CANDIDATES AT JACKSON VIEW ISSUES

JACKSON -- Candidates for the Jackson School Board said Monday they would consider ways other than the property tax to finance the school district.

The candidates also agreed that if budget cuts are needed, teacher salaries should be the last item cut. They also agreed that if at all possible, teacher salaries and benefits ought to keep pace with other area school districts to insure the quality of education in Jackson.

The candidates spoke during a "Meet the Candidates Form," sponsored by the Jacksonian chapter of the American Business Women's Association.

Three candidates are seeking the two school board seats that will be filled April 7.

Jeanette Bollinger, a retired programming assistant with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is completing a one-year, unexpired term on the board and is seeking a full term. Other candidates are Marvin Adams, an insurance agent and former educator, and Mark Martin, a claims manager for a local insurance company.

In their opening statements, the candidates said they had no "axes to grind" or "specific problems to address" other than to make sure the district continues its outstanding academic program.

Each candidate was asked to respond to a set of prepared questions, before answering questions from the audience.

On the issue of extra-curricular activities such as sports, elective courses, bus transportation, or new budget items, Martin said each proposal needs to be considered separately.

Adams said it's important to always consider the school's final product quality education for students.

Bollinger said that if voters approve the 35-cent increase in the school tax levy April 7, the school board won't be forced to make those difficult decisions.

On the question of pay increases or other incentives, the candidates agreed salaries for teachers must remain competitive with other school districts to retain good teachers.

The consensus among the candidates on the question of classroom size and pupil-teacher ratios, generally was that "smaller is better."

The candidates also agreed some type of newsletter mailed to each parent in the district would greatly improve communications between teachers and parents.

Responding to a question from the audience on future problems the district must contend with, the candidates agreed that overcrowding at the junior high and West Lane Elementary School is becoming a major concern.

Bollinger said the school board already has plans to form another community committee to work with the administration and teachers to come up with some recommendations.

Adams said it's imperative the public be kept fully informed of the district's growth needs. He said that in the past, school patrons have always given strong support to the district.

The candidates agreed long-term planning is a must if the district is to meet the challenges created by future growth.

Martin said the Jackson School District is a "big business" with an annual budget of $12 million and more than 300 employees. "Any big business must have long-term plans to succeed," he said.

On the issue of alternative financing of the school district to relieve the burden on the property owner, Martin said it makes sense, but cautioned that legal problems might create roadblocks.

Adams agreed that some way should be found to take some of the load off property owners. He said parents whose children attend Jackson schools and who rent their homes don't pay their fair share of education costs.

Bollinger said as a board member she would look into the question. The incumbent said she wants to continue to serve the community and district.

Martin said he feels he has the business skills that could help the board face the financial challenges in the next several years. Adams said he's running for school board because, as a former educator, he has a sincere interest in children and their education.