April 07, 2008 05:41 pm
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Editor’s Note: Submissions appear as the candidates submitted them without editing. Candidates are listed in alphabetical order. Except where noted, questionnaires are only being published for contested races. Christina (Johnson) Gilkey
• AGE: 39
• EDUCATION HIGHLIGHTS: 1986 Graduate of Charlestown High School; 1992 Graduate of Pensacola Jr. College (A.A. Degree); Currently enrolled @ University of Phoenix pursuing B.S. Degree in Human Services & Mangement
• CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: Business Owner for 14 1/2 years as an AFLAC District Mgr. & Sales Associate; Founder/Coordinator of Non-Profit Business (ASSIST) which Mentors freshmen @ the high school level
• FAMILY NOTES: Married to Sgt. Aaron Gilkey (Clark Co. Sheriff’s Deputy), Mother of 3 children:
Elijah Johnson (2007 Graduate/Currently US Army Military Police), Aaron Johnson (Senior @ Jeff High), Dennisha Johnson (Freshman @ Jeff High).
1) Why are you running for this position?
“I am running for this position, first and foremost, because I believe OUR children deserve the very best education we can provide. If elected, promoting academic excellence amongst OUR students will always be my 1st priority. Second, I feel all taxpayers (even those without children in the schools) deserve a board who makes prudent decisions regarding the GCCS budget. I will be fiscally responsible with our taxpayer’s hard earned money. I feel I will bring a new energy and a fresh perspective to the District 5 seat.”
2) What is the most important issue facing this position and what is your plan to resolve it?
“The most important issue facing the GCCS Board over the next four years is reestablishing public trust and improving community awareness and involvement. The GCCS Board has 7 members with each representing a geographical area. However, that board has to work together for the greater good of all students and all taxpayers. If elected, I would like to implement a rotation of public meetings amongst all three high schools on a quarterly basis rather than always having the public come to us. I also would work to improve the GCCS website so it is interactive and provides information on the very latest issues and proposed resolutions. Finally, I would develop a list of community volunteers from all across the corporation who I would call on to ask their opinion on upcoming issues so the community feels like I am truly THEIR voice.”
3) What unique contribution will you make to this board?
“The most unique contribution I will make to this board is my work ethic. If I commit to a person, career or project, I work my hardest for that cause. I am a worker and I will put energy and enthusiasm into my position as a community leader. If I don’t know answers, I’ll find them. I will seek resolutions to our budget cuts that do not impact our students. I will find out what programs aren’t working and replace them with programs that are working for other school corporations. I will work for our students.”
4) Have you ever been convicted of a non-traffic court crime in the United States? If so, please explain all relevant instances.
“No.”
READER-SUBMITTED QUESTIONS
Gov. Daniels’ plan would eliminate property tax by increasing sales tax as a source of revenue for the general fund of schools. Since school corporations would therefore rely predominantly on state support, what effect might this have on school finance and what will be your priorities when forced to make any cuts?
“The property tax relief bill will certainly impact our budget. In addition, with the State directly providing more money for education, they will exercise more power in telling us how we can and cannot spend that money. Our cut (as a result of the bill) in 2009 is expected to be around $46,000 and in 2010 is estimated to be around $35,000 which is significantly lower than many other school corporations across the state. My priorities when reducing our expenditures will be in areas that do NOT impact student services or student/teacher ratios. I will not only look for areas where we can cut the “fat” but I will also work to seek out foundation, grant and federal funds which will help reduce the impact of the budget cuts.”
It seems that some local school boards have become increasingly involved in the day-to-day operation of schools. Do you feel that is an appropriate direction for a board to be moving in, or should it function more as an advisory body?
“The way I understand the hierarchy of responsibility within our school corporation is as follows:
All staff (janitorial, food services, bus drivers, teachers, aides, etc.) answer to their immediate supervisor. Each supervisor is directly responsible to their respective principal and each principal is directly responsible to the superintendent. The superintendent answers to the board. I do not feel it is appropriate for a board member to be involved in day-to-day school operations. A board members duties are to decide on policies and manage finances.”
What do you plan to do to increase your school corporation’s overall high school graduation rate?
“I have already implemented a program at Jeffersonville H.S. called ASSIST which is meant to help retain students and give them the tools and motivation needed to receive their high school diplomas by way of graduation. This is our first year but the program has already proven to be beneficial to students. The program focuses on freshmen because this is the hardest transitional year for students. Statistics show that if a freshman is successful at the end of his/her first year, he/she is 86% more likely to graduate. From the first qtr. to the second qtr., 25% of our students increased their GPAs. We utilize community volunteers and match them up with a student. The mentor and student then spend the entire school year getting to know one another, establishing trust and building upon a relationship which gives the student encouragement and knowledge to be successful. More programs of this nature will increase our overall graduation rate.”L. William “Bill” Halter II
• AGE: 64
• EDUCATION HIGHLIGHTS: BS History and English, Indiana University; MS Education, Indiana University; Post-graduate work in school administration
• CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: Thirty years teaching history in middle school and high school. Eight years as a member of the Greater Clark School Board. Thirty years active ad reserve in U.S. Navy; retiring as a Captain.
