Knox County Board of Education – District 2
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Jennifer Owen2217 Fair Drive Phone: (865) 919-1998 http://www.Owen4Schools.com Email: Jennifer@Owen4Schools.com |
Grant Standefer5547 Beverly Square Way Phone: (865) 599-9661 http://standeferforschools.weebly.com Email: grant.standefer@gmail.com |
Q: 1. Is the current funding for Knox County Schools adequate? If not, how would you work to correct the problem? |
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| Current funding is not adequate for Knox County Schools or any other public schools in Tennessee. The legislature, which is responsible for funding state schools, has to understand their responsibility as well as the needs of our students. It is important for our local Board members to be able to explain our needs to our legislators and to hold them accountable for fully funding the programs and policies they mandate. For years, I have been following bills that impact our schools and looking at the fiscal note on each. When the fiscal note has been significant, I have worked to contact representatives and discuss funding with them. I believe our Board will need to really pay attention to bills as they pass through the legislature and ensure our voices are heard when programs are mandated without adequate funding. | Current funding is not adequate. The average per pupil expenditures for Knox County Schools falls below the Tennessee average and significantly below schools like Oak Ridge and Maryville. With the MOU between Knox County Board of Education, the Knox County Mayor, and the County Commission, we are unable to increase funding other than by increasing growth revenue. That doesn’t leave many options, and it will force us to think creatively and collaboratively. There may be opportunities to reallocate funds from ineffective programs, and I look forward to looking closely at the budget and hearing the creative ideas that will come from the principals and teachers. |
Q: 2. If you are elected, you would be involved in choosing a new school superintendent. What are the most important characteristics you would look for in a candidate for the position, and what should, at a minimum, be a candidate’s qualifications? |
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| I believe a successful academic leader must have appropriate experiences and qualifications that exceed the those of the people he/she manages. As the instructional leader for the community, he/she must be fully qualified to lead at all levels.
Min. qualifications should include:
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I would be looking for a person who is committed to academic excellence for all of our children. Our new superintendent should be able to communicate clearly, cast vision, and work with others to bring about effective change to benefit every child. It is also critical that this person be someone that is able to listen, gather critical data and make difficult decisions regarding what is best for our children. In regard to a candidate’s qualification, certainly teaching experience would be important, however most candidates will not have been in the classroom for several years. Things change quickly in classroom instruction. This person, therefore, needs to be very aware of the issues facing educators and particularly knowledgeable about issues in Tennessee surrounding testing and other concerns expressed by the public. The candidate should have at least an Ed.S degree and preferably an MBA as well. The person we hire is also going to need a strong financial background. |
| Q: 3. The state is once again considering vouchers for low-income students. What is your position on vouchers? | |
| As a citizen, when I see my Representatives supporting and voting for vouchers, I see them abandoning public schools and their students. Public schools are already seriously underfunded by the state. Vouchers will strain local and county budgets as school districts try to make up the difference after millions are drained away from them.
Regardless of claims that school costs will decrease costs for districts, this simply makes no sense. Removing 5% of the students from a building does nothing to reduce heating and air costs, building maintenance costs, and costs of staffing. Taking millions of dollars from public schools is not in the best interests of students. The only ones with real “choice” in these programs are the private businesses receiving the funds. Other states have had voucher programs for over ten years – and they have proven, again and again, that students remaining in their PUBLIC schools overwhelmingly perform better than those in the voucher programs. |
We have poured a great deal of money and effort into the schools with a larger percentage of low-income students, and the results have been anything but encouraging. Both those who support vouchers and those who oppose vouchers make valid and thoughtful points. What I can say with certainty is that I am willing to read, research, engage in lively discussions, and consider any approach other than maintaining the status quo for helping our low-income students get the best possible education. What we have been doing for years has not been effective, and we must consider every viable option. |
| Q: 4. At present, Knox County has only one charter school. What is your position about increasing that number? | |
| Knoxville’s one charter school has not yet been in business long enough to evaluate its progress. It would be financially irresponsible to consider adding additional charter schools without a clear picture of how it may impact students. | We need to explore every possibility for providing a great education for our students. The charter school we have is a public school included in the Knox County School District budget. Knox County children attend this school and Knox County educators teach in it. I want them to be successful in every way. Within this charter school is a possibility to create an entirely different culture that brings about transformational change rather than just incremental change. I feel strongly that we should explore every possibility for Knox County students to get a great education. I’m not out recruiting others to submit an application for more charter schools, but I also know that if a legitimate application for a charter school is submitted that meets all the criteria and the Knox County BOE rejects the application, the State of Tennessee can overrule that decision and that school would then become the responsibility of the state. Local control of our public schools is the most desirable. |
Q: 5. Who should set the educational policy and direction for Knox County, the board of education or the school administration? |
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| This is already laid out in Tennessee state law: School boards should be responsible for setting policy and the board-appointed Director of Schools should be in charge of the day-to-day administration of the schools, as laid out in TCA 49-2-301.
