been set forth for students. It should be the responsibility of the school board to set the minimum requirements for a district school dress code for students and staff.
- Parental involvement is number one in achieving positive student behavior.
- Make sure all new teachers are trained in appropriate Behavior Management techniques with support from mentors and administrators
- Unified classroom rules and procedures followed by all teachers with consequences followed consistently
- High expectations from the entire school staff for appropriate student behavior
- Making the school inviting, safe, and supportive
- Engaging classroom instruction that keeps students interested
- Constant monitoring and support from the principal, Central Office Staff, and School Board
Another responsibility I will take seriously as a school board member will be to continue to support the use of School Resource Officers, School Nurses, Guidance Counselors, and Social Workers. I will support individual schools who wish to institute the wearing of school uniforms. Attendance: Students who are unsuccessful are generally the ones who have poor attendance. I have read and researched district level and school level attendance policies that have been used across the state and nation. There is no magical policy for solving this problem. The number one impact on school attendance, outside of parental involvement, is the climate and culture of the school. Students often cite that their poor attendance is a result of not feeling safe at school. Individual School Improvement Teams need to address how their school should deal with the issue. Programs such as Early College, Dual Enrollment Programs, Career / Vocational training, and a wide-variety of extra-curricular activities provide students options and often help promote better attendance, thus higher achievement. Other programs that I would support as a School Board member include Extended Day (Night Programs) and increased use of technology such as Nova Net for students who miss excessive days due to illness and family issues. One of the primary duties of school Social Workers should be to monitor attendance patterns of students and work directly with the parents to address the issue. All school personnel should make good attendance a priority. Regular phone calls to parents do make a difference...................
Attendance policies in New Hanover County High Schools need to be uniformly enforced. They also need to be updated. Lack of discipline needs to start with an expectation in the early grades that all children will come to school prepared to learn. This is an attitude that must be pervasive in our community, not just in schools. I propose a task force of school officials, ministers, nonprofit leaders, law enforcement and parents who work together towards making goals for the children of our county and taking collective responsibility to realize these goals.Question #3: Because of the lack of parental support in some of the county's schools those schools that do have the parental support are able to purchase more equipment, more supplies etc, for their students. What can the Board of Education do to correct the inequity?
Redenbaugh:
The answer lies in economic integration. Please see my response to question #1.Nichols:
As a member of the Finance Committee for six years, I have worked to ensure the Board of Education provides additional funds for high-need schools. Hundreds of thousands of dollars have been appropriated to those schools to improve technology, provide the necessary supplies/equipment, reduce class size, and provide additional staff and training. If re-elected, I will continue to work to support the underserved children.Martin -- Unanswered
De Sheilds:
In many instances we provide the opportunity for low-wealth schools to get extra funds to purchase needed items. We should do more.Chappell:
PTA's / PTO's often provide additional money to schools earned through fund-raising events such as Fall Festivals, etc. These funds can be used as determined by the School Improvement Team to provide equipment, supplies, etc. Unfortunately, parental involvement often is aligned with the socio-economic level of the school attendance area. Title I Federal Funding is provided to "low-wealth" schools (based on free and reduced lunches) to help "even the playing field." New Hanover County receives $5.2 million in Title I funding. This money is distributed to Title I Schools and should be used for purchasing materials, supplies, and equipment for use by the students and teachers. School Board members must closely monitor the distribution of these funds to ensure that it is allocated fairly and specifically used for student needs. There are numerous local, state, and federal grants available that provide financial assistance to low-wealth schools. As a School Board Member I will work diligently to assist our school system to finding these types of grants.Brewington:
When parents decide to get together and provide extras for their schools, it is not the Board of Education's job to attempt to keep up. The Board's job is to make sure that necessities are taken care of and that each school has clean, safe facilities, up to date technology, nutritious food, and plentiful learning materials. In some cases, parent groups have been compelled to provide necessities, and this is wrong. When schools have a more socially diverse mix of families, one school won't have a disproportionate amount of "extras".Question #4: What are your top three priorities for New Hanover County Board of Education if you are elected?
Redenbaugh:
1. Diversity among the student population.Nichols:
2. Strategic Planning that values stakeholder input and includes accountability.
3. Meeting the educational needs of EVERY student, regardless of race, IQ, socioeconomic status, etc., and challenging them to do their very best.
Martin -- Unanswered1. High student expectation and achievement at all schools.
2. Effective and efficient use of public resources aligned to system priorities, i.e., closing the gap, dropout prevention, safe and orderly environment, highly qualified skilled workforce and school construction/maintenance.
3. Strong customer satisfaction through family, community and business support.
De Sheilds:
My top three priorities for the New Hanover County Board of Education are to:Chappell:
a. Increase Student Achievement
b. Increase Teacher Pay & Improve their Working Conditions
c. Encourage Strong Parental and Community Involvement
Brewington:
- A SAFE learning environment equipped with UP-DATED TECHNOLOGY in ALL of our schools, so we can better educate our students to meet the challenges they will face in the 21st century work-force.
- Provide clear CHOICE OPTIONS, including well-planned and funded Magnet Schools, Year-Round options, a Technical/Vocational School, more on-line options, and more programs for gifted students.
- Provide OPEN, HONEST COMMUNICATION with parents and the community, encouraging dialogue and input on important issues such as re-districting, school choice, federal and state testing issues. One of the first things I plan to request will be that the school board add one additional board meeting per month (held at alternating attendance area schools) with the primary purpose of encouraging parental/community dialogue.
Providing middle and high schoolers with alternatives that will encourage them to pursue the path that will lead to their own best education: schools within- a school, vocational learning, and same gender education (for a middle school) are alternatives I would like to see.Those were the questions, and the answers do tend to sound similar. The biggest differences between the candidates have to do with whether they agree on busing children or neighborhood schools, although they all left room for compromise on this issue. I also must say that to not answer an LWV questionnaire, with their long held reputation as a mediator of MANY political debates, shows apathy at best. Ms. Redenbaugh mentioned that she motioned to have three meetings every year and the only other board member that voted with her was Ms. De Sheilds, which lends those two candidates a lot of my respect.
Tracking children's progress individually, rather than as a school or classroom.
Children move, are redistricted, and fall between the cracks because they are not individually measured.
No comments:
Post a Comment