• FAMILY NOTES: Married 41 years to Pam Brown Halter, retired teacher. Two sons, William Halter, an IUS graduate and a history teacher at Charlestown High School, and Andrew Halter, an industrial engineer and graduate of Purdue. One granddaughter, Kaelyn Halter, who will be entering kindergarten in the fall.
1) Why are you running for this position?
“I am running for this position to insure that our children get the very best education possible and that our employees, parents and tax payers are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve. I find that very few people understand how curriculum, NWEA, ISTEP, school finance, DIBELS, TERRS NOVA, No Child Left Behind, or VEBA work. All of these programs must be understood to see their good and bad points. This is very time consuming, but I feel that I have the time and understanding needed and that I still have a job to finish.”
2) What is the most important issue facing this position and what is your plan to resolve it?
“The most important issues are fiscal responsibility and student achievement. I have fought to see that the tax payer’s money is spent properly and wisely. Unfortunately, there is never enough to go around. Our administrators and teachers are working hard in every way they know how to improve test scores. If their hard work alone were any indication of student scores, we would be number one in the state. Sadly, other factors come into play and these are difficult to resolve. If you go into any school, you will see teachers teaching and students working daily to improve. Hopefully, we will soon see the results of their labor.”
3) What unique contribution will you make to this board?
“I understand education from all angles having been a teacher, parent and board member. As a retired person, I have had the time to visit each building in the system about four times a year, which includes a summer visit to talk with our custodians and maintenance people. I have gone, on my own, to study neighboring schools and schools as far away as Indianapolis. I supervise student teachers for IU and this also takes me into many other area schools, giving me an opportunity to see new programs and facilities. In addition to all this, I am proud that I have missed only one school board meeting in eight years.”
4) Have you ever been convicted of a non-traffic court crime in the United States? If so, please explain all relevant instances.
“No.”
READER-SUBMITTED QUESTIONS
Gov. Daniels’ plan would eliminate property tax by increasing sales tax as a source of revenue for the general fund of schools. Since school corporations would therefore rely predominantly on state support, what effect might this have on school finance and what will be your priorities when forced to make any cuts?
“The general fund pays salaries for all school employees and utilities. This will be taken over by the state and will limit local control. How this will play out remains to be seen. There will be many repercussions that will be hard to imagine. I certainly hope the state can fund this better than they have funded other programs. Cuts may be made across the board, but I believe that academic areas must be the last to suffer.”
It seems that some local school boards have become increasingly involved in the day-to-day operation of schools. Do you feel that is an appropriate direction for a board to be moving in, or should it function more as an advisory body?
“The role of the Board is to set policy, review budgets and approve contracts. The superintendent is hired to run the corporation. His assistants are like department heads in large companies. Each has his day-to-day responsibilities. The Board needs an informed view of the entire business, and the Board needs to hold the superintendent and department heads accountable for carrying out policy on a daily basis. Board members have no power individually and can only act as a group.”
What do you plan to do to increase your school corporation’s overall high school graduation rate?
“To increase the high school graduation rate courses should be up dated to meet the needs of the students. Students must feel that they are challenged, but not beyond their ability to succeed. Classes must offer them something they feel will benefit them in the real world. Unfortunately, the state requirements often limit the number of electives and require courses that prepare students for college, but not for life. “One size does not fit all.” None the less, high school students must accept responsibility for their education. Parents and teachers can no longer shoulder all the responsibility.”Thomas C. Long, Sr.
• AGE: 43
• EDUCATION HIGHLIGHTS: Masters Degree in Religious Education
• CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: Currently serving as Pastor of Springdale United Methodist Church,
also working as a Supervisor for the United States Postal Service.
• FAMILY NOTES: Married to my wonderful wife Tracie of 10 years. Together we have 2 sons, ages 10, and 11, who attend a school within this Corporation.
1) Why are you running for this position?
