Candidates give positions on two high schools, teacher morale

Candidates for the Jefferson City Public Schools Board of Education were asked their views about the two-high school plan on the April 4 ballot and how they feel teachers in the district have been treated.

Do you support the two-high school plan and operating levy that is on the April 4 ballot? Why or why not? As a voter yourself, what will your own decision be/which way do you hope the rest of the community will vote?

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Steve Bruce, incumbent school board vice president, said: "I'm voting yes on (propositions) J and C and hope you will, too." He said the community "spoke clearly" prior to his election "about a desire to vote on two high schools," and so supported placing Proposition J on the ballot this year. "Proposition C will also provide increased classroom and behavioral resources, things our teachers have needed for years."

Candidates Scott Hovis, Lori Massman and Paul Graham expressed similar sentiments in terms of personal support to vote for the bond issue and operating levy. Hovis and Massman hoped the rest of the community would join them in their support.

"We need to have learning environments that favor both teachers and students," Hovis said.

Massman said: "At some point, it becomes impossible for us to ask more of our teachers and kids if we aren't willing to ask more of ourselves and each other. The opportunities it provides our kids and our community is worth the added sacrifice. As a voter, but more importantly as a parent, I ask that you join me and vote in favor of these propositions."

Candidates Victoria Sterling and Don Salcedo seem to be waiting on more information before they make their final decisions on personal support for the ballot propositions.

Sterling said she does not believe voters have received "sufficient information from the school district to determine whether the proposed funding is appropriate for this project or whether it will successfully eliminate district issues. This makes the bond issue difficult to support." However, she added: "If the bond issues passes, I will support it. If it fails, I will dedicate myself to finding a better and more reasonable course of action."

Likewise, Salcedo said: "Before I can support the bond/levy, I need assurance from the school administration and the board members that they can be trusted to spend $130 million by using a specific plan and details that we have yet to see. Many of my supporters feel the same way and also worry about the increases in their taxes and that the two schools will be equitable in construction and staff. I will support what the voters decide." He added, though, he's "consistently advocated for two high schools for the last 20 years."

Do you believe teachers in the district feel valued and empowered? Why or why not?

All of the candidates seem to agree the district has had serious issues of teacher morale. Most, but not all, said conditions have improved under Superintendent Larry Linthacum's leadership, although progress still needs to be made.

"I fear many don't (feel valued and empowered) because they fear to speak out and to criticize. That can happen if an administration fears its teachers. Or teachers think it does," Graham said.

"In recent years, the administration may have been focused more on other issues, losing sight of the fact that teachers need to have a voice and be respected. The voice/empowerment of teachers at some schools has been drowned out, which has led to low morale. However, under the leadership of Dr. Linthacum, this issue has improved and overall morale appears to be improving," Hovis said.

Bruce and Massman generally concurred.

"Some teachers have reported improvement in their individual schools. However, other teachers have not felt they have gained the support of their administration. While we have moved forward, we still have room for improvement," Sterling responded.

"In my conversations with current and former teachers in the district, I have heard that things have not changed much, so many do not feel empowered. If elected to the board, I would suggest we create a faculty liaison between the board and teachers and staff, and I would volunteer to serve in that position. That way teachers in the district could tell me about issues that need to be addressed without fear of retaliation," Salcedo suggested.

Council, school board forums on tap

The News Tribune will be hosting public forums on Jefferson City school and city races on the April 4 ballot.

On March 7, the two high school plan and operating levy issues for the Jefferson City School District will be the topic for the first half of the forum; the second half of the forum that night will be devoted to the seven candidates seeking three positions on the school board.

On March 21, City Council candidates for the 1st and 4th wards will be asked questions.

Both forums will begin at 6 p.m. and will be held in the Council chambers at City Hall.