Candidates for Board of Education Discuss Priorities, Accomplishments, Goals

By LYDIA BERGLAR
News Editor

This year, five candidates are running for the Dade County Board of Education. Johnny Warren (incumbent) is running uncontested for the District Three seat, Steve Forester and Carolyn Bradford (incumbent) are facing off for District Four, and Jayne Griffin (incumbent) and Patrick Hickey are competing for the At-Large seat.

All registered voters vote for all districts, rather than being limited to voting for candidates representing their district of residence.

The Sentinel sent the candidates the same set of questions. These are their answers (with limited grammatical, punctuation, and capitalization corrections made).

Reminder: The local primary is May 21st.

Q: What are the top two or three responsibilities of a board of education? Similarly, what are the two or three areas that should be prioritized in the budget?

Johnny Warren: Well, first and foremost would be maintaining a safe environment, making sure our students have the best learning tools we can offer, and having the VERY best teachers in the classrooms. We need to be constantly aware that we are spending our county tax dollars wisely. We still have a few facilities that need upgrading, and I am hoping we can continue to enhance our CTAE program. I am so proud of the accomplishments already!

Steve Forester: The major responsibilities of school boards are likely related to one of three categories: budgets, policies, and evaluating and/or hiring the superintendent.

Without having adequate information to best answer the budget portion of the question, in general, I would say projects that are already in the works should have priority followed by those that are outlined in strategic plans while making sure that all money from all sources is used responsibly in maintaining the best environments, facilities, and resources that will contribute to the excellence of the Dade County School System.

Carolyn Bradford: The board of education is responsible for establishing and reviewing policies that govern the school district’s operations, curriculum, and administration.

The board of education makes crucial decisions on school facilities, finances, and advocate policies that benefit students and schools at the local, state, and national levels.

The board of education oversees the educational programs and curriculum, ensuring alignment with state standards.

The board of education is responsible for approving budgets, allocating resources, and ensuring fiscal responsibility in managing district finances (such as salaries for teachers and other employees, purchasing of instructional materials, and maintenance and operations).

Jayne Griffin: The responsibility of the Dade County Board of Education is to create policies and make decisions that support Dade County Schools’ strategic goals. To do this, the board:

• Makes decisions about budget expenditures that pay for supportive staff and well-maintained/safe facilities.
• Creates policies to support all staff in the implementation of curriculum that prepares children to live in the world while maintaining the values that are important to Dade County.
• Engages with the community (parents, businesses, government, and citizens) to provide support for the success of our children.

The top three areas that should be prioritized in the budget are:

• Classroom instruction. 68 percent of the entire FY23 budget was spent directly on classroom instruction. Additional budget items also supported classroom instruction including transportation of students, maintenance and operation of facilities, administrative costs, and extracurricular expenses.
• Safety for all students. This includes keeping our children safe in secure well-maintained buildings and outdoor spaces as well as ensuring their emotional safety.
• Recruiting and retaining high-quality teaching and support staff.

Patrick Hickey: First priority should always be student development. They depend on us as a board to work together in making sure they have the tools they need to have a successful future! Another priority is accountability to the student, the parents, faculty, and to the people of Dade County.

Q: If you currently serve on the board, what are you most proud of accomplishing this last term, and is there anything you aren’t satisfied with and/or hope to continue improving?

Johnny Warren: There are many things I could say, but I’ll focus on the NASA HUNCH program that we are in partnership with through the NASA group from Huntsville, Alabama. We actually have parts that were built in our schools that are being used in the International Space Station. We have several 3D printers that our students are skilled in programming. It gives them great opportunities to graduate high school and obtain a good paying job. Also, I will give another shoutout to our CTAE group for the work they did on building an electric car from scratch, racing at Talladega, and WINNING!

I am very proud of the way we manage the money to be able to say that in all of our audits, we have never had a finding. That in itself is a statement to be proud of. However, no matter how efficient we are, there is always room for improvement.

Steve Forester: N/A

Carolyn Bradford: There are so many things that I am proud of. I watched this school system stand strong during the time of COVID-19 and continue to stand strong after COVID.