In other words, the school board should govern the school system; the superintendent should administer it. |
The BOE sets educational policy and direction for Knox County with the input and cooperation of the superintendent and the administrative staff of Knox County public schools. |
Q: 6. The board of education will make decisions about building new or renovating existing schools. With population growth and our school capital funding limited by current obligations, what steps would you take to assure that tax dollars are spent wisely for school construction in the future? |
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| The decision to build a new school or renovate an existing one is a complicated matter that will be different with each project. It is important to carefully consider population trends, student access, and community needs, as well as whether renovating a current building may be more costly in the long run. Sadly, we have some buildings that have been poorly constructed and have been very costly to maintain.
In some cases, it could be more cost effective to rebuild than to keep pouring funds into a building that isn’t well-constructed to begin with. On the other hand, we have some buildings that are very solid and have been well cared for. In those cases, renovation could be a better option. To ensure that tax dollars are spent wisely in the future, I would ask for comprehensive assessments and comparisons of all plans and carefully consider their impact. |
In district 2, Inskip Elementary has more portable buildings than perhaps any other school in the county. Action needs to be taken. The decision regarding Inskip or any of our other school buildings should be made on whether or not it is more cost effective and efficient to renovate or to build new buildings. |
Board of Education District 3
Candidate Name: Tony Norman
Address: 3520 peachwood rd
Campaign Phone: 524-4301
Email: Tony.norman@knoxcounty.org
Q: 1. Is the current funding for Knox County Schools adequate? If not, how would you work to correct the problem?
Tony Norman: The current level of funding is more adequate if properly administered.
Q: 2. If you are elected, you would be involved in choosing a new school superintendent. What are the most important characteristics you would look for in a candidate for the position, and what should, at a minimum, be a candidate’s qualifications?
Tony Norman: Minimums; 5 classroom experience, 5 years building level experience, managerial experience with departments of the size totalling, at minimum, 20% of the size of Knox Countyyears Schools, significant experience in the development and administration of multi- million dollar budgets. On the personal level, the candidate would demonstrate and have a history of exceptional communication skills in group settings as well as one on one. A favorable review of candidates last 2 positions of employment including interviews with coworkers and with employees over which they have authority.
Q: 3. The state is once again considering vouchers for low-income students. What is your position on vouchers?
Tony Norman: All our public schools should function at the level of proficiency that vouchers are unnecessary.
Q: 4. At present, Knox County has only one charter school. What is your position about increasing that number?
Tony Norman: Although a charter school may function in some respect as r&d for KCS, I would contend that Charters generally pull funds from schools and drain those in low income areas of their best students and needed funding.
Q: 5. Who should set the educational policy and direction for Knox County, the board of education or the school administration?
Tony Norman: The Board of Education is designated by T.C.A.as the agent which has complete and absolute authority over the management and administration of Knox County Schools. School administration is the agent implementing the policies and practices determined by the board.
Q: 6. The board of education will make decisions about building new or renovating existing schools. With population growth and our school capital funding limited by current obligations, what steps would you take to assure that tax dollars are spent wisely for school construction in the future?
Tony Norman: We have administrative functions in place to assist in predicting where capital needs are. Each budget is an exercise in the prudent use of public funds. The current funding mechanism and the political reality of taxation in Knox County may require new approaches to how we develop budgets for Knox County Schools.