“I know that a good education is required for children today in order for them to be successful in today’s global market. As a supporter of the Greater Clark County Schools I seek the opportunity to help move this system in a more aggressive and positive role in our communities of Charlestown, Jeffersonville and New Washington. Many candidates are driven by special interest and many with axes to bear. I seek not to bring turmoil or destruction to the system but to offer creative ways to promote a stronger educational team and an improvement in the test scores of our children. Failures have occurred due to the lack of focus on our children, but to individual desires and motives in the name of working on behalf of children. It is quite evident that our last administration focused on self serving topics and issues which has put our school system behind in many areas. Financial crisis now exist in the Greater Clark County Schools with talk of many layoffs of many of our fine teachers and the possibility of cutting programs. It is appalling that the present School Board representatives did not have the foresight to question many of the important issues facing the Greater Clark County School Corporation before allowing things to get out of control. Reading many things about Dr. Bennett gives me hope that the failure in the management of the school system is now in competent hands, but unless he has a School Board that is able to think out of the box, then we will continue to go down the path created by those responsible for our present predicaments. It is time for a change in leadership so that we can move forward in our communities. Looking to develop long turn plans for this school system is very important for the future success in educating our children and taking care of the many needed repairs of our facilities and getting this system back in a solid financial position where we can be at a positive surplus of around 12% of our total budget. These are but a few concerns out of many. I am a candidate to offer support in ideas, to carefully review all recommendations and how they impact student and employee groups.”
2) What is the most important issue facing this position and what is your plan to resolve it?
“The financial plight of this system has to be the most important issue facing all candidates. Politics says that the present sitting board members will not tackle this problem until after the election; I will work with the Board of School Trustees and listen carefully to the recommendations offering a resolve with the least amount of impact on person’s lives and to allow the integrity of our programs to stay intact. My role is to review the recommendations offered by the Superintendent and vote in the best interest of student and communities.”
3) What unique contribution will you make to this board?
“My military background and management skills with the United States Postal Service will aide me with issues facing the school corporation as I have worked with union contracts and training of employees.”
4) Have you ever been convicted of a non-traffic court crime in the United States? If so, please explain all relevant instances.
“None. I consider myself a law abiding citizen and I teach my children to respect authority.”
Gov. Daniels’ plan would eliminate property tax by increasing sales tax as a source of revenue for the general fund of schools. Since school corporations would therefore rely predominantly on state support, what effect might this have on school finance and what will be your priorities when forced to make any cuts?
“Property taxes were increased and they will be reduced slightly so revenues will still be available with the increase in sales taxes. It’s time that school systems respect the funds provided and plan the proper allocation of those revenues received from the state and local dollars. Cuts have to be made when questions are not asked about future funding priorities. I would be charged to make financial decisions and make cuts based upon a plan that would address a balanced budget with minor impact on the communities.”
It seems that some local school boards have become increasingly involved in the day-to-day operation of schools. Do you feel that is an appropriate direction for a board to be moving in, or should it function more as an advisory body?
“I think it’s good for school board members to visit schools, but they should not be involved in the day-to-day operation of the schools. The board is an advisory and a policy making body. They approve or disapprove recommendations of their superintendent.”
What do you plan to do to increase your school corporation’s overall high school graduation rate?
“We need to review the why’s when students are leaving our system. We need to address the student climate causing families to seek other educational opportunities for learning.”Stacy H. Wiese
• AGE: 33
• EDUCATION HIGHLIGHTS: I attended Elementary, Junior High, and the first 2 years of High School in Southern California, and completed the last 2 years of High School at Oldham County High School in Kentucky. After graduation from High School, I attended and Graduated from Spalding University in Louisville, KY earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing.
• CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: “I am a Registered Nurse, currently licensed in both Indiana and Kentucky. I was employed with Clark Memorial Hospital for approximately 10 years. My primary responsibilities at that time were to care for and educate new Mothers regarding self-care and newborn care. I am currently employed with a Kentuckiana ENT Surgeon, and have numerous responsibilities to help the operation of his practice run smoothly and efficiently.”
• FAMILY NOTES: “My husband (Nick Wiese) and I will be celebrating our 14th wedding anniversary in May. Nick has been teaching at Jeffersonville High School for approximately 14 years now. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree in Education while attending Indiana University Southeast. We have been blessed with four wonderful children. Nicolaas, our oldest, currently attends River Valley Middle School, where he enjoys being “proactive vs. reactive” as an elected Student Council Member. He is also an avid Soccer player for Clark County Soccer Association. Our only daughter, Sierra, attends Wilson Elementary School. She enjoys being involved with 4-H this year, the Media Squad and Theatre. She makes for a competitive Soccer player as well. Kiefer is our 4 year old son. He is our most imaginative and inquisitive child. He looks forward to following in his big brother’s footsteps. Andrew is our 8 month old son and seems to be our happiest baby yet, except for when he is teething.”
1) Why are you running for this position?