I am so proud of our Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE). The students have the opportunities to work with stakeholders in our community through partnerships that are being formed, and they are prepared to move forward with their careers after high school.

I have watched as our kids work with the NASA HUNCH program and items that they made went to space!

I have watched our Fine Arts Programs excel and do amazing things. We are now this year watching our Dade County mixed chorus travel and perform at Nationals for Top Choirs through Choirs of America. This is an opportunity for our singers to do a workshop and a choir exchange with another high school choir from around the country and perform at Carnegie Hall in a mass choir.

I am proud of the opportunities our students have through our extra-curricular activities program. The students have opportunities to work with stakeholders in our community through partnerships that are being formed. I am proud of Dade County students having the opportunities to succeed and for the teachers and staff who dedicate their lives to our children.

I want to see continuous improvement of all our schools and academic achievement of all students. I want to always continue to meet the needs of all students in the school system. This is my first and foremost priority.

Jayne Griffin: I am most proud of the Davis construction. The construction was funded without bonds that would have incurred debt. By waiting a year, we saved taxpayers $500,000.

I hope to continue improving academic rigor and achievement and communication. Regarding academics, Dade County Schools test scores hover around the state proficiency rating of 50 percent. I want to know how our kids can be even better prepared for successful and sustainable lives when they leave Dade County Schools. Regarding communication, Dade County Schools provide excellent opportunities, but we need to do a better job of communicating those opportunities along with the challenges we face.

Patrick Hickey: N/A

Q: If you aren’t currently on the board, what do you think the current board has done well, and do you see any areas for improvement?

Johnny Warren: N/A

Steve Forester: The school system seems to have made a strong recovery from the challenges presented by COVID-19, and everyone is to be commended. It’s good to know that the Davis School construction is finally on track for completion. Also, in addition to offering college prep programs and students being able to have dual enrollment with GNTC, students have the availability of job-related courses to prepare them for the workforce.

When citizens speak to the board, even if they’re angry, they should be made to feel that they have been treated respectfully and that they were listened to. I understand that issues cannot be addressed or handled on the spot and one board member cannot speak for the entire board, but it seems as though some citizens have left feeling disillusioned and belittled.

Carolyn Bradford: N/A

Jayne Griffin: N/A

Patrick Hickey: There is always room for improvement. I believe the board has done well with a lot of things with the growth of students. But where can we improve? Do we talk to the teachers to see how the board can help them? Do we talk to the students to see what they need or what we can do as a board to help them out with their education? Are we talking with the parents to see how the board can improve?

Q: What experiences, expertise, etc. qualifies you for this position?

Johnny Warren: My experience during my career with politics and working a job with many positions qualifies me for this position. I worked in Chattanooga at what was Combustion Engineering, then ABB, then Alstom, Westinghouse. I spent 30+ years in The Metallurgical Laboratory and was promoted to supervisor in the Nuclear Light Manufacturing Division for ten years where I managed a budget that was always in the millions. In the late 70s and early 80s, I served three terms on Trenton City Council as police commissioner. I served two years in the United States Army Seventh Army Headquarter in Heidelberg, Germany. Lastly, I must say my love for God, family, kids, and county is my greatest asset.

Steve Forester: While I may not be proficient in financial and budgetary matters, I feel my years of experience in the classroom and school system (Walker County) have equipped me with perspective, knowledge, and experience of the policies set forth by the school board. Having a history of working with youth, a faith that calls me to service for others, and an awareness of the integration of the school system and the community makes me feel qualified to seek this position.

Carolyn Bradford: I have always felt Dade County was my home, being here for 48 years with my husband, Gregory Bradford. I have invested my life in Dade County working with children. I have been a girl scout leader, a foster home, and active in my church as a Sunday school teacher, children’s church teacher, and youth worker.

For the past 25 years, I have had the privilege to work in our community through various roles to support the schools.

Jayne Griffin: I was an educator for 45 years, 20 years as a classroom teacher and 25 years as an educational administrator. I led a staff of educators who served over 100,000 students and their families annually. I have served on several boards and presented at many educational conferences. Though I completed masters and doctorate degrees in educational leadership, I continue to be a learner and educator. One of my current passions is serving Trenton Methodist Church as a teacher and program leader. I am a long-term Dade resident who understands the magic of Dade County!

