Where do your candidates
stand on the issues?

Sam Phillips, 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: "We need to pay our teachers and must do everything we can to support them and operate the salary schedule."


Q: The district has a $3.2 million deficit. How would you address the budget challenges?
A: "The board will have to make very difficult choices in saving, reducing and cutting programs. Most, if not all, of those programs have helped meet the district's goals. We will need to review all programs and analyze their effectiveness."

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: "The new plan makes more sense than the earlier plan, but the board will have to consider the community's willingness to support the issue before a final decision is made."


Q: How would you improve communication with the board?
A: "One of the key roles of the Board of Education is to remain in touch with the community. In Columbia, where even critics of the district are committed to excellent public schools, board members must be the eyes and ears for the district. Board members should seek out opportunities to listen to individuals and groups who care enough to share opinions, expertise and concerns."

 

"We have a very good school system, but Columbia expects it to be a great school system. "

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