Foster's Oyster River School Board hopefuls take part in Q&A

Oyster River School Board hopefuls take part in Q&A

By LAURENNE RAMSDELL
lramsdell@fosters.com
lramsdell@fosters.com


Thursday, February 17, 2011


DURHAM — Six candidates vying for three seats on the Oyster River School Board participated in a question-and-answer session Tuesday evening at Oyster River High School.

Vying for two at-large positions are John Collins, Megan Turnbull, Ann Lane and Chandler Hull. In the race for one position on the board, representing Madbury, are Susan Willer and James Kach.

Collins, who has served six terms on the School Board in the past, said he wanted to run for an at-large position because he feels he can make an overall difference. As he's been through the budget process before, Collins said he has experience that will be helpful in forming and implementing Oyster River's newest budget.

Turnbull, a resident of Durham and a mother of two in the Oyster River school system, said she is suitable for an at-large position as she is heavily invested in the district, as well as education itself.

"My passion for public education runs very deep," said Turnbull. As she is part of many education based organizations, Turnbull said she has professional skill sets that will be helpful to the board and will help keep members on track to maintain the district's values.

Lane said she moved here because of the school district's reputation. For the past 20 years, Lane has been dedicated to child advocacy and education through her consistent commitment as a parent volunteer in the Oyster River School District. Though the board is facing many challenges throughout the upcoming fiscal year, Lane said she will work to the best of her ability to improve the current public education system.

Hull, the youngest candidate running for an at-large position, said he is interested in giving back to the school that gave him a number of opportunities. As a 2010 graduate of Oyster River High School, Hull said he could bring new ideas to the board and address issues with a fresh perspective while truly relating to the students in the school system.

Willer, a 19-year resident of Madbury, has had one child make her way through the school district. Though her daughter has already graduated, Willer said she wants the opportunity to give back to the community and school system that offered her daughter so much while attending.

Kach, who currently serves as an interim member of the School Board, he has been submerged in the current board's efforts. Kach said he has recognized many things in his time serving on the board that need to be done in the community, and that he is the right man for the job.

"I want to offer whatever I can to make it a pleasant experience for students, staff and the community at large," said Kach.

The upcoming School Board will be faced with the task of finding and hiring a new superintendent and a new high school principal. When the candidates were asked Tuesday evening what they would be looking for in those looking to fill the leadership positions, all agreed that such individuals would need to possess great strength in listening and communicating.

"When I think of a leader," said Turnbull, "I look for a clear vision that's articulate and that everyone understands so they know where the ship is headed."

Hull said it's important that such individuals looking to fill the leadership positions be motivated role models, as they are the ones implementing the policies that work to benefit those involved in the school district.

Kach and Lane agreed the future superintendent and high school principal should work to bridge the gap between members of the school district and the school board. They suggested those vying for the positions include all stakeholders, including past School Board members, in their decision-making process.

When asked if they would support the continuation of the district's Advisory Budget Committee, the candidates unanimously agreed the committee's service has been a key instrument in Oyster River's many successes.

"Multiple minds bring us the greatest value," said Lane. "Not one person is an expert on everything."

Willer echoed Lane's suggestion, noting the committee's opinions have been a crucial element in much of what the current School Board has adopted and implemented. Kach called the committee a godsend, as they have worked hard to break matters down to the nitty-gritty for board members and have made many suggestions the board has ultimately accepted.

Though they agreed the committee has done the board a great service with its recommendations, Collins and Turnbull said it would be crucial to clearly define the role of the committee and its relationship to the board in order to take full advantage of the committee's potential.

Each year, the School Board is faced with the difficult task of balancing a need for high quality education and lowering taxes. Expected to be no different for the upcoming fiscal year, the candidates were asked which is more important to them. Though each stressed the importance of keeping taxes low to avoid driving anyone out of the district, each candidate said they would ultimately work to put high quality education first and foremost.

"We need to look at areas where we can act frugally without hurting the quality of education," said Kach.

Collins stressed the students within the Oyster River district only have a few years in the school system, and their education during that time shouldn't be sacrificed for the sake of lowering taxes.

As each candidate comes from a different background, one question at the Tuesday evening candidates night focused on whether they would enter the School Board with a prior agenda.

All explained they would enter the board as a member with no hidden or open agendas. However, more than half of the candidates stated they would like to see certain projects and plans implemented more than others, but that it wouldn't stop them from hearing all sides of an argument and staying open-minded.

Residents of Lee, Madbury and Durham will take to the polls on March 8 to fill the three board positions.

http://www.fosters.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20110217/GJNEWS_01/702179726/-1/FOSNEWS02&template=GreatBayRegion