A recent article in Rutherford A.M. gave the citizens of Rutherford Co. an inside look at the candidates for the Murfreesboro City School Board election that will take place on April 15, the candidates also have shared their views at two forums and other appearances on multiple educational issues.
Among the issues they've talked about include socioeconomic balance vs. neighborhood schools and public participation at board meetings vs. policies requiring personal issues to be dealt with by educators outside the public events.
Now it is time to take an in depth look at each candidate:
Name: Claudia L. Hunter
Address: 1935 Scarlett Drive, Murfreesboro, TN 37130
Phone: 615-895-4103
Education: Graduated fromYork High School in Elmhurst, Ill., in 1966; studied art at Elmhurst College and Coe College in Cedar Rapids Iowa.
Career: Data processing at Oakland High School.
Family: A widow with one son, C. Justyn Hunter III, a graduate of The Webb School in Bedford County and Union University in Jackson. He works as a computer programmer for United Methodist Publishing House in Nashville.
What are your qualifications to serve on the Murfreesboro City School Board?
Someone told me recently that my best qualification is that I'm a parent. I have always been active in the community. I believe in children. Most of my work has been with children. I am an active member of the Boy Scouts of America since 1987 and served as a den leader, day camp director, troop committee chair, merit badge counselor, commissioner, district commissioner and Area 4 Commissioner, and have earned the Long Rifle and Silver Beaver awards for service. I'm a sustaining member of the Junior League of Murfreesboro, having served as a committee chair, president elect and president. I assisted in the start of CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate), and I also assisted in the start of the Child Advocacy Center. I have served on the board of the directors of the Association of Junior Leagues International. I have been a PTO board member and president. And I have served in the United Way Allocation Committee.
What kind of letter grade would you give Murfreesboro City Schools Director Marilyn Mathis for her job performance, and why do you feel she deserves this grade?
From the outside, it's hard to give her a grade. I'm aware of great things like district-wide accreditation with SACS (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools) and the pre-kindergarten program. Excellent programs. However, I don't always see what happens behind the scenes and how fiscally sound we are. I looked on the school district's Web site and was unable to find a budget, comparing what the budget was and what was spent. It's really hard to look from the outside to give a letter grade. Based on that, I would have to say a B.
What are key problems the city district faces, and what do you think should be done to resolve them?
I think the biggest issue facing the school system right now is socioeconomic balance. I think we had talked about that some at the forum. It's going to take research and studying to determine what direction to go. If you are going to keep neighborhood schools, then perhaps rezoning and redistricting is not the answer. If you are not going to want to keep neighborhood schools, then rezoning is the answer. Perhaps we need to consider smaller class sizes for schools that have lower socioeconomic numbers that have a higher free-lunch number to assist those teachers. Perhaps we need to get parents who are willing to volunteer in schools other than their child's school. Perhaps we need to get business partners to assist in the schools to do volunteering, to read, to tutor in math, to assist financially. I don't think it's a simple answer. I think our next biggest problem is growth and keeping up with the growth and where our children are coming from. Are they coming from out of state? Have they always been here? What background do they have?
Why are you seeking a four-year term to serve on the board?
I'm seeking a four-year term because I believe in education. I really want to work for our children. I want to work for an equitable education for all students. I want to ensure all students have the opportunity to reach their maximum potential. And I promise I will be making informed decisions by asking the questions that all stakeholders will be asking.
Daniel W. Hayes, Realtor
The Daniel Hayes Team
Master Plan Realty
615.598.4236
A recent article in Rutherford A.M. gave the citizens of Rutherford Co. an inside look at the candidates for the Murfreesboro City School Borad election that will take place on April 15, the candidates also have shared their views at two forums and other appearances on multiple educational issues.
Among the issues they've talked about include socioeconomic balance vs. neighborhood schools and public participation at board meetings vs. policies requiring personal issues to be dealt with by educators outside the public events.
