of Education were asked for their thoughts on soliciting input from constituents. Specifically, they were asked: "If elected, how would you engage with school district residents and seek their input on school issues?"
Five community members - Pam Murray, Michael Couty, Joy Sweeney, Dan Renfrow and Adrian Hendricks II - responded to the query. The following is a run-down of some of their proposals.
Pam Murray:
• Plans to make her personal email and telephone number readily available, and to maintain a website to post information and share ideas.
• Would hold quarterly meeting in the district to gather residents' concerns and suggestions.
• Proposes visiting schools regularly to keep channels of communication open with all stakeholders.
• Recommends the school board submit a column to the News Tribune, similar to the kind submitted by some legislators.
Michael Couty:
• Recommends the board update the JCPS website regularly and include a section committed to community inquiry or input regarding concerns.
• Encourages the board to host quarterly town meetings on weeknight evenings or Saturdays.
Joy Sweeney:
• Wants to continue to engage residents via town-hall meetings, coffee sessions, parent/teacher meetings and one-on-one conversations.
• Will continue to seek understanding via two-way communication and believes open and honest discussion is imperative to successful representation.
• Will keep her phone number listed.
• Plans to make a diligent effort to attend many community meetings.
Dan Renfrow:
• Welcomes the opportunity to speak before community groups, and answer questions.
• Welcomes people to contact him directly.
• Believes the board, in order to gain the broadest perspective possible, should poll the community prior to the next bond levy discussion.
Adrian Hendricks:
• Values the interaction and discussions that happen via Facebook and other social media platforms.
• Has several innovative ideas for furthering his connection with the community and looks forward to sharing them with the board.
• Appreciates the collaboration that has taken place between the local newspaper, Lincoln University, the Chamber of Commerce and other groups.