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Board candidates talk range of issues
(by Sue Hoffman - October 05, 2011)
Board candidates talk range of issues
By SUE HOFFMAN
The seven candidates running Nov. 8 for Solon School Board presented their views on issues ranging from Ohio Senate Bill 5 to school funding and declining enrollment during "Meet the Candidates Night" Monday at Solon Middle School.
The candidates include incumbent school board members Julie Glavin and Dorothy Seibert, former Solon Mayors Kevin Patton and Robert Paulson, and three political newcomers: Chris Bryant, a former teacher and current stay-at-home dad; John Heckman, a certified public accountant; and Ken Myers, a civil rights attorney.
The event was sponsored by the Solon Council of PTAs and Solon Education Association, which represents teachers. Barbara Shane, former PTA council president, and Robert Rivera, a Solon social studies teacher who chairs the SEA welfare and finance committee, were moderators.
Questions were based on submissions from the public, according to Tamara Strom, the school district's director of communication services. Leaders from PTA council and SEA collaborated in writing seven questions. Members of the public were invited to ask additional questions of individual candidates following the formal 1 1/2-hour event.
Aside from their one-minute answers to questions, candidates were allowed two minutes each for opening remarks and conclusions.
Mrs. Glavin, an eight-year board member now serving as president, and Mrs. Seibert, who's completing her sixth four-year term, emphasized the achievements of the school board.
"I believe the board has played an important role in the success of Solon schools," Mrs. Glavin said. She cited the board's strides in controlling costs while ensuring academic achievement, her testimony to legislators about the state budget, and the board's relationship with SEA that was vital to the new teachers' contract.
"Our collective goal has been to develop the best school system that inspires each student to achieve personal best," Mrs. Seibert said. She pointed out the board's role in starting strategic planning, for which she initially campaigned, building of the dual school about 20 years ago and keeping education going after a tornado struck the two buildings in 2002.
The former mayors talked about their qualifications and volunteer efforts with the district.
"I bring a strong background of education, government and community service," said Mr. Patton, who served as mayor for 12 years and teaches psychology at Cuyahoga Community College. While mayor, he chaired the district's 2010 levy campaign and served on strategic planning.
"Last winter I began to lobby legislators before they understood we had a school funding crisis," said Mr. Paulson, a member of the strategic planning financial committee. He served as mayor for 10 years and is senior acquisitions editor at Pearson Education.
The newcomers, all active parent volunteers in the district, shared their vision.
"I'm running because I think Solon is very special," said Mr. Bryant, who taught in Orange and Euclid and has a master's degree in school administration. "We have what so many people want and we need to work hard to maintain that."
"It takes a village to educate a child and it happens here in Solon," said Mr. Heckman, who co-chaired the strategic plan's financial action team. Now serving as vice president of finance at Kirtland Capital Partners, he has worked in the private and public sectors 24 years.
"It's helpful to have a lawyer on the board," Mr. Myers said, referring to financial and labor issues, as well as changes in the law. "I think I have several experiences and credentials that will help this board over the next four years.
In their conclusions, Mr. Myers said he wants to give back to the community and could serve as the voice for students with disabilities.
Mr. Heckman said he would work to ensure the district's financial stability.
Mr. Bryant said he understands the many sides of what education faces and will look at how the district can set the bar.
Mr. Paulson said he understands how the legislature works.
"I hope the two ladies up here get re-elected," Mr. Patton said, expressing an interest in working with the current board.
"Since I've been on the school board, the district has grown from good to great," Mrs. Seibert said. "Let's keep the momentum going."
Mrs. Glavin said the district has received "straight A's" in academics, the arts and athletics, as well as its most recent AAA bond rating.
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