Position paper: Norton City Schools Board of Education
Jim Bennett vs. Scott Collins
(incumbent) vs. Ben Hyder
vs. Elisa Worthington
Voters living in the Norton City
Schools District, including some New Franklin residents,
will vote for two candidates for the two open seats
on the Board of Education during the Nov. 6 General
Election.
Editor’s note: The answers to the following questions are provided as submitted. Candidate Scott Collins did not submit information to the following questions by the deadline.
Why do you think you are the better candidate?
Bennett: I think my education and experience place me in the best position to make an immediate contribution to the Norton School Board. I earned my Bachelor of Science degree from the U.S. Air Force Academy and my Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Tiffin University. I have over 20 years of business experience as well as six years of past school board experience. I know what board members can and cannot do as well as what they should and should not do. In other words, I know the possibilities as well as the limitations. My business and board experiences enable me to understand complex educational finance issues as well as the financial information included in the district’s five-year forecasts. I will ask the right questions from the first day.
Hyder: I feel that I possess all of the best skills for serving the Norton CSD. I am a parent of two students from this excellent district. I have been a resident of the school district for more than 16 years. My wife and I have been involved in nearly every facet of our children’s education. Most recently I was able to take advantage of an invitation by the school board to assist in the selection of our new Superintendent. These experiences provide a perspective that might be considered that of an outsider. Because of that I can bring a different perspective that will be more like the average voter than someone who has served on the board before. I will be able to look at things as someone who has a very strong interest in Norton students being able to get the best education. I will also be aware that the funds that allow this excellent education are provided by hard working people and must be used wisely. I realize that good relationships are critical for the schools and the community to move forward. I further realize that these relationships are built on trust and openness and an honest respect for the members of the community who are the real owners of the Norton City School District.
Worthington: I feel that I am a qualified candidate for the Norton School Board because I am a 1980 graduate of Norton High School. I still spend a lot of time in the school system because my daughter attends Norton High School. She is in the marching band and student council. She also participates in the school plays as well as French club, so I do get many chances to speak to the students, and I hear what they need and how they feel. I also have two nephews at Cornerstone, so I do get a chance to see the areas that are working as well as issues that need addressed. I have also been in banking since 1989. I know this can help me with budgeting and spending in a manner that is responsible to the taxpayers of Norton (of which I am one). I am a 1985 graduate of Anderson University with a bachelor of arts degree in communications. I know that this will assist in speaking to the citizens and educators of Norton.
What do you think are the two most important issues facing the district and how would you address them?
Bennett: I think the most important issue is how to improve our educational program within the financial constraints imposed on our school district. We need to find ways not only to hold on to the district’s “Excellent” rating from the State of Ohio but to continue to improve with limited resources. The board should encourage and support policies that improve our curriculum, enhance our course offerings, and provide innovative methods of delivery. I will work with the other board members to hold the superintendent accountable for recommending and implementing these policies.
The second issue is the perception that some board decisions are not made in an open and transparent manner. I will work hard to ensure that the board is deliberative in its processes and encourages input from all stakeholders before making decisions. Discussions will be open, public and done with sufficient notice so that community members do not feel as though the board attempted to rush important decisions with little or no community input. Our school district cannot survive without community support and that support depends on decision-making that is open, transparent and fair.
Hyder: The most important issue facing Norton CSD is a continued source of funds. Norton has historically provided excellence in education while enjoying one of the lowest per student expenditures in Summit County. I feel that it is imperative to continue to use every penny the owners of this district provide to the best advantage for the students possible. Without having trust from the community that the school system is truly focused on the best interest of the students, while always seeking value, further growth will be difficult.
The second most important issue facing Norton CSD is managing growth within the district. Now that our system has enjoyed an excellent rating for a few years people are noticing our community. With that comes growth. Our newest building was completed in the 1960’s. Soon serious consideration will need to be made regarding new facilities. This kind of opportunity comes sometimes only once in a lifetime. I feel that with my background in engineering that I will be able to ensure that when the decision to pursue new buildings is made that the citizens of Norton will get the best result possible for their investment.
Worthington:
I believe that two of the
biggest issues facing the Norton School system is the
need for additional space and using the budget wisely.
I have been listening to the leaders of the city, and
I hear the importance for growth in the city. With growth
comes more students. At this time, some of the present
buildings are not accommodating the numbers of students
that are here now. A few of the buildings are close
to 100 years old. I also spend time working in the concession
stands on Friday nights, and with the amount of people
we have at the games, there is not enough room to handle
the needs. I know that money is tight, so we need to
use the budget in the most effective manner. I would
love to see facilities that show that we are proud of
being an excellent school district, and we are proud
of our students for being among the best in the state.
I look forward to future generations coming to Norton,
and I would welcome a chance to make this an even better
school district in a city that I dearly love.
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