Now it is time to take an in depth look at each candidate:
Name: Nancy Youree Duggin
Address: 1627 Glenhaven Drive, Murfreesboro, 37130
Phone: 615-896-1527
Education: Attended Murfreesboro's Crichlow-Cox Grammar School, before graduating from Rutherford County's Central High School in 1970; earned bachelor's degree in elementary education from MTSU in 1974; added master's degree in early childhood education from MTSU in 1976, education specialist's degree in administration and supervision in 1991 and another education specialist degree in curriculum and instruction in 1996; became Tennessee's first teacher to earn National Board Certification in 1997; achieved graduate certificate in dyslexic studies from MTSU in 2004.
Career: Owns educational consulting business called ASK (Adaptation of Skills and Knowledge) Associates.
Family: Husband, Ivan Duggin, principal at county's Holloway High School; two adult children, Mark Duggin and Emily Duggin, both graduates of Riverdale High and Tennessee Tech.
What are your qualifications to serve on the Murfreesboro City School Board?
Over the past 30 years I've had the opportunity to work with both the State Board of Education of Tennessee and the State Department of Education, and numerous schools across the state, which has given me a very vast background. And I taught for 24 years for the Murfreesboro City Schools system. I've always been actively involved in the community and very interested in what goes on in the school system even though I have been out of the school system for nine years. I'm passionate about public education. Because I have a belief that every child has a worth and value, I will fight and speak for every child because all the seats are at-large. And I think another thing I bring to the table is I've had experience with educational policy. I'm willing to investigate issues. And I've been involved with a lot of things at the state level, as far as certification issues for teachers, curriculum issues and working with curriculum standards.
What kind of letter grade would you give Murfreesboro City Schools Director Marilyn Mathis for her job performance, and why do you feel she deserves this grade?
I think that Marilyn desires to see the school system do well. I would probably give her a B. I think our school system has the talent within the district to be truly cutting-edge and be known all across the state and even the nation for student performance and for achievement of teachers and even achievement of local administrators. We've been very blessed in this city that we've had good funding for our school system. I would like to see us take an even closer look at how we can use that money for the benefit of our students. We've done a good job. I think we can do an even better job.
What are key problems the city district faces, and what do you think should be done to resolve them?
I think one issue we're facing is the change in the student population. Some of the schools are becoming true inner-city schools, with many of the things that go along with being inner-city schools. Sometimes there's greater turnover (in teachers at schools with many children from low-income families). And I think we're seeing an increase in the English language learner populations.
I believe every single student has worth and value, and every child is deserving of a quality education. One way to resolve some of those issues is to make sure the teachers are equipped with the knowledge to work effectively with every student, that they are provided with the best professional development in order to know what the evidence says works. For the first time in education, we have a body of evidence to tell us what works. And I think we have to pay attention to the evidence in order to provide the best for every student.
Having a strong school system also ensures having a strong community, because you are going to attract business and more positives to your community than negatives. And I think that funding is also an issue that we'll have to be concerned about in the future. That's why we have to look closely at how money is spent and be wise in how money is spent. And we need to be able to recruit and maintain the best teachers in order to have the greatest student achievement.
Why are you seeking a four-year term to serve on the board?
I believe I have a lot to offer as a professional and as a life-long resident of Murfreesboro. I spent 24 good years in the Murfreesboro system, and I'd like the opportunity to give back and represent the citizens of this community, to listen to their voices, and to make good sound solid judgments. I always like a challenge, and I feel like this would be a challenge to move our system to greater heights.
Daniel W. Hayes, Realtor
The Daniel Hayes Team
Master Plan Realty
615.598.4236
A recent article in Rutherford A.M. gave the citizens of Rutherford Co. an inside look at the candidates for the Murfreesboro City School Borad election that will take place on April 15, the candidates also have shared their views at two forums and other appearances on multiple educational issues.
Among the issues they've talked about include socioeconomic balance vs. neighborhood schools and public participation at board meetings vs. policies requiring personal issues to be dealt with by educators outside the public events.
Now it is time to take an in depth look at each candidate:
Name: Butch Campbell
Address:1639 Kensington Drive, Murfreesboro, TN 37130
Phone:615-896-1951
Education: Attended Crichlow and Mitchell-Neilson Elementary School before graduating from Central High School in 1963; earned bachelor's degree education from MTSU in 1968; added master's degree 1970 and 30 more graduate level courses in education.
Career: Principal for Rutherford County system's Walter Hill Elementary School.
