July 23, 2014 at 2:10 p.m.
Four seeking District 1 board seat
Four candidates are seeking the District 1 (city of Portland) seat on the Jay School Board in November’s election.
Incumbent board member Larry Paxson is seeking re-election to a second term, but he has moved from District 3 to District 1.
Challenging Paxson are Kristi Griffith Betts, Mike Foreman, and Toni Mason.
Paxson is a retired teacher and administrator for the Jay School Corporation. He received his bachelor’s degree from Taylor University and his master’s in education from Ball State University. He and his wife Alice, also a retired teacher, have two children and six grandchildren. Their son, Trent, is principal at Judge Haynes Elementary School. Paxson is a member of Asbury United Methodist Church, the Optimist Club, Jay County Historical Society, and the retired teachers’ association. He is a longtime poultry judge for 4-H clubs throughout Indiana.
Betts is a substitute teacher and business consultant. A trained EMT-Paramedic, she has studied at IUPUI and Kalamazoo Valley Community College. She’s the former owner of Sugar ’n’ Slice Pastry Shop in Portland. She and her husband, Dr. Eric Betts, have three children who attend Jay Schools. A member of Trinity United Methodist Church, she is a past president of the Portland Vocational Women’s Club. She is a former PTO president, former Boomer soccer coach, and past board member of the Pregnancy Care Center.
Foreman is a production supervisor at Stoneridge in Portland. He received his bachelor’s degree in business education/office administration from Ball State University. He and his wife Bonnie have four children and one grandchild, with two more grandchildren on the way. He attends Westchester United Methodist Church.
Mason did not respond to a questionnaire from The Commercial Review, and efforts to reach her for this article were not successful.
Responses from the other candidates to The CR’s questions follow:
What prompted you to seek a seat on the Jay School Board?
Betts: “It is a position I have considered for many years. I decided that prior to seeking election it was important for me to be involved in the schools. I have spent hours educating myself on operations and policies that are in place as well as those that can use improvement. After much prayer, reading and consideration, this is the year I feel confident to fill the role as a member of the school board.”
Foreman: “I am seeking a seat on the Jay School Board because I would enjoy the challenge and responsibility of being a school board member. I would also like to promote and encourage programs like Kids Hope. I do not take this challenge lightly. I know that it could be a difficult job. The reward is in knowing that I could have a positive influence on the decisions made by the board.”
Paxson: “Having been employed by the Jay School Corporation for 43 years, I wish to use my experience and knowledge to assist the operation of the corporation.”
What do you see as the role of the board and the role of individual school board members?
Betts: “The role of the board is to act as a group, setting policies and goals for the administrator to implement and achieve. The individual school board member’s role is to serve the people. The bottom line is in every decision made, there needs to be consideration on ‘how will this decision help serve the students and the public better?’”
Foreman: “The basic function of the school board is to establish policies. The board is responsible for determining the success of the superintendent in meeting the goals established by the board by doing annual evaluations of the superintendent’s performance. It is also the responsibility of the board to establish a board of finance. According to School Bylaw 0151.1, the school board shall establish a board of finance, which shall review the corporation’s investment policy, practices and portfolio provided by the corporation’s treasurer. This responsibility of the school board is very important for our future financial stability. I will do my best to make sure that we are maximizing our investments while being responsible and conscientious.
The primary role of the individual members is to always think in terms of ‘children first.’ The members are to make a decision only after all facts bearing on a question have been presented and discussed. Individual members are elected to the school board to represent the citizens of this school corporation. Finally, it is the role of each member to follow School Bylaw 0155.2, which states that a school board member should maintain desirable relations with the superintendent of schools and staff. This is accomplished by giving the superintendent full administrative authority for properly discharging his/her professional duties and by holding him/her responsible for acceptable results.”
