JACKSON SCHOOL BOARD HOPEFULS FIELD QUERIES

JACKSON -- The five candidates for the Jackson Board of Education concur on most issues. They agree, for example, that surprise drug inspections are good and private-school vouchers aren't.

But the five have different ideas about challenges facing Jackson schools. They had the chance to discuss them at a candidates' forum Tuesday night.

Conducted by the Jacksonian Charter Chapter of the American Businesswomen's Association, the annual forum gives the public a chance to meet school board candidates and ask them questions.

Incumbents Vicky McDowell, Darrell Hanschen and Dr. T. Wayne Lewis and challengers Tom Ludwig and Ron Lowes had to come up with answers.

Unlike years past, the candidates this year fielded questions concerning drugs in school, gangs and student protection.

They also answered questions about long time concerns such as bond issues and teacher-student ratios.

Lowes, a former juvenile officer, said he wants schools to report unlawful acts to authorities.

"As an old juvenile officer, I wanted to know everything, and Jackson schools were very cooperative," he said. "Wayne Maupin was principal, and he came down on kids like ugly on ape."

Tom Ludwig, Jackson city prosecutor, advocated a common-sense approach to reporting crimes in school. A shoving match can be classified as an assault, he said, but that doesn't mean it should be turned over to the police.

"If the administration thinks they can handle it, they should be supported in handling it," Ludwig said. "They shouldn't have to report each and every thing so that it ends up on my desk. If they can't handle it, it should be reported."

A related question dealt with the protection of students who report suspected illegal activity in school. McDowell stressed that it isn't always easy to do the right thing, but students who try will be protected as much as possible.

"In D.A.R.E. and in other programs, we encourage kids to come forward and talk to adults about what is going on," McDowell said. "When they come forward, it is strictly confidential. The consequences come when students start talking to their friends."

All the candidates opposed giving vouchers to parents who want their children to attend private schools. Even though some in private schools have supported the idea, the candidates said, it wouldn't be good for taxpayers.

"Everyone has a right to send kids to the school of their choice," Hanschen said. "If you want your children to go to a school where your religious values are taught, that's fine, but taxpayers shouldn't have to pay for it."

One of the final questions dealt with passage of a bond issues.

With the recent enrollment gains in Jackson, the school board must consider hiring more teachers and building more classrooms. All the candidates saw a bond issue in Jackson's future.

"The state will fund everything but concrete and bricks," Lewis said. "Communicating with the public about a bond issue will be vital. Through the years, we have been able to keep the tax levy low, and hopefully we will be able to continue to do that."

Election of school board candidates will be April 2.