Where do your candidates
stand on the issues?

Dan Holt, school board candidate

Q: This year, the Columbia Public School District did not operate the salary schedule, which pays teachers in accordance with their years in the district and their education. Do you consider operating the salary schedule a top priority?
A: "The benefits offered here are good. Look at salary schedule —nothing exceptional about it; nothing really wrong with it."

Q: The district has a $3.2 million deficit. How would you address the budget challenges?
A: Holt is in favor of a future tax levy. He said it's important to figure out where the district stands financially and communicate that to the public so the district can move forward.

Q: A plan to ask voters for two more $60 million bond issues to fund the new high school and other facilities appears to be defunct. The current board has been asked to consider putting a single $120 million bond issue before voters in 2010. Do you favor this?
A: "Having a very high rating on our bonds, it's going to be an attractive investment. And with the interest rates where they are, we are going to be well-positioned to get our funding as we need it."

Q: How would you improve communication with the board?
A: Holt thinks some members of the board have unintentionally made comments that demean the efforts of the administrators and teachers. "It is one of my missions to highlight the things the school does well."

 

"I have a passion for it; I feel like I have the background where I can make a difference."

Click the quote above to read the whole story.

 

For more information on voting, click here.