Family: Wife, Janie, secretary at the city's Discovery School at Reeves-Rogers and previously held this position at Bellwood Elementary for 22 years; two children, Ritch Campbell, a kindergarten teacher at Erma Siegel Elementary School; Chris, a social worker with Youth Can in Murfreesboro; two granddaughters, who attend Siegel schools.
What are your qualifications to serve on the Murfreesboro City School Board?
I'm a longtime educator and resident of Murfreesboro. I have been involved in education for 40 years. I started teaching in 1967 at Bradley Elementary School. Then in 1968, Bradley changed to a middle school. I taught there and coached football and basketball. Then in 1972, I moved to Central Middle School when it opened basically because Murfreesboro City Schools quit working with seventh- and eighth-graders. At Central, I taught eighth-grade social studies and coached football. I was assistant principal for three years dealing primarily with curriculum and a pre-vocational career education pilot program. It was a joint effort between Rutherford County and the state of Tennessee. I was in charge of about a quarter of million dollars, budgeting equipment, personnel and the program. In 1978, I moved to Walter Hill School as principal, and have been here ever since.
What kind of letter grade would you give Murfreesboro City Schools Director Marilyn Mathis for her job performance, and why do you feel she deserves this grade?
I have known Marilyn Mathis for several years. I have worked with her on the parks and recreation commission, which I was a member for 10 years. I don't know if I could give a fair evaluation at this point in time because I have not been that involved in her job performance and the criteria of things she needs to get accomplished. If I had to give her a grade based on my knowledge at this point, I'd give her a B-minus.
What are key problems the city district faces, and what do you think should be done to resolve them?
I think the city school board has a problem of communication with administrators, teachers, clerical personnel, custodians, and with school board employees. I think morale needs to be improved, and I believe morale can be improved with proper communication among school system personnel.
Why are you seeking a four-year term to serve on the board?
I'm seeking the position on the Murfreesboro City School Board because I believe I have something to offer as an educator for several years. I believe I can make some decisions based on the experiences I've had in 40 years because I've been there and done that.
Daniel W. Hayes, Realtor
The Daniel Hayes Team
Master Plan Realty
615.598.4236
A recent article in Rutherford A.M. gave the citizens of Rutherford Co. an inside look at the candidates for the Murfreesboro City School Borad election that will take place on April 15, the candidates also have shared their views at two forums and other appearances on multiple educational issues.
Among the issues they've talked about include socioeconomic balance vs. neighborhood schools and public participation at board meetings vs. policies requiring personal issues to be dealt with by educators outside the public events.
Now it is time to take an in depth look at each candidate:
Name: Kathy Burriss
Address: 1911 Nightwalks Court, Murfreesboro, TN 37130
Phone: 615-957-9753
Education:Graduated fromMt. Mercy Academy in Buffalo, N.Y., in 1968; earned bachelor's degree in elementary education from State University of New York College at Fredonia in 1972; added master's degree from State University of New York College at Buffalo in 1976; completed doctorate in education at Arizona State University in Tempe in 1992.
Career:MTSU education professor
Family:Husband, Larry Burriss, journalism professor at MTSU.
What are your qualifications to serve on the Murfreesboro City School Board?
I think I have the professional education. I think I have the years of experience with children, and I think I have some knowledge apart from just testing children. I think that part regarding children as individuals is somewhat lacking in our schools. Too often we see schools as factories where we test and produce products.
What kind of letter grade would you give Murfreesboro City Schools Director Marilyn Mathis for her job performance, and why do you feel she deserves this grade?
I've not yet served on the school board, but I would give her a B. The schools' evidence academic gains, technology is current, and special programs are prevalent. That's where she gets the B. Areas for improvement include access for information and discussion, shared decision-making at the local level, and a regard for all children as unique and valid in our school community.
What are key problems the city district faces, and what do you think should be done to resolve them?
I do not see financially challenged schools as problems, I see them as opportunities. I see curriculum alternatives as possibilities not yet explored in the city system, including recess, children's unstructured play, and curriculum integration. Schools need to be places of community and heart and not driven by No Child Left Behind and standardized tests. Our schools need to be for tomorrow and not just for the end of the year.
Why are you seeking a four-year term to serve on the board?
