Responsible Parents For Wilson School Board: 2023 Wilson School Board Candidates Interview

One Voice One Vote and the Importance of Voting

The May 16th primary election is quickly approaching, and the organization One Voice One Vote is urging citizens to exercise their democratic rights by casting their votes. In an effort to provide nonpartisan information to voters, One Voice One Vote is hosting group interviews with the candidates for Wilson School director. This is a crucial opportunity for voters to gain insight into the candidates' backgrounds, priorities, and visions for the Wilson school district.

The Role of a School Director

Before diving into the details of the group interviews, it's important to understand the role of a school director. School directors are responsible for governing the school district, setting policies, establishing the curriculum, adopting budgets, selecting the superintendent, approving staff appointments, and serving part-time without pay. In short, they play a crucial role in shaping the direction and quality of education within the district.

The Candidates and Their Supporters

This year, five out of the nine seats for Wilson School director are up for election. There are a total of 11 candidates, with each candidate cross-filed on both the Democrat and Republican ballots. Two different political action committees (PACs) are supporting the candidates in this election. Five candidates are supported by Friends of Wilson Community for Action, and another five candidates are supported by responsible parents for Wilson School board. Finally, there is one independent candidate running.

Section 2: Candidates and their Perspectives

Introducing the Candidates

In the group interviews hosted by One Voice One Vote, the focus is on the candidates supported by responsible parents for Wilson School Board. These candidates include Val Delp, Amy Murray, Keegan Orozuchowski, Cindy Rusnak, and Craig Stonoha. Each candidate is given 45 seconds to introduce themselves and explain why they are running for the position.

• Val Delp, a former educator and owner of a financial advisory business, highlights her unique perspectives from both a financial and educational standpoint.
• Amy Murray, a mother of three, emphasizes her desire to ensure the best education for her grandchild and the importance of communication and listening to the community's needs.
• Keegan Orozuchowski, a graduate of Wilson High School and a career research scientist, believes his experience in data analysis and decision-making is essential for the district.
• Cindy Rusnak, a grandmother and former Montessori school operator, highlights her experience and her desire to bring unity and consensus to the board.
• Craig Stonoha, a local business owner and advocate for STEM education, emphasizes the importance of maintaining high academic standards and supporting the financial aspect of the district.

The Biggest Issue Facing Wilson Schools

In the group interviews, the candidates are asked about the biggest issue facing Wilson Schools. Val Delp expresses her concern about the shortage of teachers, the difficulty in attracting and retaining them, and the importance of creating a positive culture within the school. The other candidates also express their agreement with the issue of teacher shortage and the need to support and retain teachers effectively. This common concern highlights the importance of addressing the challenges in recruiting and retaining quality educators within the Wilson school district.

Section 3: The Importance of Collaboration and Inclusion in Education

Creating an Inclusive Curriculum

When it comes to selecting appropriate reading materials for students, it is important to recognize that different books may have different age appropriateness. It is up to the school and the teachers to determine what is suitable for their students. However, open dialogues and considerations of individual needs and sensitivities are crucial in making informed decisions about the content of books. Banning books outright is not the solution, but rather encouraging thoughtful conversations and reflections about their content.

Involving All Stakeholders

In terms of curriculum and content selection, it is crucial to involve all stakeholders, including teachers, administrators, parents, and students themselves. Their input and perspectives should be considered in order to create a balanced and inclusive curriculum. Providing educators with the necessary resources and professional development opportunities is also important to navigate these discussions effectively.

Promoting Open-Mindedness and Critical Thinking

The goal should be to create an educational environment that promotes open-mindedness, critical thinking, and respect for diverse perspectives. By engaging in meaningful dialogues and respecting the rights and sensitivities of all individuals, we can create an inclusive educational experience that fosters learning and growth.

Section 4: Responsibilities of School Boards & Collaboration

Addressing Societal Problems

Schools often have to address various societal problems such as poverty, hunger, emotional illness, drug abuse, and pandemic-related challenges. The primary responsibility of school boards is to support students by providing resources, involving parents or caregivers, and establishing a safe environment. Collaboration between schools, parents, and outside resources is essential in addressing these issues effectively.

Mental Health Concerns

When it comes to mental health issues, it is important to consider whether the responsibility lies with the school, the community, or private resources. While teachers and staff should be advocates for students, it is not solely the district's responsibility to handle mental health concerns. Collaboration between schools, parents, and external resources is crucial to ensure that students receive the necessary support.

Financial Considerations

Financial considerations need to be taken into account when providing services for students. While students in need deserve support, schools must find a balance between providing services and being responsible to taxpayers. Collaborating with community resources and government agencies can help alleviate the financial burden while still ensuring students receive the help they require.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the upcoming May 16th primary election is a critical time for voters to make informed decisions about the candidates for Wilson School director. By participating in the group interviews hosted by One Voice One Vote, voters have the opportunity to gain valuable insights into each candidate's background and priorities. The candidates themselves, supported by responsible parents for Wilson School Board, have expressed their concerns about issues such as teacher shortage and the need for collaboration and inclusion in education. As voters, it is our responsibility to engage in the democratic process and make choices that will shape the future of our children's education.