“My interest in the education of children first began when I was in Nursing School at Spalding University. During my “Community Nursing” rotation, I was assigned to teach health related topics in a Jefferson County Public Elementary School. I enjoyed writing lesson plans, gathering educational materials, and collaborating with educators. Most importantly, I enjoyed the positive impact I was making in the lives of children. Shortly after becoming a Registered Nurse, I began working with mothers and their newly born babies. I enjoyed educating mothers and families so that they could have positive impacts in the lives of their own children. I obviously have a passion for education and the well being of children. That is why I decided to run for The Greater Clark County School Board. What better way to make a positive difference in the community I live in and ensure a brighter future for Greater Clark County’s Children, including my own.
2) What is the most important issue facing this position and what is your plan to resolve it?
“One of the most important issues facing our School Board today is school performance. We can all agree that current standardized test scores and the current High School graduation rates both need improvement. Although students are worth more than just a test score, student standardized test scores are of importance. They are one indicator of learning, student performance and school performance. I believe the Board, in collaboration with the Community, Educators, Administrators, etc. will need to re-evaluate the current state our schools are in and re-distribute its emphasis on programs that improve test scores and school performance. I believe these should include the Fine Arts, which positively impact the core subjects (Mathematics, Language Arts, History, and Science); and an emphasis should be placed on Reading, which also has a positive direct influence on test scores and school performance as well. Curriculums should continue to be a balance of close alignment with Indiana State Standards (in order to offer a more comprehensive education throughout our school system) and also allow educators the freedom to teach effectively and creatively (in order to meet the educational needs of their individual students).
3) What unique contribution will you make to this board?
“My unique contribution to this board is my multi-faceted perspective. I am the mother of four children, two of which are students in this school district; the wife of a local school Teacher; and the daughter-in-law of a locally retired Teacher. I am a Registered Nurse, with a strong history of critical thinking and leadership skills and I am an active listener. Therefore, I will be the voice of the Students, Teachers, support staff, and the voice of the Community. Not to mention, I value integrity, accountability, and honesty.
4) Have you ever been convicted of a non-traffic court crime in the United States? If so, please explain all relevant instances.
“No. I have never been arrested nor convicted of any offense.”
READER-SUBMITTED QUESTIONS
Gov. Daniels’ plan would eliminate property tax by increasing sales tax as a source of revenue for the general fund of schools. Since school corporations would therefore rely predominantly on state support, what effect might this have on school finance and what will be your priorities when forced to make any cuts?
“It is the constitutional responsibility of the State of Indiana to provide for an adequate education for every child in the state. Whether funding for this education is being provided through property taxes or state sales tax, we have to ensure that appropriate, steady funding is available for our schools. A happy median would include both a steady flow from reduced property taxes and a varying flow from state sales tax. This would be the most ideal for our school district. With Governor Daniels proposal, our school district would rely heavily on funding that is inconsistent depending on the growth or decline of the economy. If cuts in programs are necessary, due to the instability of funding, my priority would be to suggest the dissolution of programs or personnel having the least impact on the education of our schools’ children.”
It seems that some local school boards have become increasingly involved in the day-to-day operation of schools. Do you feel that is an appropriate direction for a board to be moving in, or should it function more as an advisory body?
“School Boards were originally designed to establish policies to cover routine and non-routine operations for school districts. I strongly believe that School Boards should be Advocates, Advisors and Policy Makers, not Administrators. The School Board should diligently adhere to the School Board Code of Ethics set forth by the Indiana School Board Association, which includes: always consider children first; represent the entire school community; make decisions only after all facts have been presented and discussed; appraise the present and future educational needs of the community; insist that all school business transactions be on an open, ethical, and above-board basis; vigorously seek adequate financial support for the schools; refuse to use board membership in any way for personal gain or personal prestige; and win the community’s confidence that all is being done in the best interests of school children; to name a few. In addition, I believe that Board members should be active listeners, in which they “spend more time on the main streets and less time in the board room". They should assist the community in training children to become active, responsible citizens and promote an excellent education to ensure success for every student.”
What do you plan to do to increase your school corporation’s overall high school graduation rate?
“Although this question is difficult to answer in 200 words or less, I will summarize my plans to increase the GCCS High School Graduation Rate, which was 68.8% in 2007, 7.7% below the state average. My objectives are as follows: 1. Work collaboratively with Board Members, Educators, Administrators, Parents, and other community members to examine and evaluate current academic and non-academic programs and their effectiveness in supporting High School graduation rates and success among High School Students. 2. Promote and strengthen programs that have a direct positive effect on standardized testing and overall student success, such as Reading and The Fine Arts, at each level of education. (Studies show that both Reading and The Fine Arts have positive impacts on testing and overall success) 3. Advise the implementation of programs that equip Middle School students with the academic skills, study skills and social skills they need in order to transition smoothly from the Middle School curriculum to the more rigorous High School curriculum. 4. Encourage schools to implement individualized school completion and career goal plans which 9th graders and their parent(s) would sign and actively participate in. For more information, I invite you to visit my website http://wiese4schoolboard.home.insightbb.com”
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