Common Core cited in crowded Jackson School Board race

In what's turned into an unusually intense race, eight people are running for three spots on the Jackson School Board in Tuesday's election.

The field includes incumbents Terri Tomlin, T. Wayne Lewis and Bruce Thomas, and challengers Jamie Pfefferkorn Nipper, Larry L. Koenig, Kristi Uhrhan, Brad Noel and Will Adams.

Three of the five candidates oppose Common Core standards being implemented statewide. Common Core is a set of language arts and math benchmarks for students intended to create minimum standards across the country.

Although 44 states have adopted the standards, they've become a hot-button issue. Opponents claim Common Core is a federal takeover of local education, dilutes teacher creativity and sets the bar too low.

Jackson superintendent Ron Anderson, who has been in education for 49 years, said he's not sure whether Common Core is the reason so many candidates are running. Similar standards have been in place in Missouri since 1996.

But Brian Bollmann, chairman of the Cape County Tea Party, sounded a more urgent note.

"Citizens need to get engaged right now because it's their chance to decide whether they're going to continue with the Common Core in Jackson, or possibly go in a different direction. If we return the incumbents to the school board, Common Core will continue full speed ahead; and if the challengers are elected, we'll be taking another look at whether this is the best thing for the school district," Bollman said.

Part of his worry is making schools the same as anywhere in the country. "I don't see socializing the schools as a good thing. I would like to see Jackson move above and beyond other schools if that's what they choose," he said.

But challengers say it's more than Common Core motivating them to run. Several said they want more open communication between the community and board; they feel the board needs new eyes and fresh ideas; for the board to have work sessions; and to have old and new business on the agenda for follow-up.

Several hopefuls say they want the board to return to meeting twice a month, simplifying the public comment period, and better communication with constituents.

In an email to the Southeast Missourian, Noel said he'd like to see more frequent meetings "in which items and issues can be discussed openly and information can be gained before casting a vote on something."

Adams said in an email that average parents feel they don't have a voice.

"Far too often, it seems the parent that creates a scene or goes over the top are the only ones heard," Adams said.

Nipper said in an email she wants the board to function as a checks-and-balances system. She wrote she has seen members pick up board packets minutes before meetings and approve items without discussion.

Nipper also would like board minutes posted on the district's website. She wants to see work session committees consisting of board members, district employees and community members.

Uhrhan, who is PTO president at North Elementary School, said she has been involved in Jackson schools since her oldest child began kindergarten seven years ago, and wants to be an advocate for children, parents and teachers.

Koenig wrote he thought about running for the board again since he decided not to file for re-election in 1997. He said he'd been approached by several people and decided the time was right to run.

"You know, the system is not broken; it may just be time for it to be tweaked a little. Maybe it could use some new ideas," he wrote. "Some current members speak of the need for continuity, but keep in mind, there are only three seats up for re-election. That means that continuity is assured, because at least four of the current members continue to hold their seats."

In a questionnaire, board president Terri Tomlin said technology, supporting teachers and principals and remaining fiscally sound are important to the district's success. In an email, Tomlin said she would like to continue her efforts on the board, appreciates feedback and will continue to make herself available to meet with people.

On the subject of Common Core, the incumbents back the standards.

"It is important to understand that the curriculum for Jackson schools is created by the district's own teachers and administrators as a road map to better prepare students for future success. I feel confident that our teachers are very capable of accomplishing the goal," Tomlin wrote in a questionnaire.

T. Wayne Lewis said in a questionnaire that people should be patient with the transition to Common Core, which he said is another piece in helping students achieve.

"We started 'vertical teaming' as an initiative on the local level many years ago," Lewis wrote. "There were some who thought it would be a waste of time. Those same people became very supportive after it was implemented. Communication of 'common goals' only makes sense for guiding us to understand what the student needs to learn. Be patient with the transition."

Thomas said the board should work together for the common good of the district, be conservative with its budget, pay staff well and be open to input from them.

On whether he would like to see anything added to board meetings, such as additional public comment or subcommittees, Thomas wrote public comment is supposed to be a time to bring items to the board's attention it can "listen to, investigate, and if necessary, in due time take action." Sometimes, Thomas wrote, it takes weeks, months or years before things proceed on a comment -- even one from a board member.

rcampbell@semissourian.com

388-3639

Pertinent address: 614 E. Adams St., Jackson