Candidates for the Blair Oaks Board of Education discussed how they would communicate with patrons if elected.
Five candidates are vying for three open seats on the board: incumbent Doug Moeller and newcomers Mark McCarter, Sarah Lueckenhoff, Sarah Fessler and Luke Fitzpatrick.
The News Tribune asked each student about their views on board communciations and transparency. The following answers are verbatim except for editing for grammar and spelling.
Question: Historically, some school boards have agreed among themselves that only the board president would speak on issues. If you're elected, would you support such a policy or would you directly answer the questions of parents, teachers or the public?
Mark McCarter
Answer: A board president that centralizes power isn't helpful to the school or its community. I welcome recommendations from patrons, parents, teachers and staff. Accessibility of board members and transparency are primary tenets of my campaign. I've maintained an open-door policy throughout my almost 28-year career in the military, and it served me well. Being approachable offers opportunities for leaders/board members to ask questions before making recommendations or conclusions. I am the only candidate that published my personal cell phone and email for anyone in the district to reach out.
Doug Moeller
Answer: Historically, if a patron asks me a question, I will provide them with my opinion. But if it is board decision then the president provides a response on behalf of the Blair Oaks School Board after a full board discussion. I want everyone to know that I am available if you would like to have a discussion with me.
Sarah Lueckenhoff
Answer: I believe in a reasonable approach to keeping meetings on track, meaning the president serves as the primary spokesperson. However, I do not support this if a response is the board president's sole opinion or is given without the consent of the collective group of members. I think we need to allow an open forum, with a pre-determined time allotment, monthly, for any individual directly involved in the district to present their issue. If it is brought forth publicly, the board should consider the comments, and at the following meeting our board president should give a public response.
Sarah Fessler
Answer: I want to make it perfectly clear that I believe each board member serves at the discretion of the taxpayers.
Voters should want board members who are open and transparent with their neighbors. If we are sitting next to each other at a football game or a choir concert or at a meal, I sure hope I am allowed to discuss the topics, rewards, and benefits of Blair Oaks.
Luke Fitzpatrick
Answer: I would not support a policy such as the above-mentioned. I feel that being part of the board is being able to discuss issues that a parent, teacher, and the community have. I believe that a policy like this could be seen as a lack of confidence within the board. I believe in an open-door policy and feel the board should have open dialogue within the community. If they don't have the option to discuss issues, it has the potential to create a negative environment. Furthermore, I would look forward to comments or concerns to help bring the community together.
Question: How would you assess the Blair Oaks school district's level of transparency? Do you believe there are steps the board should take to improve transparency?
Mark McCarter
Answer: The board can do better. I intend to fix this: first, livestream the open portion of the board meetings. Anyone that wants to attend via livestream or in-person is more than welcome. Secondly, set the first 30 minutes of each board meeting for patrons and parents to speak to the board directly. Respectful discussions are essential for change. Finally, via email, push information out to parents and patrons, versus asking them to pull information from a website. This includes meeting minutes, link to the livestream, policies being reviewed and policy changes to all patrons within the district.
Doug Moeller
Answer: To me, transparency means open communication with accountability to our patrons. I believe the district provides an adequate amount of transparency. I would support livestreaming the monthly board meetings to allow more people to attend.
Sarah Lueckenhoff
Answer: Not only can we improve, but it's necessary if we want to continue as the outstanding district, with so much appeal to countless families who deserve to know what's going on in our schools. We must find more ways to include parents, students, teachers and taxpayers in the board decisions through committees, newsletters or surveys. The board needs input to make good decisions. They need to be more descriptive about their meeting agendas and minutes. We need more community involvement, whether it be to shed light on a situation or welcome constructive criticism and use it to grow.
Sarah Fessler
Answer: I can only assess as a taxpayer and parent.
I believe Blair Oaks School District's level of transparency should be thoroughly reviewed by the newly elected board to ensure that it meets the needs and expectations of the Blair Oaks School District taxpayers and at the same time complies with all federal and state laws governing Missouri school districts. Ensuring the integrity and accountability of Blair Oaks School District Board is of utmost importance in order for our students to achieve academic excellence and to ensure that the community continues to succeed.
Luke Fitzpatrick
Answer: I feel there can always be improvements in communication. Unfortunately, if you have never sat on a board, or don't understand the rules that govern boards, or privacy rules, it can be seen as a lack of transparency. However, at times, the facts around certain issues aren't able to be released due to confidentiality. This is to protect, the individual, or the school district in this case. I feel that communicating to the community of what types of issues require confidentiality would be a great idea. It could be a public forum, mass mailing, or a link to the website.
Submitted photo Luke Fitzpatrick
Submitted photo Mark McCarter
Submitted photo Sarah Fessler
Submitted photo Sarah Lueckenhoff