Knox County Board of Education District 5
Candidate Name: Lori Ann Boudreaux
Address: 10309 Tan Rara Dr. Knoxville, TN 37922
Campaign Phone: (865) 403-9493
Web Site: http://votelori.org
Email: lboudreaux@live.com
Candidate Name: Susan Horn
Address: 12705 Coral Reef Cr. Knoxville, TN 37922
Campaign Phone: (865) 607-9606
Web Site: http://votesusanhorn.net
Email: votesusanhorn@gmail.com
Candidate Name: Reuben “Buddy” Pelot
Address: 9211 Colchester Ridge Road Knoxville, Tennessee 37922
Campaign Phone: (865) 539-1429
Web Site: http://pelotforschools.com
Email: pelot4schools@gmail.com
Q: 1. Is the current funding for Knox County Schools adequate? If not, how would you work to correct the problem?
Lori Ann Boudreaux:
The current system in place with the Mayor/Commission provides an appropriate system of checks and balances. Lack of funding is often mentioned as a problem, but extra funding is not always a plausible solution. My priority with the school budget involves the transparent appropriation of funds. Funding must be prioritized to accommodate the classrooms, the teacher, the needs of the students, technology, support staff and etc. Since the board budget is limited, it is imperative not to waste or misuse funding. The strategic financial planning and budgeting process should include input from all the stakeholders. A partnership between the KCS System and the County Commission to set priorities will help the school system to achieve more. I have the education and experience of working on a team to mediate, facilitate and lead. This will allow the Knox County School System to advance educational priorities and achievements.
Susan Horn:
Additional funds that go directly into the classroom are always needed. We must encourage the governor, the General Assembly, and the TN Department of Education to fully fund the BEP. Reuben “Buddy” Pelot: While Knox County has an exemplary school system, it is apparent from what I have observed that the needs of the Knox County School system exceed currently available resources and offer students the best educational opportunities. The board must always be vigilant as stewards of hard-earned taxpayer funds. At the same time, Knox County wants to be able to offer compensation that will attract and retain the best educators. While there are factors at the state level that need to be addressed, I would evaluate whether any resources can be reallocated within the budget and work with members of Knox County Commission and the Knox County Mayor’s office to determine if additional funding can be found to help Knox County recruit and retain the best teachers, increase access to technology for students, and meet the growing needs of Knox County’s students.
Q: 2. If you are elected, you would be involved in choosing a new school superintendent. What are the most important characteristics you would look for in a candidate for the position, and what should, at a minimum, be a candidate’s qualifications?
Lori Ann Boudreaux:
Specific training and experience give me a unique advantage in the superintendent selection process. Progressive and multi-disciplinary education has provided me with a diverse background from the classroom to the boardroom. Over fifteen years of hands on experience in the school system in a variety of roles has enabled me to consider student, teacher, counselor, parent, and administrator perspectives. Previous superintendents have not been accepted in an overwhelming manner by all of the stakeholders. As a board member who desires to represent my community, I will do something different to move the district forward, as it is not likely to achieve different results by continuing the status quo. A successful superintendent should be a good listener and communicator who is responsive and accountable. He should foster collegiality and practice a “Platinum Rule” style of leadership compatible with leading adults and have 5 yrs. of progressive experience at the building level.
Susan Horn:
A superintendent must possess strong leadership and communication skills. This person must have the ability to collaborate with and satisfy the demands of the School Board, central office staff, administrators, teachers, parents, and community stakeholders. We need someone who can build consensus, inspire staff, and bring a sense of harmony to our school system. A superintendent should have vast classroom and administrative experience and possess a vision of providing students with a stimulating, engaging education that encompasses all areas of a child’s learning experience, from academics to art, music, and athletics. Reuben “Buddy” Pelot: A passion and vision for achieving excellence in public education based on significant experience in education. The ability and experience to effectively lead a large, complex group of teaching professionals and administrators in a way that enables Knox County to recruit and retain the best educators and administrators. The ability to effectively balance and administer a budget the size and complexity of Knox County Schools.
Q: 3. The state is once again considering vouchers for low-income students. What is your position on vouchers?
Lori Ann Boudreaux:
That is a state decision, not a Knox County School Board decision. However, as a public school system, every dollar is needed to ensure every child succeeds. The disadvantaged areas must get attention and assistance to achieve success here in our public system in order to remove the enticement of a voucher.
