Head of the Social Studies Department Steve Purvis, and the senior government class at Madison High School hosted a candidate’s night for Madison Board of Education candidates. The questions were framed by juniors in Purvis’s class.
Pam Jones and Jane McGinty are two of the four candidates. They are returning board members running to retain their board seats. Murray Konves and Amy Walker are the remaining two board candidates.
During candidate’s night, the candidates answered questions that were formed by students in the United States Government classes. “Tonight gives these students an opportunity to witness and participate in local government. This is a clear example of democracy in action at the local level,” said Purvis.
Questions that were asked included finding out from the board candidates what they believe is the role of a board member for Madison Local Schools.
“We have to work together when we are on the board. We hire the superintendent and the treasurer, but we work for you and the students because you elect us,” said Jones. “I believe that the board members are liaisons between the community and the administration at the schools,” said Konves.
“You always have to be open to hear what is going on in the schools. You do have your voice and your opinions but it is for the board to work together along with the superintendent to figure out a good outcome,” said McGinty.
“Our primary role is to hire the superintendent and the treasurer, but we are also evaluating them with a top notch strategic plan,” said Walker.
Another question was why these candidates wanted to become board members for Madison.
“Some decisions that are made in the school system are not always easy. Not everyone will be made happy with decisions, but you want to try and please as many as you can with the least amount of fallout that you can get,” said Konves.
McGinty stated, “There is always going to be good times and there will be bad times. We have to keep in mind what will be the best outcome for the students. Some decisions people won’t be happy with, but if you’re reasonably certain that in the end it will turn out for what is best for everyone concerned, then you can be happy as a board member that you made that decision.”
“I’m very passionate about education. I want to be involved in this community and I don’t believe complaining about issues is going to help. I believe on acting to change things. What better way than to run for a position like this,” said Walker.
Jones responded, “I always knew I wanted to be an educator. Being on the board I see both sides. You aren’t going to please everyone all the time, but as a board member you have to think about what is best for the community and students.”
Board candidates were asked what they would do to help Madison be a better place to learn.
Jones responded, “I hope that we are doing that. We want to make sure we have good teachers and administrators. We also want to make sure we are providing extracurricular activities. We can always the raise bar and kids and teachers will rise to the occasion. I think the more AP classes we can offer would be great.”
“We want to make our children more employable when they leave Madison. We want to make sure our math courses are at the proper level. I think our teachers are doing a great job and deserve a pat on the back. We have some very talented students here at Madison. We need to keep quality text books and computers for the kids,” said Konves.
“Today we have to teach our students what they will need when they get out into the world. You have to look ahead and see what is in the world so these kids can meet those challenges,” said McGinty.
“I think that the district needs to continue to make sure they are hiring the best teachers and administrators for the district. We need to make sure we are preparing our students for college and careers,’ said Walker.
“Tonight gives these students an opportunity to witness and participate in local government. This is a clear example of democracy in action at the local level,” said Steve Purvis.
