posted April 14, 2008
Four county school board candidates said Monday they are running as a team under the theme "Back on Track".
The team includes incumbent Rhonda Thurman, who is unopposed.
Also running under the banner are:
Joe Dumas, who is trying to unseat veteran Chip Baker in District 2
Gregg Juster, who is opposing incumbent Debra Matthews. Kenneth Simpson is another candidate in District 4.
Michael Dzik is trying for the District 7 seat being vacated by Joe Conner. Other candidates are Kevin Burke and Linda Mosley.
Tim Price, a former school board candidate who said he is working with the team, said, "Recently school system Chief Financial Officer Tommy Kranz has verified that school system finances have been mismanaged by the current school board and past administrations. Fiscal responsibility is even more important in a troubled economy with stagnant tax growth.
"Mr. Kranz has set a goal of funding for the classroom from the current 84% to a new high of 90-92% of the total school budget. This figure is more in line with successful school systems' dollar allocation. This would mean approximately $20 million dollars more into classrooms that is currently being mismanaged and wasted.
"Furthermore, discipline problems at various schools has put our students at risk and embarrassed both the school system and our community. Students deserve a safe environment in which learn. Teachers deserve a safe environment to work. Current rules need to be enforced to the letter which will send a message to unruly children and their parents that this unacceptable behavior will no longer be tolerated.
"These policies were put in place by a school board that usually votes 8 to 1 on over 90% of issues that have been considered. Over the last several years past school board chairman Chip Baker and member Debra Matthews have 'led' the school system into turmoil. Now it's in jeopardy of being out of control both financially and from a standpoint of discipline.
"It's obvious that a drastic change of direction is needed. To secure that goal an education team for change is being offered in the August election. This team is being led by school board member Rhonda Thurman who is running unopposed in District 1. Rhonda has been fighting for these changes for years and has been voted down by the 8 to 1 school board almost every time. Hamilton County taxpayers need five votes for change and electing Rhonda Thurman and three new candidates will put us well on our way toward having a successful school system."
The following candidates will be running for school board seats under the banner "BACK ON TRACK 2008"
Mr. Price said a press conference and rally for the team will be held on Thursday at 4 p.m. immediately preceding the school board meeting to release the details of the team platform.
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