Tuesday is election day for school board candidates throughout the state and here in Jefferson County there are contested seats in the Pine Bluff and the Watson Chapel school districts.
White Hall candidates are running unopposed and Dollarway no longer has a school board since becoming state run.
The Commercial submitted questions to contested candidates to provide a brief snapshot of each person’s perspective on the role of a school board director and the significant issues facing their district.
The questions are listed separately followed by each candidate’s response, organized by district and zone seat.
Pine Bluff School District
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Five of the seven seats on the Pine Bluff School Board are up for grabs this year with a total of 14 candidates in the fray.
The contested seats are in: zone 2 with board member Ellen Nichol facing challengers Mark Essex Smith and Phyllis A. Wilkins; zone 3 with board president Herman Horace facing Piccola Washington; zone 4 with board secretary Freddie M. Johnson facing Lee Meadows and Henry Dabner Jr.; zone 6 with board vice president Donna Barnes facing Carvis J. Campbell and Leon Jones Sr.; and zone 7 with board member Chandra Griffin facing Andrea Roaf-Little and the Rev. Johnny Smith.
Nichol, Horace and Griffin did not provide answers by deadline.
Question 1: What do you consider to be the most important issue that is facing the Pine Bluff School District?
Zone 2
Phyllis A. Wilkins
Today the Pine Bluff School District has too many competing and important issues to just name one. Among the most important issues are shrinking enrollment, an eroding tax base, low performing schools, a board that conducts itself in a civil and courteous way toward one another and the citizens, transparency and accountability to the community.
Mark Essex-Smith
Removing the negative stigma surrounding our failing schools and district.
Zone 3
Piccola Washington
To improve the quality of education by implementing programs and hiring staff necessary to improve test scores. We need to do everything that is possible to avoid state takeover of our district.
Zone 4
Freddie M. Johnson
Like other school districts throughout the nation, Pine Bluff School District has its issues as perceived by parents, teachers, administrators and patrons of the district. Foremost among those issues are creating safe and effective learning environments; student achievement/excellence in education; parental involvement; teacher retention and attrition, to name a few. I consider the most important issue to be creating and maintaining safe and effective learning environments which in turn would allow students to perform better academically, promote dedication in teachers and induce parents to become more involved with their child’s/children’s educational endeavors.
Lee Meadows
21st century learning: between Common Core and the Digital Age, our children have been competing in a global economy for some time now. What is interesting about this realization is that the solution is right before our eyes. 21st century learning can be summed up by the following statement: teach what counts and be sure to master how this can be applied to the workforce.
All students need to be provided an opportunity to learn an employable skill or trade before leaving our school system. We simply need to ensure that along with beauty/barber and auto-mechanics programs that we include new options like business internships or cooperative learning experiences by connecting them to the new curriculum options that are becoming available such as the Microsoft IT Academy.
Henry L. Dabner Jr.
To improve test scores in the district so we don’t have the state take over our district.
Zone 6
Donna Barnes
Low test scores.
Leon Jones Sr.
I feel the ranking of children on a state-wide academic basis is one of the main issues of the district currently. When five [5] schools are performing in the lower five percent of the state in test scores that is cause for alarm.
Carvis J. Campbell
I believe the most critical issues are recruitment and retention of competent educators and staff as well as accountability across the board to ensure that student-learning is a priority and that resources are used wisely and efficiently.
Zone 7
Andrea Roaf-Little
There are several issues that I feel are important issues facing the Pine Bluff School District. However, if I had to choose one issue it would be to address children leaving the district and how to attract students back.
Rev. Johnny Smith
The need to establish a solidified, trusting, confident, and dependable relationship with the school board, superintendent, administration, faculty and staff is essential for us to unanimously obtain our goals as well as overcome our challenges.
Question 2: In your opinion what is the school district’s greatest strength?
Zone 2
Phyllis A. Wilkins
Our district’s greatest strength is that it has thousands of potentially excellent and gifted students. These students stand in need of a committed, competent and supportive school board that will work with parents, business entities, educational groups, teachers and the broader community in guiding and motivating our students to reach their greatest level of excellence and success.
Mark Essex-Smith
The passion and desire which the community has expressed in regards to providing our children with the best possible education.
Zone 3
Piccola Washington
The number of dedicated employees we have in the district. That includes certified and noncertified, mechanics, bus drivers, and maintenance. We have people who have worked 20 plus years and are still striving to do better work. We have teachers who are well qualified to meet the challenges of today.
