This Just In ...

Here are the Franklin School Board candidates...they don't say!

Posted by Kevin Fischer on Feb. 8, 2012

FranklinNOW asked the candidates for Franklin School Board some rather basic questions, the type that won’t win them any Pulitzer.  Pretty simple stuff. Remember these are experienced adults who want to run our school system. Let’s see how they did.


Judith Bialk

What's the No. 1 issue in this race?

I cannot say there is one outstanding issue in this race, but rather a complexity of issues. Each time we gather, we look at issues dealing with finance and budget, business administration, human services, administrative policy, governmental relations, curriculum, special needs services, personnel issues, disciplinary issues involving students, to name a few. Every board member must be prepared to deal with each issue at its level of importance. This complexity of service provides all of us with interesting challenges.

TRANSLATION: I have absolutely no idea how to answer but I’ll try to sound like I do with a wordy response that says nothing.


Janet Evans

What's the No. 1 issue in this race?

I see the upcoming 2012-13 budget as the most important issue in the district at this time. This goes hand in hand with the need for reduced spending and the anticipated rise of energy and insurance costs. Franklin has yet to see any changes to the health insurance plan for the district. Just over 79 percent of the budget goes toward employee salaries and benefits. We need a transparent budget where taxpayers understand how funds are allocated.

TRANSLATION: She regards the budget and addressing it responsibly as the #1 issue. Direct question. Direct answer.


Don Petre

What's the No. 1 issue in this race?

It is essential to improve our facilities in order to meet the current needs of the students, parents and our community. We need to provide our students with better classrooms, modern technology labs, improved athletic facilities and support for the fine arts. I travel locally and throughout the state watching my daughters' tournaments. I have seen too many communities with much better facilities than we have in Franklin. I look forward to helping the School Board make decisions regarding these improvements so that the entire community will benefit, not just the families with children in our schools.

TRANSLATION: He will support a referendum, details unseen, no matter what in hopes voters will approve a massive property tax increase. He is of the foolish mentality that shiny new floors and locker rooms will result in better teachers and students.


Aimee R. Schlueter

What's the No. 1 issue in this race?

I feel there is no No. 1 issue as there are several issues and concerns that have come to my attention. One issue can and will directly affect other issues. I understand there are concerns about the possibility of the new building/addition referendum, state budget concerns and communication. I am interested in and look forward to tackling these and the many other issues with creativity and enthusiasm.

TRANSLATION: I can’t answer a simple question about school issues because I don’t know the answers. But I still want to be on the school board!

Disappointing.


John Paul Thompson

What's the No. 1 issue in this race?

Forming a cohesive board that has the best interests of the community at large, as well as the staff and students in mind to keep Franklin the best school system that it is.

TRANSLATION: I have at least thought about the issues even though I’m not going to get specific. However, my vague answer only raises more questions, like, what does he mean?


David A. Works

What's the No. 1 issue in this race? 

The current state funding formula has provided major challenges to our school district that will require innovative methods and techniques in order to maintain the high quality of education that is essential for our students. With a successful career in private industry, I have had to lower operating costs while continuing to improve quality in order to maintain our competitive advantage.

TRANSLATION: Wahhh! Any problems the Franklin School District is facing, it’s all the big bad state’s fault. I know how to cut costs (wink wink) except that time I was on the school board.


Read for yourself.  If some of these people have no concrete, specific thoughts about serious issues and can’t articulate them if they did, that doesn’t speak well for their qualifications.