Paxson: “My role with the board is virtually the same as it was as an employee. The responsibilities are somewhat different. My role has centered on three main areas: — My foremost responsibility is to the welfare of our students. — Encourage the best possible instructional programs for our students. — Maintain a sound financial structure.”
Jay School Corporation has had to cut more than $1 million in spending this year because of reductions in state support. What should the criteria be for further cuts that may lie ahead in future years?
Betts: “The education of our children should be the least affected. There are policies in place to be good stewards of taxpayer money. There are always new ideas and suggestions for ways to save money. The public should be heard on that. If we continue to intelligently use our resources as we have through these economic downturns, we can make ends meet and not reduce staff like many of our neighboring school corporations have done. This will result in better class sizes and better educations for Jay County children.”
Foreman: “As a member of the school board and a representative for the citizens and taxpayers of this school corporation I would take the responsibility of the budget very seriously. My number one goal would be to balance the budget. As a member of your school board, I would not wait for a reduction in state support to make budget cuts. I feel it would be my responsibility to provide the very best education for our students while reducing the budget if possible. When making cuts we would have to determine our priorities and make cuts that reflect the importance of those priorities. All budget items that would not sacrifice the education of our students must be considered when making cuts in spending.”
Paxson: “I see no quick or easy solution to this situation. The state issues mandates and guidelines that must be followed. The unknown makes this situation more difficult. For example: 1. How will our stimulus money be used? 2. What will our future enrollment be? 3. The enrollment plays and important part in staffing. I believe plans will be implemented that will provide a sound educational experience for all students.”
If you could change one thing about the Jay School Corporation, what would it be?
Betts: “I would strongly encourage parents and grandparents to get involved. Just this week, the Indiana Pacers and the Indiana Department of Education launched the Parent Pledge; here is the website for more information http://www.doe.in.gov/parentpledge. I would push for more volunteers with clean background checks and welcome them to help. We have such a need for people to invest their time in our children and the future of our county. Time is just as important as money. Kids need to know you care!”
Foreman: “I would like to change the way we handle the contract and evaluation of our superintendent. According to school policy 1210, the superintendent is responsible for the development, supervision, and operation of the school program and facilities. The methods used should be made known to the staff through administrative guidelines. The board shall retain oversight supervision of such guidelines. The board is responsible for determining the success of the superintendent in meeting the goals established by the board through annual evaluations of the superintendent’s performance. The evaluations should be based on objective outcomes rather than on subjective opinions. I feel that this oversight and evaluation responsibility of the school board is very important. As a school board member, I will do my best to meet this responsibility of oversight and evaluation and I will base my opinions on well-informed facts and what is in the best interest of the school children. I feel the board should not take this responsibility away from future boards by extending the superintendent’s contract to five years. Whatever their personal subjective opinion of the superintendent is, they should not impose their will on future boards.”
Paxson: “I believe that we must make every effort to increase the accessibility of the most modern electronic tools. These tools must be available to students, staff and parents. Accessing class material on electronic devices is vital for our students to compete in their future educational expectations. Our students will definitely see the world differently than their predecessors.
“Secondly, as all of our elementary schools now qualify for Title 1, we need to structure and encourage programs that will facilitate parental involvement.”
What personal qualities or experiences would you bring to the school board that would make a positive contribution?
Betts: “I have experience in the schools in various ways; as a substitute teacher, working as a substitute instructional assistant, and volunteering in classrooms to help teachers with their prep. I have three children, each in a different Jay County school. I believe I understand what parents are concerned about. I try to be open-minded and approachable.”
Foreman: “My work experiences have included engineering design, supervision and teaching. Through these experiences I have developed numerous skills that would help me make a positive contribution to the school board. I am organized, trustworthy, reliable, a problem solver, detail oriented, care for people, creative, articulate and I am a good decision maker.”
Paxson: “My experiences with the Jay School Corporation were as follows: Teacher, four years; principal, 19 years; elementary education director, 5 years; director of transportation, 15 years; director of buildings and grounds, 10 years; business manager, 10 years. Several of these assignments were at the same time. Although I have confidence in our administration, I feel confident in asking to review a program or to look at the situation from a different perspective.”