Zone 4
Freddie M. Johnson
The school district’s greatest strength is the fact that it is a public institution, which affords it the ability to cater to children of all socio-economic classes, learning abilities, diverse backgrounds and cultural environments while at the same time affording them the opportunity to participate in a variety of extracurricular activities as they interact with more people.
Lee Meadows
Our district’s greatest strength is its desire for change at all levels. While it is going to be a great deal of work, no matter who you talk to change is the main point in their conversation. We have enough blame to pass around the district, but at the end of the day, what does every child, parent, teacher, administrator, and community member want? Change!
Henry L. Dabner Jr.
Tradition. Pine Bluff School District has always had great administrators, teachers, and students that cared and we need to get back to caring.
Zone 6
Donna Barnes
The district is student-driven and fosters an environment that is conducive to learning. Much of the district’s finances are allocated for student achievement.
Leon Jones Sr.
It is my opinion that the school district’s greatest strength is its staff in general and its teaching staff in particular. We have some of the greatest educators in the country and we should applaud them. They have worked without proper raises for a number of years. Although they have received bonuses, they are deserving of raises as well. The school has a very professional and dedicated staff from the janitors to the principals. They need a board of directors that will work to make sure that they have all they need to perform at the highest level possible.
Carvis J. Campbell
The school district’s greatest strength is its potential to swiftly address the issues and to begin to maximize performance and achieve great results.
Zone 7
Andrea Roaf-Little
It is my opinion that the school district’s greatest strength is the dynamic education that is at the lower level (K-6).
Rev. Johnny Smith
We are fortunate to have an array of professionals who have personally prepared and equipped themselves to be the best they can be in school administration and education. Many of them have committed decades of their lives to Pine Bluff schools, evidencing their love and loyalty for what they do.
Question 3: In your opinion what is the school district’s most significant weakness/deficiency?
Zone 2
Phyllis A. Wilkins
The greatest weakness and deficiency is a lack of a big “vision” and the “unity of mind and purpose” to develop the necessary goals to turn around low performing schools so that all students have equal access to a good education.
Mark Essex-Smith
The community’s belief that the district has the student’s best interest in mind when policies are developed and implemented.
Zone 3
Piccola Washington
The most significant weakness in our district is the morale.
Zone 4
Freddie M. Johnson
Pine Bluff School District is not lacking any essential qualities or elements necessary to promote and provide the best quality education for all students; however, the district’s past practices of maintaining internal control over financial reporting and its failure to comply with certain standards in accordance with Government Accounting Standards have been pointed out as weaknesses/deficiencies that have been a matter of concern for all board members.
Lee Meadows
Broken relationships. All good legislators understand that relationships are required to move things forward. As my grandparents would put it, “Son, if your wife ain’t happy…no one is.” I am not talking about establishing relationships built on favor for favor. I am referring to the types of relationships that are built on trust, mutual respect of person and openness.
Henry L. Dabner Jr.
Attitude.
Zone 6
Donna Barnes
Declining enrollment.
Leon Jones Sr.
The most significant weakness/deficiency is the low levels of proficiency at which our students are currently performing. We must raise the proficiency levels. We must make use of state of the art technology and we must introduce our students to critical areas like math and science in the early grades to capture their attention and interest. Strong and effective leadership is needed to bring the administrators, teachers and staff together to work toward a common goal so that our children may thrive and our community grows.
Carvis J. Campbell
I suspect one of the district’s areas of concern would be its lack of transparency and limited accountability. I believe the district’s business should be discussed openly and everyone should be held accountable — from the board of directors to the parents.
Zone 7
Andrea Roaf-Little
One of the district’s most significant weaknesses/deficiencies is that the district is not taking full responsibility for the division and not being transparent to onlookers, thereby not admitting the mistakes made and ultimately not seeking a solution that will correct the issue.
Rev. Johnny Smith
Our recent days seem to have yielded fragmentation and distrust among the leading faucets of our district and community. Consequently, resulting in discontent and disruption.
Question 4: How will your presence on the board make it a better board?
Zone 2
Phyllis A. Wilkins
My presence on the board, with the presence of other like-minded board members, will bring about a sense of transparency, vision, hope and a guarantee of open dialogue between the board and the community.
Mark Essex-Smith
My degree in mathematics will allow me to analyze data and formulate several options to reach a desired goal. My degree in curriculum and instruction will allow me to understand and analyze which practices are “best.” My position as a teacher will allow me to understand what goes on the classroom on a daily basis and have empathy when it comes to the teachers, students and staff. My position as vice-president of my teacher’s union will allow me to be respectful of the laws and policy that protect our teachers. I have worked with the Mid South Delta Initiative which allowed me the opportunity to research the educational system in the Arkansas Delta and attend many leadership developing workshops. My previous employment as a college instructor will allow me the understanding of what the students will need to know in order to be success in undergraduate schools and/or technical schools.
