?Questions that were asked of the candidates are in this article. Veiw video to see their responses.
All six candidates were present at the KISD public forum Tuesday to answer questions that were submitted from the audience. (Questions were submitted beforehand to the moderator, Erin Hyden). The forum, held in the KHS auditorium, was lightly attended with an estimated audience of 75.?Each candidate had an opportunity to introduce themselves; give a response to each question asked; and, end with a closing statement. {{more}}?From the beginning it was apparent that there was a split opinion on whether or not the Board and the school district was good at communicating and being open and transparent in their actions and deliberations.?On the one side of the issue were Elisha Woodson, candidate for Place 4; Dr. Maria Douglas, candidate for Place 5; and, Stephanie Vigil, candidate for Place 7. Each called for more openness. On the other side of the issue were current board member Janet Adams, candidate for Place 4; Stewart Richardson, candidate for Place 5; and, former board member John Hunt, candidate for Place 7. They felt like the Board was open and approachable and suggested that communication require effort on both sides to be effective.?That issue aside, there was general agreement on the financial wellbeing of the district. Both Janet Adams and John Hunt reminded the audience that even two years ago when most districts statewide were having to lay off and cut programs, Kennedale was able to keep programs and give raises.?All seem to agree that Kennedale has good teachers who care but some differences arose in the method of training and/or in hiring procedures. Elisha Woodson stated that she felt that there was an atmosphere of intimidation and fear of retaliation in the district among the staff but added that many there may disagree.?The Kennedale News has posted two videos on the right side of the page. ?The first is a short video that covers the closing statements of each the candidates. ?The second video covers the complete forum from beginning to the end. ?As an assistance to the viewer the Kennedale News has included the questions asked and the time that those questions were asked during the recording so the viewer may go quickly to a question of interest.?
Second video:?
00:00 ?Introductory statements?
10:43??When is the focus going to be on the Junior High football field?
?15:35??What is meant specifically by candidates when they speak of transparency??20:45? What is your solution to the overcrowding at James Delaney??25:46??What do you think about the district?s AYP ratings??30:47 ?What do you consider are the most important function(s) of the school board??35:53 ?What are your thoughts regarding our district?s teacher turnover rate??41:49??Name a positive action that the KISD Board has taken towards the goal of providing an excellent education in the last five years and how you as a board member would contribute to further that progress if you are elected or reelected??46:48??What is the role of school board member??50:54??Considering past code of conduct and ethical issues of KHS staff what would you implement or do differently to train and make staff more aware that certain conduct will not be tolerated??55:44??What ideas, specific items in the budget, or steps do you plan on taking to improve our current budget or do you believe that we are in great financial shape and it doesn?t need many improvements??59:58 ??Are you in compliance with the campaign and finance reporting requirements as required by the Texas Ethics Commission and how much money have you declared and on this campaign??1:01:54??Can you tell us how Texas public schools are funded??1:05:08??Closing statements by each candidates.?
