Fort Wayne Community Schools is one of the largest districts in the state with nearly 31,000 students. This year, three people are vying for two at-large seats – incumbent Mark GiaQuinta and newcomers Anne Duff and Jeannette Jaquish. Jordan Lebamoff, an attorney representing District 4, is running unopposed, as is retired educator Julia Hollingsworth in District 1. Both are incumbents. The position pays $2,000 a year and, $112 for regular meetings, $62 for special meetings. Anne Duff Age: 49 Current occupation: Public education advocate with Northeast Indiana Friends of Public Education Campaign issue: “I see disturbing trends in our schools as a result of legislation which is developmentally inappropriate and educationally unsound.” How to best address it: “Although the actual role of a board member includes approving personnel, curriculum and school facilities decisions; maintaining school and community relationships, and being a visionary and fiscally responsible leader, I will continue to attend state legislative hearings and State Board of Education meetings to share both my perspective and to raise issues which are pertinent to FWCS.” Campaign issue: “I want to make sure that FWCS remains a strong, viable public education system that gives all children a quality, equitable education.” How to best address it: “I will continue to reach out to our local legislators to ask them to address equitable funding.” Mark GiaQuinta, incumbent Age: 60 Current occupation: Attorney Campaign issue: “Maintaining academic performance to ensure the districts graduation rate at 91 percent.” How to best address it: “We must continue to work with our staff to individualize instruction. Each student is unique, despite efforts to standardize tests. We should tailor instruction accordingly.” Campaign issue: “The threats to the funding of public education” How to best address it: “The common school fund has lost almost $1.5 billion over the past 5 years. Board members must advocate for education to provide for student needs and teacher pay which has suffered over that period.” Jeannette Jaquish Age: 56 Current occupation: Playwright and video producer Campaign issue: “I would like to continue improvements in non-mandated areas.” How to best address it: “Revive shop, AP and language classes, add life skills and work ethics. Make mandated nutrition more delicious. Analyze bus schedules to get later start time next year. Encourage board members to visit classrooms.” Campaign issue: “Make performance bonus pay increments the same for low- and high-earners.” How to best address it: “Dont penalize teachers for low test scores of students with bad attitudes or mental challenges. Reward maintaining high scores as well as improvement.” journalgazette.net/article/20141029/LOCAL/310299943/1044/LOCAL08
Posted on: Wed, 29 Oct 2014 09:46:03 +0000
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