Zone 3
Piccola Washington
I am bringing to the board team building, cooperation between administration, parents, community and business leaders, professionalism, calmness and the importance of getting to the core of educating and meeting the needs of our children.
Zone 4
Freddie M. Johnson
As a member of the board, my presence will ensure knowledge of state and federal laws governing public schools in Arkansas; knowledge of district and Arkansas School Board Policies; knowledge of the inner workings of schools (which can be attributed to my 33 years experience as an educator); the ability to scrutinize and evaluate proposals brought forth; the ability to make unbiased decisions, e.g. decisions not based on politics, social organizations or friendships.
Lee Meadows
When putting together a team, each person must bring a skill to the table that others do not have. I am a proven educator, leader and team player. However, the skill that I bring to the table that no one else has is my background in information technology.
My background includes mentoring and tutoring K-12 students throughout Pine Bluff; teaching post-secondary mathematics and computer technology courses; a 13 year career in information technology where I have spent the past five years in management. I am currently the chief information officer for the state of Arkansas’ Department of Career Education and Rehabilitation Services.
Henry L. Dabner Jr.
I would make it better by being a team player and a good listener. By looking at all options before making a decision.
Zone 6
Donna Barnes
My experience and 100 plus hours of board training qualifies me to carry out the roles and responsibilities needed to be an effective board member. The district is advancing in a positive direction and I would like to continue my support for the qualified administration that is now in place. My presence will also ensure that student achievement is the number one priority.
Leon Jones Sr.
I have a strong sense of compassion for others and a heartfelt desire to see others progress. I will bring a spirit of unity and sincerity that is badly needed for such as time as this.
Carvis J. Campbell
I am running in light of my strong desire to help improve the conditions within the Pine Bluff school system for our kids. I truly believe the school board is essential to creating a shared vision with emphasis on quality public education and ensuring the district has the necessary resources to transform the vision into reality. As a board member, I would be an advocate for good public education, a leader to the district, a good steward of the district’s resources and a representative to the community. I would ensure that student learning is first and foremost.
Zone 7
Andrea Little-Roaf
I have a sense of integrity and I believe in holding myself accountable and will bring honor to the seat. I also believe in adhering to high ethical standards, thereby bringing transparency to the board allowing the parents, teachers and community to trust those that are serving.
Rev. Johnny Smith
I bring with me decades of experiences in leadership, conflict resolution, insight, and community commitment. I understand the elements that solidify community, partnerships and personalities. My intent is to direct my experiences and skills to garner and expose the greatest potential for our children.
Question 5: [For challengers only] If elected what would you like to see the newly constituted board do that it does not do now and what changes would you like to see to the way the board does business?
Zone 2
Phyllis A. Wilkins
I would like to reestablish trust between the community and the board by ensuring that the community feels that at every school board meeting public comments are not just allowed, but encouraged. This will strengthen public trust and ensure broad support from community stakeholders. Also, I will work to reestablish a climate that is friendly, professional, respectful and trustworthy.
Mark Essex-Smith
Not conduct anymore illegal meetings. Either all board members have a child or grandchild in the district or provide the board members with a stipend in order to attract the most qualified candidates for future positions.
Zone 3
Piccola Washington
I envision a board of directors that will exemplify a unified team working for the same goal of building a better school district. A board that will always remember we were elected by the people and we must always be respectful of others because we want to be respected.
I would like to see the board meetings scheduled so that parents and citizens can come at the time the open meeting is held. It does not seem necessary for people to sit and wait for hours for the board to come out of executive session.
Zone 4
Lee Meadows
Mandatory new meeting format. Ending our marathon board meetings by establishing clear timelines which would state if the agenda is longer than 2.5 hours that we must move to a Saturday meeting or forego other portions of our meeting to ensure we get to the actual board meeting without having people waiting outside for hours.
Board transparency. While we are not allowed to give details of the conversations, the people have the right to be given a detailed agenda of the Executive Session.
No more food before meeting with the people. It is not decent to feed yourselves while people are waiting on you. We will handle the people’s business before dining.
Community vision rallies. Organized events where we can reconnect with the people of Pine Bluff.
Establish a superintendent hiring process that will guarantee we will stick with our next superintendent for three years if at all possible.
Increase the openness of our election process. Candidates will not be allowed to run for office and not appear at regularly scheduled public open forums.