If you were grading the school corporation with a report card, what letter grade would you give each of the following and why? Elementary schools, middle schools, high school, central office, board?
Betts: “I would give the elementary schools an A-. There is always room for improvement. For the most part, they are kid-centered and actively seeking ways to improve education and save money.
“I would give the middle schools a B+. The teachers and support staff are excellent, but there is a lack of consistency in discipline and rewards between the two middle schools. This results in some confusion when the students merge at the high school level.
“I would give the high school an A-. The programs JCHS offers are vast in number compared to many schools. The discipline system currently in place is very impressive. Our drop-out rate is decreasing and the teachers are genuine about the kids that are there to learn.
“I would give (central office) an A-. They are knowledgeable, kind, and prompt. They understand that their job is important to the community. With everything, there is room for improvement.
“After reading the board member manual, I would give them a B. It states very clearly what the board member rules are. There are a few members who don’t follow those set rules. That is when conflicts occur.”
Foreman: “I do not feel that I am in a position to make a well-informed decision regarding a letter grade at this time. However, according to policy 1110, one of the major functions of the board is to work with the administration to establish the goals by which the corporation can accomplish its mission and to provide the resources necessary for their accomplishment. In conjunction with its annual evaluation of the superintendent, the board shall also provide the time for both the board and the administration to assess the progress of the corporation toward the achievement of current goals. My personal goal would be to score an A in every area of our responsibility.”
Paxson: “Considering the mandates that we receive from the state and the moving target for accountability, I believe the corporation is doing an excellent job. For example we have continually increased ISTEP scores. Our graduation rate has increased. Our students that compete at state level contests have excelled. We have a large number of students at all levels that participate in curricular and extra-curricular activities directed by competent and professional staff members. I believe staff members continually evaluate programs to assist students to remain competitive. The best we can do is to implement programs that will adapt to ever-changing needs.”[[In-content Ad]]
Incumbent board member Larry Paxson is seeking re-election to a second term, but he has moved from District 3 to District 1.
Challenging Paxson are Kristi Griffith Betts, Mike Foreman, and Toni Mason.
Paxson is a retired teacher and administrator for the Jay School Corporation. He received his bachelor’s degree from Taylor University and his master’s in education from Ball State University. He and his wife Alice, also a retired teacher, have two children and six grandchildren. Their son, Trent, is principal at Judge Haynes Elementary School. Paxson is a member of Asbury United Methodist Church, the Optimist Club, Jay County Historical Society, and the retired teachers’ association. He is a longtime poultry judge for 4-H clubs throughout Indiana.
Betts is a substitute teacher and business consultant. A trained EMT-Paramedic, she has studied at IUPUI and Kalamazoo Valley Community College. She’s the former owner of Sugar ’n’ Slice Pastry Shop in Portland. She and her husband, Dr. Eric Betts, have three children who attend Jay Schools. A member of Trinity United Methodist Church, she is a past president of the Portland Vocational Women’s Club. She is a former PTO president, former Boomer soccer coach, and past board member of the Pregnancy Care Center.
Foreman is a production supervisor at Stoneridge in Portland. He received his bachelor’s degree in business education/office administration from Ball State University. He and his wife Bonnie have four children and one grandchild, with two more grandchildren on the way. He attends Westchester United Methodist Church.
Mason did not respond to a questionnaire from The Commercial Review, and efforts to reach her for this article were not successful.
Responses from the other candidates to The CR’s questions follow:
What prompted you to seek a seat on the Jay School Board?
Betts: “It is a position I have considered for many years. I decided that prior to seeking election it was important for me to be involved in the schools. I have spent hours educating myself on operations and policies that are in place as well as those that can use improvement. After much prayer, reading and consideration, this is the year I feel confident to fill the role as a member of the school board.”