Patrick Hickey: I bring heart and passion to the table when it comes to why I’m running for this seat. I want to help pave the path for my kids and others to have the tools they need to graduate and have a bright future when they walk across the stage after graduating. My mother homeschooled me and my four other siblings, so I don’t have the whole public school experience, but I do know the difference between right and wrong and wanting to make sure every kid that comes through the Dade County School System knows we are there for them.

Q: How should the Dade County Board of Education communicate with the public, and how should individual members communicate with constituents?

Johnny Warren: Be open in communication with the public, be honest when answering their questions, and be polite when asked for information on subjects that, by law, we cannot discuss.

Steve Forester: The answer may not be as obvious as it seems on the surface. While communication is important because board members are elected to serve their constituents, individuals cannot speak on behalf of the entire board, which serves as a single unit, and boards can only conduct business when a quorum is present. Yet having a majority present outside the confines of a scheduled meeting runs the risk of violating rules. Caution has to be exercised from both the board and the constituency. Therefore, the board is responsible for creating a calendar of scheduled meetings and using all available sources to communicate those meetings–websites, newspapers, social media pages, etc. I believe the meetings are video-recorded and can be viewed online, and the Sentinel always posts an article regarding each meeting.

Carolyn Bradford: The Dade County Board of Education is a part of One Governance Team. Individual board members have no authority outside of the board room. Each of us on the board are always ready to listen and talk to anyone who contacts board members. Through our Board Norms and Protocols, we discuss any issues that we are made aware of with the superintendent and allow him to handle the day-to-day operations.

Jayne Griffin: The Dade County Board of Education desires to communicate transparently about issues not protected by privacy legalities. Currently, we encourage communication through weekly updates from the superintendent; monthly meetings open to the public and often live-streamed; DC Connects; and publications on the website/Facebook and in the Sentinel. Board members and the superintendent are accessible via Dade County e-mails. For classroom/school issues, there is a chain of command designed to address issues quickly and effectively: classroom teacher, then principal, followed by superintendent conversations if needed.

Patrick Hickey: I believe the board should do away with having to fill out a request form to be able to speak at the board meeting because with the system they have right now, the board gets to pick and choose who speaks and who doesn’t. With the amount of taxes the board takes every year, we should be more open to the ones who we represent. Whether it be limiting the amount of people who speak or having a separate meeting to hear these concerns or criticism, the board should be more accountable to the ones they represent. If I am elected, I will have quarterly town halls to meet with parents and people of the community face to face so they know they’re being heard more than just at a meeting where they may not have been approved to speak at.

Q: What are the biggest financial challenges the Dade County school system faces?

Johnny Warren: A few examples: We are mandated to pay teachers according to their education and years of service. That means we are mandated to give an increase when they reach a certain millstone. Sometimes, we are in a position for whatever reason that we can’t use this pot of money except for a specific area. For example, we cannot pay any salaries with SPLOST. Sometimes, when the state increases our health insurance premiums two or three years in a row, we get a bit nervous. Also, when old HVAC units need replacing or buses wear out, we are quickly facing several hundred thousand dollar expenses. For the most part, we have been able to manage our taxpayers’ money in a very good manner.

Steve Forester: I will not pretend to know the financial situation or challenges of the school system. Not having served on the board, I do not have the information to address the financial challenges. For me, the biggest challenge will be developing a mindset for how monies from the federal, state, and local sources can be used. I assume the largest portion of the budget goes to employee salaries, with other amounts funding the Capital Outlay Plan as well as designated projects for E-SPLOST dollars. I cannot speak specifically to this question in the same manner Mrs. Bradford can.

Carolyn Bradford: Inflation has created an economic hardship that is unavoidable; it has affected more than just the household. This can be seen all across the board: food for students, fuel for buses, rising cost of health insurance, and other maintenance and operational costs.