Susan Horn:
I’ve spoken with many parents and teachers in Knox County about their thoughts on vouchers. The support for these is not as strong in Knox County as it is in other parts of Tennessee such as Memphis and Nashville. We have good public schools in Knox County and have more school choice already in Knox County than in any other district in the state, through our Magnet School network. I don’t believe vouchers would be accepted by our private schools here because of the rules that come with them. And, I don’t think Knox County can afford to spread our limited public school funding beyond the schools we already support, especially with the addition of two new middle schools over the next five years.
Reuben “Buddy” Pelot:
The Disparities in Educational Outcomes Task Force is currently assessing and preparing strategies for addressing disproportions in academic achievement and discipline outcomes in Knox County. Depending on what is developed by that task force, I believe our community should be open to all options to immediately address the disparity and improve student proficiencies and achievement. If the state passes legislation allowing vouchers in Tennessee, then the Knox County Schools should thoroughly evaluate whether the use of vouchers would be in the best interest of Knox County’s students.
Q: 4. At present, Knox County has only one charter school. What is your position about increasing that number?
Lori Ann Boudreaux:
Before answering this question, I would like to conduct an evaluation of the results of this school. Unlike my opponents, I have the education and experience (doctoral program evaluation coursework) to work with the board to evaluate the Emerald Youth Charter School in the next few years.
Susan Horn:
Emerald Academy has been open for less than one year and I think the Board of Education made the right decision in voting not to increase their enrollment beyond the initial plan at this time. I want to see how Emerald Academy does over the next few years before we have any votes on expansion or future charter schools. Our resources should be concentrated in the schools already in place.
Reuben “Buddy” Pelot:
Again, I believe Knox County’s board of education should be open to all options to address achievement gaps and disparity in student outcomes. As stewards of the limited resources available for public education in Knox County, Knox County’s first charter school deserves close evaluation to determine the effectiveness of charter schools in our community and whether additional charter schools in Knox County would be in the best interest of the students of Knox County.
Q: 5. Who should set the educational policy and direction for Knox County, the board of education or the school administration?
Lori Ann Boudreaux:
The board sets policy of course. However, in the past with many non-educators on the board, there was a reliance on the Superintendent and central office staff to assist in policy recommendations. Again, the extensive educational background I bring to the table will help the board achieve a better independence in setting and establishing policy.
Susan Horn:
I think the school board and the superintendent should jointly establish the priorities and direction of the schools and it is the superintendent’s job to implement those priorities. School board members are elected representatives of the taxpayers and, therefore, should represent their views. The school board is the governing body for the school system, while the superintendent runs day-to-day operations.
Reuben “Buddy” Pelot:
The board of education sets the educational policy and direction for Knox County. The board is responsible for assessing the needs of the system with the assistance of community input from parents, teachers, students, administrators, voters and community leaders. The board establishes the policy and direction that provides the framework within which the superintendent and school administration then administer the system. I don’t believe the board member’s role is to micromanage; however, the board is responsible for helping to develop the vision and mission through board policy to direct, evaluate, and guide the superintendent’s performance.
Q: 6. The board of education will make decisions about building new or renovating existing schools. With population growth and our school capital funding limited by current obligations, what steps would you take to assure that tax dollars are spent wisely for school construction in the future?
Lori Ann Boudreaux:
Since I currently am not serving on the board, I can only make a determination from my position as a community member. As such, I do not anticipate the need for new buildings as the current board has built Carter Elementary School and Northshore Elementary School and are planning to build Hardin Valley Middle School and Gibbs Middle School. Again, I am confident with my training and work experience in schools, I can and will help the board improve their approach in working together as a team to ensure tax dollars are spent wisely.
Susan Horn:
One of my highest priorities is to see that funds spent directly impact student learning in the classroom. I would use the same criteria when making determinations about school construction and capital improvements. Such decisions require much due diligence and deliberation. We must be sure we are maximizing the educational impact of dollars spent.
Reuben “Buddy” Pelot:
Timely, thorough, and ongoing evaluation of existing student populations, school facility capacities and population trends in the county is essential. For each construction project or renovation, it is important to ensure proper systems are in place and contractors are accountable for completing projects within budget. The board should work closely with the county to find the most efficient and cost-effective means for meeting the Knox County Schools’ capital needs to provide Knox County students the best available environment for learning.
Knox County Board of Education District 8 Candidate Name: Michael McMillan Michael McMillan: – no response
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