Foreman: “I am seeking a seat on the Jay School Board because I would enjoy the challenge and responsibility of being a school board member. I would also like to promote and encourage programs like Kids Hope. I do not take this challenge lightly. I know that it could be a difficult job. The reward is in knowing that I could have a positive influence on the decisions made by the board.”
Paxson: “Having been employed by the Jay School Corporation for 43 years, I wish to use my experience and knowledge to assist the operation of the corporation.”
What do you see as the role of the board and the role of individual school board members?
Betts: “The role of the board is to act as a group, setting policies and goals for the administrator to implement and achieve. The individual school board member’s role is to serve the people. The bottom line is in every decision made, there needs to be consideration on ‘how will this decision help serve the students and the public better?’”
Foreman: “The basic function of the school board is to establish policies. The board is responsible for determining the success of the superintendent in meeting the goals established by the board by doing annual evaluations of the superintendent’s performance. It is also the responsibility of the board to establish a board of finance. According to School Bylaw 0151.1, the school board shall establish a board of finance, which shall review the corporation’s investment policy, practices and portfolio provided by the corporation’s treasurer. This responsibility of the school board is very important for our future financial stability. I will do my best to make sure that we are maximizing our investments while being responsible and conscientious.
The primary role of the individual members is to always think in terms of ‘children first.’ The members are to make a decision only after all facts bearing on a question have been presented and discussed. Individual members are elected to the school board to represent the citizens of this school corporation. Finally, it is the role of each member to follow School Bylaw 0155.2, which states that a school board member should maintain desirable relations with the superintendent of schools and staff. This is accomplished by giving the superintendent full administrative authority for properly discharging his/her professional duties and by holding him/her responsible for acceptable results.”
Paxson: “My role with the board is virtually the same as it was as an employee. The responsibilities are somewhat different. My role has centered on three main areas: — My foremost responsibility is to the welfare of our students. — Encourage the best possible instructional programs for our students. — Maintain a sound financial structure.”
Jay School Corporation has had to cut more than $1 million in spending this year because of reductions in state support. What should the criteria be for further cuts that may lie ahead in future years?
Betts: “The education of our children should be the least affected. There are policies in place to be good stewards of taxpayer money. There are always new ideas and suggestions for ways to save money. The public should be heard on that. If we continue to intelligently use our resources as we have through these economic downturns, we can make ends meet and not reduce staff like many of our neighboring school corporations have done. This will result in better class sizes and better educations for Jay County children.”
Foreman: “As a member of the school board and a representative for the citizens and taxpayers of this school corporation I would take the responsibility of the budget very seriously. My number one goal would be to balance the budget. As a member of your school board, I would not wait for a reduction in state support to make budget cuts. I feel it would be my responsibility to provide the very best education for our students while reducing the budget if possible. When making cuts we would have to determine our priorities and make cuts that reflect the importance of those priorities. All budget items that would not sacrifice the education of our students must be considered when making cuts in spending.”
Paxson: “I see no quick or easy solution to this situation. The state issues mandates and guidelines that must be followed. The unknown makes this situation more difficult. For example: 1. How will our stimulus money be used? 2. What will our future enrollment be? 3. The enrollment plays and important part in staffing. I believe plans will be implemented that will provide a sound educational experience for all students.”
If you could change one thing about the Jay School Corporation, what would it be?
Betts: “I would strongly encourage parents and grandparents to get involved. Just this week, the Indiana Pacers and the Indiana Department of Education launched the Parent Pledge; here is the website for more information http://www.doe.in.gov/parentpledge. I would push for more volunteers with clean background checks and welcome them to help. We have such a need for people to invest their time in our children and the future of our county. Time is just as important as money. Kids need to know you care!”
