Three in race for school board position (10/20/06)

Three candidates are seeking the District 5 seat on the Jay School Board in the November election.

For the first time, Jay voters will be picking school board members in November rather than in May; the change was made in hopes of boosting voter participation.

Seeking the District 5 seat are Mike Foreman, Ron Laux, and Larry Paxson. Candidates must live in Bearcreek, Jackson, or rural Wayne Township.

The seat has been held for four years by Doug Inman, who did not file to run for re-election.

Foreman, 1920 West Ind. 67, Portland, works at Fleetwood in Decatur, where he designs wiring harnesses for motor homes. A 1978 graduate of Ball State University, he taught at the high school level for three years. He and his wife Bonnie have four children.

Laux, 2075 South Blaine Pike, Portland, is a lineman for Jay County REMC. A 1970 graduate of Portland High School, he graduated from the Jay County Leadership Academy in 1993 and has served on its board of directors. He received an applied science degree as an electrical line technician from Ivy Tech in 2004. A member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Portland, he serves on the church's finance council. He has also served on several committees for the Portland Area Chamber of commerce and is president-elect of the Area 18 Vocational Education district, representing the Jay School Corporation. He and his wife Mary have two grown sons, both of whom have returned to Jay County to start their careers.

Paxson, 773 West 200 South, Portland, retired from the Jay School Corporation after 43 years as a teacher and administrator. He received his bachelor's degree from Taylor University and his master's degree in education from Ball State University. He holds a superintendent's license. He's a member of Asbury Methodist Church, the Portland Morning Optimist Club, the Jay County Historical Society, the Cooperative Extension Board, the Indiana Principals Association, the Indiana Business Managers Association, and the Indiana Retired Teachers Association. He and his wife Alice, who is also a retired teacher, have two grown children, including Judge Haynes Elementary School principal Trent Paxson.

All three candidates responded to a questionnaire from The Commercial Review, discussing their candidacy and the issues in the school board election. Their responses follow.

Why are you running for school board?

Foreman: "I believe I can have a positive influence on the success of the Jay County School Corporation. I would like to raise our expectations. If we don't expect the best and the highest standard of proficiency then we are less likely to achieve it. We should encourage all of our students and employees to excel and to be the best they can be. I would like for this school corporation to be know for our high scholastic achievements. Our focus as a school corporation must be on our students. Everyone that works for the Jay County School Corporation needs to treat every student with respect and give him or her the attention they need to succeed. Not any one student should be more important than any other student, every student matters. My number one concern as a school board member will be that we provide the very best education that we can for all of our students. We have an obligation to prepare our young people for their life after graduation, not just pass them on. If a student fails, we fail. Our goal should be that every student graduate with the skills and knowledge necessary to be a productive citizen and that they are prepared to continue to grow in their chosen profession, occupation or domestic lives. I would like to see an increased emphasis on programs like Peer Tutoring and Kids' Hope. I think that programs like these have a very positive influence on everyone involved. Programs like these can mean the difference between success and failure."

Laux: "I have been involved with the school system for over 20 years as my kids were growing up and going through school. I have been interested in the mechanics of the school system. I also believe strongly in education. I always wanted my kids and the kids coming out of the Jay school system with a good education so they could pursue a further education in college or university or maybe they wish to take the trade school route. Also for those who wish to enter the job market.

"I bring a different view, being from a blue collar perspective, and have a good background in electrical and HVAC. A board needs a mix of various levels of expertise. I would add to this mix. The blue collar view, or the majority view, sometimes is lost. Having someone who can look at the nuts and bolts can help or compliment other board members. Most would say I have a strong commitment to the projects I get involved with."

Paxson: "I am running for school board because I want to support and uphold the policies and mission statement of the Jay School Corporation. Having been a teacher, principal, curriculum director, business manager, director of transportation and buildings and grounds, I believe I have the experience to make decisions in the areas that a board member is responsible. I also had the opportunity to work with some well respected board members that gave their time and energy to the Jay Schools, and I hope to have that same opportunity."

The Jay School Corporation has come through a period of getting its financial house in order. What would you say are the top priorities in terms of school spending and the corporation budget over the next few years?

Foreman: "I think we need to look at changing the pay scale for our teachers. It does not make sense to me that our most experienced teachers have their pay scale stop after 20 years. If I am not able to increase the pay scale past 20 years, then I will explore the possibility of rewarding our outstanding teachers with merit pay increases. We have many outstanding teachers that deserve to be compensated for their dedication and emphasis to making sure our students are successful. I also believe our support staff is very important to our success as a school corporation. They deserve to be treated with respect and given their due consideration for decisions pertaining to their concerns and any pay increase they receive should not be the last item on the budget just because we don't have to bargain with them."

Laux: "Employee compensation and benefits should be at the top in this category. This relates to the number of employees also, relative to class size. A consultant has been asked to help with the schedule at JCHS. Consultants can be very good, if we use what they recommend, at the same time can be expensive. As far as other spending corporate wide, one sitting on the outside looking in, it would be difficult to determine to list priorities. Many times projects that arise determine unexpectedly the spending priority."