Jayne Griffin: Facilities maintenance. Our facilities are aging and need to be improved. There are also needs for buildings that would support sports, fine arts, and other extracurricular activities that are so important for the development of our children.

Patrick Hickey: Some of the things that school boards are having to face are the rising costs in some categories and still dealing with issues from when COVID-19 hit the United States. As former board member Daniel Case said at the New Home Meet and Greet when asked why it took so long to start building back the demolished part of Davis Elementary, “During COVID, the cost of everything was up…the board wanted to wait for prices to come back down.” When it comes to unexpected repairs to buildings or other things, it puts a strain on other projects to get done. There are water leaks in the roof of Dade Elementary School when it rains. Where is that on the list of things to be done? If I’m elected, I will be able to have a better understanding of what the school system faces when it comes to financial obstacles.

Q: What are the biggest obstacles in education? How can a board of education address these obstacles?

Johnny Warren: We do face many obstacles. Some of our big hurdles are state and federal mandates. We are affected by the economy just like our homes and families are. When fuel costs go up for our buses, we feel the pinch just like everyone else. Our buses travel 1,250 miles per day–unbelievable, but true. When grocery prices keep increasing, we feel the pinch in our lunch rooms. There are many other things I could talk about, but in summary, we are affected by inflation like any other family or business.

Steve Forester: Public education needs to always keep setting the bar higher and higher. Competition is often a driving force that keeps institutions, business, and organizations striving to become better. I believe I read that the student population in Dade County is decreasing by an average of around 19 students annually. Especially after COVID, that means parents are choosing other alternatives to public education. Parents and students alike need to feel assured that the schools are safe and nurturing and the curriculum is free from indoctrination. Finally, literacy issues will likely always be obstacles to achievement. Our K-12 schools no doubt strive to make sure all students are successful as outlined in the district’s mission statement.

However, sometimes more is needed. The one institution in our community that is diligent in its efforts to supplement all that goes on in the K-12 program is the Dade County Public Library (a list of ways can be provided). The library’s operational budget must come from the three agents with taxing authority within the county–the county commission, the city commission, and the school board. The county commission always comes through with their support (now at 59 percent of the total amount needed), and the city commission has really come on board recently (now making up 29 percent of the library’s operating budget). However, that is not the case with the school board, which should be the one of the three most willing to support the operational budget of the library (currently with 12 percent of the budget). (Please see the article in the January 10 edition of the Sentinel to get the entire story). I would like to have the opportunity to serve on a school board that does its part in supporting our community’s only public library which contributes greatly to the overall literacy of our students.

Carolyn Bradford: Education is not just about academics; it’s about serving the (whole) child. Dade County staff members do their best to provide for the social and emotional needs of all students. That means helping them with needs outside of the classroom and collaborating with families, teachers, administrators, and the community to promote student’s overall success.

Jayne Griffin: Ensuring academic rigor in all aspects of education: We want Dade County Schools to be a good and fun place for all kids, but we also want our kids to be challenged toward their potential. Boards of education can address these challenges by supporting curriculum choices based on data and research and constantly monitoring the climate of all schools.

Learning gaps: Some young children entering our schools are missing the early childhood experiences that prepare them to learn (exposure to books and music, counting, sorting, meaningful play). These children begin school behind, and catching them up is very difficult. Boards of education can address this challenge by supporting early grades with the teaching resources and personnel needed to help close the learning gaps.

Patrick Hickey: Standardized testing is a huge obstacle when it comes to student development. Not all students are the same when it comes to learning. Others may have a harder time learning a certain subject than others, and I think it should be more centered towards the student and how easy or hard it is to understand what’s being taught. Right now, there is a lot of pressure on teachers and even the students when it comes to standardized testing, and as a representative to the board of education, I will always put the schools first and the students who depend on us to give them the prosperous future they deserve. Standardized tests are not fair or helpful tools because all tests are the same and not every kid is the same when it comes to learning. A student will have the answer counted as wrong if it’s not the direct answer the state is looking for, even if the student gets the right answer but in a different way because it’s not the way the state wants the question answered. It allows no room for creativity. It should not count against the student, the teacher, or the school because the state doesn’t allow creativity and the student to think differently.