Foreman: “I would like to change the way we handle the contract and evaluation of our superintendent. According to school policy 1210, the superintendent is responsible for the development, supervision, and operation of the school program and facilities. The methods used should be made known to the staff through administrative guidelines. The board shall retain oversight supervision of such guidelines. The board is responsible for determining the success of the superintendent in meeting the goals established by the board through annual evaluations of the superintendent’s performance. The evaluations should be based on objective outcomes rather than on subjective opinions. I feel that this oversight and evaluation responsibility of the school board is very important. As a school board member, I will do my best to meet this responsibility of oversight and evaluation and I will base my opinions on well-informed facts and what is in the best interest of the school children. I feel the board should not take this responsibility away from future boards by extending the superintendent’s contract to five years. Whatever their personal subjective opinion of the superintendent is, they should not impose their will on future boards.”
Paxson: “I believe that we must make every effort to increase the accessibility of the most modern electronic tools. These tools must be available to students, staff and parents. Accessing class material on electronic devices is vital for our students to compete in their future educational expectations. Our students will definitely see the world differently than their predecessors.
“Secondly, as all of our elementary schools now qualify for Title 1, we need to structure and encourage programs that will facilitate parental involvement.”
What personal qualities or experiences would you bring to the school board that would make a positive contribution?
Betts: “I have experience in the schools in various ways; as a substitute teacher, working as a substitute instructional assistant, and volunteering in classrooms to help teachers with their prep. I have three children, each in a different Jay County school. I believe I understand what parents are concerned about. I try to be open-minded and approachable.”
Foreman: “My work experiences have included engineering design, supervision and teaching. Through these experiences I have developed numerous skills that would help me make a positive contribution to the school board. I am organized, trustworthy, reliable, a problem solver, detail oriented, care for people, creative, articulate and I am a good decision maker.”
Paxson: “My experiences with the Jay School Corporation were as follows: Teacher, four years; principal, 19 years; elementary education director, 5 years; director of transportation, 15 years; director of buildings and grounds, 10 years; business manager, 10 years. Several of these assignments were at the same time. Although I have confidence in our administration, I feel confident in asking to review a program or to look at the situation from a different perspective.”
If you were grading the school corporation with a report card, what letter grade would you give each of the following and why? Elementary schools, middle schools, high school, central office, board?
Betts: “I would give the elementary schools an A-. There is always room for improvement. For the most part, they are kid-centered and actively seeking ways to improve education and save money.
“I would give the middle schools a B+. The teachers and support staff are excellent, but there is a lack of consistency in discipline and rewards between the two middle schools. This results in some confusion when the students merge at the high school level.
“I would give the high school an A-. The programs JCHS offers are vast in number compared to many schools. The discipline system currently in place is very impressive. Our drop-out rate is decreasing and the teachers are genuine about the kids that are there to learn.
“I would give (central office) an A-. They are knowledgeable, kind, and prompt. They understand that their job is important to the community. With everything, there is room for improvement.
“After reading the board member manual, I would give them a B. It states very clearly what the board member rules are. There are a few members who don’t follow those set rules. That is when conflicts occur.”
Foreman: “I do not feel that I am in a position to make a well-informed decision regarding a letter grade at this time. However, according to policy 1110, one of the major functions of the board is to work with the administration to establish the goals by which the corporation can accomplish its mission and to provide the resources necessary for their accomplishment. In conjunction with its annual evaluation of the superintendent, the board shall also provide the time for both the board and the administration to assess the progress of the corporation toward the achievement of current goals. My personal goal would be to score an A in every area of our responsibility.”
Paxson: “Considering the mandates that we receive from the state and the moving target for accountability, I believe the corporation is doing an excellent job. For example we have continually increased ISTEP scores. Our graduation rate has increased. Our students that compete at state level contests have excelled. We have a large number of students at all levels that participate in curricular and extra-curricular activities directed by competent and professional staff members. I believe staff members continually evaluate programs to assist students to remain competitive. The best we can do is to implement programs that will adapt to ever-changing needs.”[[In-content Ad]]
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