posted July 1, 2008
County School Board District 2 challenger Joe Dumas on Tuesday asked incumbent Chip Baker to take a pledge to stay on the School Board for four years if elected.
Mr. Baker later said a story that County Commissioner Richard Casavant might not run for re-election in 2010 and he (Baker) run for his seat is "one of the rumors" he said were being spread by Mr. Dumas.
The exchange took place at a School Board forum hosted by the North Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce at the Chattanooga Theatre Centre.
Mr. Dumas afterwards said he was concerned that Mr. Baker might win the County Commission seat in 2010 and "then turn around and pick one of his tax-and-spend buddies to fill his former seat rather than allowing the voters to decide."
Gregg Juster, a District 4 candidate, said he wanted to "end the arrogance on the school board."
He said, "The public is against (an early contract renewal for) Dr. Scales 9-1. Think about that for a second."
Mr. Juster, who has lived here three years after operating businesses in California and elsewhere, said, "We don't back our teachers enough. You can't educate with disruptions in the classroom."
The incumbent in District 4, Debra Matthews, said she was a part of raising nine of the lowest-performing schools in the state to high achievement.
She said the county schools "are in the forefront of reform nationally."
Ms. Matthews pledged to be "an independent voice putting kids first."
Michael Dzik, of District 7, was asked about first agreeing a team that includes Mr. Juster, Mr. Dumas and Rhonda Thurman, said he made a mistake after being "blindsided."
He said, "I am an independent thinker."
Mr. Dzik said his children attend Westview Elementary and his wife is a substitute teachers, and he is fully involved in school issues.
Another candidate for the open District 7 seat, Linda Mosley, emphasized her business background and involvement with community groups.
Ms. Mosley said she will be fiscally responsible, saying the county schools "have to work with what we have."
On the issue of school safety, she said, "There are other ways to have safe schools other than putting a fulltime police officer in the school."
Mr. Baker and Ms. Matthews acknowledged they would favor the county schools have taxing power, but both said it is not going to happen.
Mr. Baker said it is unfair to ask the County Commission to have to fund the schools when the school board has all the say-so over how the funds are spent. Mr. Dumas replied that is "separation of powers." Mr. Juster said it would be like "having the fox in the hen house."
Mr. Baker said the key is to have good relations with the county commissioners. He has a "fantastic relationship" with Commissioner Casavant.
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