Henry L. DabnerJr.
I would like to see the board work as a team and listen to what others have to say before making decisions, and not hold board meetings so long that parents can’t participate.
Zone 6
Leon Jones Sr.
I would like to see the school board solicit the ideas of the community in finding ways to enhance the development of the children. I think the parents, community leaders, business owners and other stakeholders have a lot to offer in the way of ideas for learning and advancing that the children are missing. I would like to see the school board be more responsive to the public when confronted with any issue relating to the district. I think that cordiality is a virtue that can and should be an ongoing attribute of the board of directors.
Carvis J. Campbell
I would like to see that student learning is priority, no matter what. This includes recruiting qualified staff to educate and appropriately address graduation rates and ACT test scores. I would also like to see the board operate with more transparency (open dialogue) and accountability (everyone has a shared responsibility and expectation to do what is right).
Zone 7
Andrea Roaf-Little
I believe that feedback from staff and students, which can be elicited through surveys, interviews, discussion groups and open forums. Individuals from the community, including business leaders and employers should also be included in offering feedback. Ultimately, after the information has been gathered, the key is to report out on the findings so if a new plan and strategy will need to be developed all interested parties can take part. If individuals feel as though they are a part of the solution the mechanism can and will work effectively and efficiently.
Rev. Johnny Smith Jr.
I refer to the answers of the previous questions for my perspective to function in school board operations.
Watson Chapel School District
Two of the seven seats on the Watson Chapel School Board are contested this year with a total of four candidates vying for the two spots.
The contested seats are in: zone 3 with board secretary Ronnie Reynolds facing RosLynn Moye; and zone 3 and 5 at-large with board vice president Sandra C. Boone facing Harold Clark.
Clark did not provide answers by deadline.
Question 1: What do you consider to be the most important issue that is facing the Watson Chapel School District?
Zone 3 and 5 at-large
Sandra C. Boone
One of the most important issues the Watson Chapel School District faces is a decline in state funding, which is in part, directly related to our performance as well as the population of students we are educating.
Our monies generally come from four sources: local taxes (12 percent), state (73 percent), federal (14 percent) and other local (one percent).
Zone 3
Ronnie Reynolds
The millage increase.
RosLynn Moye
At this current moment I’m unaware of any, but if elected I will make sure to get answers for students and parents of any discrepancies.
Question 2: In your opinion what is the school district’s greatest strength?
Zone 3 and 5 at-large
Sandra C. Boone
The Watson Chapel School District has several significant strengths. Our district has no schools on the school improvement list. However, we do have one school which is considered a “focus” school because of the wide margin between students who scored basic or below and those who scored proficient or advanced. The principals are diligently committed to “closing” this gap as soon as possible.
Another strength is the fact that we have met all of the requirements for Advanced Ed membership. This is due in part to our terrific, dedicated administrators and staff.
Zone 3
Ronnie Reynolds
Discipline.
RosLynn Moye
The staff. I have children in the district and the teachers are excellent and take their teaching seriously.
Question 3: In your opinion what is the school district’s most significant weakness/deficiency?
Zone 3 and 5 at-large
Sandra C. Boone
Our significant weaknesses are threefold. The district patrons neglected to pass the millage increase last spring, lack of funding for a much-needed new middle school, and students who are performing at basic or below.
Zone 3
Ronnie Reynolds
Sufficient funding.
RosLynn Moye
I’ve noticed a lot of truancy of students walking the streets at different times while school is in session.
Question 4: How will your presence on the board make it a better board?
Zone 3 and 5 at-large
Sandra C. Boone
My presence on the Watson Chapel School Board of Directors is an asset because I have first-hand knowledge of the goings-on in public school. This is referenced by my experience as an educator, education association leader, chief negotiator for the collective bargaining committee and my tenure on the Watson Chapel School Board. I am a staunch supporter and promoter of public school education.
Zone 3
Ronnie Reynolds
I am a positive role model and I put children first and I have the proven ability to work with the district’s constituents.
RosLynn Moye
I’m concerned for our children’s future and I’m a great observer. I’m a people’s person that listens and responds to others concerns especially when it comes to the children.
Question 5: [For challengers only] If elected what would you like to see the newly constituted board do that it does not do now and what changes would you like to see to the way the board does business?
Zone 3
RosLynn Moye
Student truancy. As I stated before I’ve seen a number of students walking the streets during school hours with their backpacks and school uniforms on and it has become noticeable. I think there should be a truancy officer available to ensure the students are accounted for during school hours.