It's a time in my career that I need to be more active in the community. I see this as a continual service. I need to pay back to the community for what they've done for me.
Daniel W. Hayes, Realtor
The Daniel Hayes Team
Master Plan Realty
615.598.4236
A recent article in Rutherford A.M. gave the citizens of Rutherford Co. an inside look at the candidates for the Murfreesboro City School Borad election that will take place on April 15, the candidates also have shared their views at two forums and other appearances on multiple educational issues.
Among the issues they've talked about include socioeconomic balance vs. neighborhood schools and public participation at board meetings vs. policies requiring personal issues to be dealt with by educators outside the public events.
Now it is time to take an indept look at each candidate:
Name:Susan Andrews
Address:910 Hazelwood St., Murfreesboro, TN 37130
Phone:615-896-9323
Education:AttendedPercy Priest Elementary and Parmer Elementary in Nashville and graduated from Harpeth Hall High School in Nashville in 1970; earned bachelor's degree in zoology from Duke University in 1974; achieved medical degree from Vanderbilt University in 1978; and served as resident at Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston.
Career:Family physician.
Family:Husband, Randy Rickard, family physician; three children (who attended city system's Reeves-Rogers or Northfield elementary schools), Dorsey, a resident physician at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, David, an employee for Microsoft, and Katie, a graduate school student at MTSU studying to be a French teacher.
What are your qualifications to serve on the Murfreesboro City School Board?
I'm passionate about children and their education because I think teaching children is the most important thing we do as a society. I've spent 12 years working on the city school board and have learned a lot about our educational system and how things work, as well as how to accomplish our goals.
What kind of letter grade would you give Murfreesboro City Schools Director Marilyn Mathis for her job performance, and why do you feel she deserves this grade?
I'm not going to give her a letter grade. I'll just say she has been and is doing an excellent job. We've had state evaluators come in and tell us that we have one of the strongest director of schools in the state. And she's very strong fiscally. She manages our system very well. She has set up a strong central office and has hired very good principals. Our system is quite successful and noted to be one of the stronger systems in the state, and a lot of that is due to her work. She would get an A-plus if she was in school, but she's not.
What are key problems the city district faces, and what do you think should be done to resolve them?
One of the challenges we are facing is No Child Left Behind. Without changes in this law, it will become impossible to meet those standards, but we still have to do the best we can as long as we can. The law says 100 percent of our children have to be proficient by 2014.
I think that the real challenge is to help each one of our children reach his or her potential. That's becoming more challenging as the demographics of Murfreesboro change. I really think we've been doing a really good job with the students we have. We've adapted pretty well with the influx we've had with English as a Second language children. And we've had an increase of children on free and reduced lunch. I think we've done well with children on free and reduced lunch. The average yearly progress has been really good. We have to keep working on that.
The great thing about our system is we don't look at these as problems. They are opportunities. Our teachers, when they go to work, know they may have a lot of children on free or reduced lunch or have a lot of children who don't speak English very well, but they also know what they do with those children makes a difference. Our teachers are committed.
Why are you seeking a four-year term to serve on the board?
I can make a difference. I think our overall goal is to assure academic and personal success for each child. I want to keep our eye on that ball. I have seen it as my role to keep our focus on the classroom. You can get caught up on finances, on peripheral issues. I really want to keep our focus on the classroom because that's where the learning happens. I really want to focus on what we can do for our teachers, so they can give our children the best education possible.
There are still some important issues that I want to keep working on. I believe that having our children ready to enter school is very important. And I want to keep on working on increasing our number of preschool classes to help us meet this goal. And I'm committed to small classroom sizes to give our teachers the best opportunity to reach each child on his or her own level.
Daniel W. Hayes, Realtor
Master Plan Realty
615-598-4236
 |
|
|
Ensure the process of buying or selling a home goes smoothly from beginning to end with the help of The Daniel Hayes Team at RELIANT REALTY !!! Visit us at today at www.danielhayesteam.com
ActiveRain Corp. is not responsible for the accuracy of the site's content (which is written by members of the ActiveRain Real Estate Network) and does not endorse the views of the real estate agents, mortgage brokers, and others listed here.
Powered by the ActiveRain Real Estate Network
© 2009 ActiveRain Corp. All Rights Reserved