Paxson: "My priorities will focus on the following points: A. to meet our present financial obligations; B. to permanently refrain from having blended classes at the elementary setting; C. to provide the essential tools to help our students excel in academic growth; D. to provide opportunities and encouragement for certified and support staff to enhance their skills; E. to provide our staff and students with adequate and current resources to perform their assignments."

A major renovation project at Jay County High School is nearing completion, but an auxiliary gymnasium which was originally proposed as part of the project has been deferred for the future. How big a priority is the second gym at the high school and what sort of timetable makes sense if such a facility is to be built?

Foreman: "The possibility of an auxiliary gymnasium is of great interest to a large number of people. As I will with all of my decisions brought before the board, I will base my decision on all of the facts while carefully considering the benefits, costs and consequences. I will not base my decision on my personal feelings and whims. For this decision, I will also ask for input from school personnel and the people of Jay County."

Laux: "The auxiliary gym is an excellent project. Look around this area of the state at other districts that have one. Blackford, Delta, Huntington North, to name a few. My question is how do we fund it or how does it affect tax rates. This is another area of the corporation's budget that is very complex. I would hope we know how other HVAC equipment is performing in other buildings. Are we using the most efficient heating/cooling systems? Or are we sending money out the chimney? How are the roofs? How are we doing on preventive maintenance? Please, understand I would like to have an auxiliary gym; however, the answer to the above questions would determine where the gym falls on the priority list. Modern high-efficiency heating/cooling equipment puts money in the checkbook for items like gyms."

Paxson: "I understand the value and the benefits of an auxiliary gymnasium. Any consideration of the auxiliary gymnasium would come from the following considerations: A. we have reduced our current indebtedness; B. after making necessary improvements to our existing buildings; C. assuring our parents and staff there would be no blended classes; D. evaluate any needs such as adequate space and staffing if full-day kindergarten becomes a state mandate."

What would you say are the greatest strengths of the Jay School Corporation today?

Foreman: "I think that the current school board made a very good decision to hire Mr. Long for superintendent. I have known Mr. Long for 14 years, and I think he will have a very positive influence on the direction of our corporation."

Laux: "Several board members have done an excellent job getting us back in good financial condition. I can't envision anyone permitting us to get in the deficit condition we were once in.

"The remodeling of the high school has to be listed as a strength. All schools must be safe, secure, functional and energy efficient,. With the changes at the high school, it is an excellent approach to energy efficiency.

"Consideration of the schedule at JCHS is strength. There seem to be many opinions on what is best. The final decision will take much time to come up with a user-friendly schedule."

Paxson: "I believe the Jay School Corporation has exceptional parent and community support. This aspect is extremely important and must be cultivated to remain an outstanding trait. An open dialogue between administration, school board and staff must be maintained to further enhance this asset. Professional development is provided and encouraged to address student needs to promote academic growth."

What are its greatest weaknesses or vulnerabilities?

Foreman: "We need to make sure that we are not complacent. After our latest victory or achievement, there is always another challenge. What we are and our success should not depend on our victories, but on our course we take to achieve them. We need to strive to improve and expect excellence. I want to challenge every teacher to be the leader in scholastic aptitude. As a member of the Jay County school board, I will do my best to encourage and promote excellence. We should not be satisfied with the status quo."

Laux: "Class size is at the top of our weaknesses. Students are not getting the one-on-one they need. Hopefully this can be addressed.

"The district is always vulnerable to changes mandated by state and federal regulations, which hampers the best of planning and usually has a negative impact on the financial flexibility of the corporation."

Paxson: "My position on the corporation's weaknesses or vulnerabilities is never accept status quo. We cannot be satisfied with our success or failure. We must always strive to improve, be professional, and work together at all levels of employment. When an identified weakness occurs, re-evaluate what we are doing, understand what is happening and where we want to be going. If the actions involved do not follow our mission statement, then eliminate the confusion, meet the area of weakness, meet the challenges it presents, and work hard to make a difference regardless how complex the 'weakness' might be. My wife tells me, 'Pull the weeds before you plant the flowers!'"

How do you view the role of a school board member?

Foreman: "I think a school board member should not micro-manage the daily operation of the corporation; however, the appropriate school administrator must be held accountable for their decisions. I will do my best to approve a responsible and balanced budget. A school board member must make decision on issues that are brought before the board that are in the best interest of the whole corporation, school personnel and local communities. As a member of the Jay County school board, I will make sure that our facilities are maintained and utilized effectively and that the concerns of the local communities are given appropriate consideration when making any decisions concerning the continued use of local facilities."

Laux: "The role of the school board member is to remember that he/she is there to set policy, to decide upon recommendations presented, and to be involved. The biggest job for the new board members is to rely upon the current board members as all get to know the new superintendent. All one should wish for is to do the best for all students and parents of Jay County."

Paxson: "I believe I understand the role of a board member. The board has the responsibility of evaluating one person, the superintendent. All other employees are to be evaluated by the administration.

"Changes and improvements to all programs must come from staff members, administrators, and the superintendent. Next, the superintendent would bring his recommendations to the board. Once the recommendation has been presented, the board would consider the program and funding.

"All board members need to have an understanding of business practices and a background that will allow him to contribute to the good management of the Jay School Corporation.

"All board members should demonstrate the willingness to support and uphold the polices and mission statement of the Jay School Corporation. Board members must keep abreast with the most current programs and technology."[[In-content Ad]]