The Mail-Journal, Volume 27, Number 37, Milford, Kosciusko County, 26 October 1988 — Page 2

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THE MAIL-JOURNAL—Wed., October 26,1988

Wowasee School Board candidates answer questions

(Continued from page 1) board and the school administration and how would you improve it, if necessary? Swartzendruber: “Communication between school board members and administration is the best it’s been since I’ve been on the board. Our board packets are thorough and always come with a clear understanding that board members are to call for any further clarification and to ask any questions. They never include issues that are to be handled by administration unless it is of direct concern to the board and its policies. “Our administrators are never too busy to answer our questions, to clarify our concerns, or to get further information for us. Our individual input is valued, encouraged and respected. “How could we improve it? Only by continuing to build on the base of mutual trust, honesty and openness we already have.” - Wells: “It appears to me that the current school board has an open line of communication with the present administration. However, I would encourage direct input from educators, principals and staff personnel to board members on any issue. The more input you have on a topic, the better your final decision will be.” Little: “As one who has been involved in this type of exchange for a considerable time, having served on the school board for over IBV2 years, and having served with three different school superintendents and. their staffs, I feel that the current lines of communication are excellent. The roles of each, the school board and the superintendent, are clearly defined and I believe observed. The board members encourage open door accessibility and are kept advised of sensitive issues requiring their involvement. “A superintendent’s evaluation process has been initiated this past summer. Representatives of the board were selected and have reviewed with the superintendent the results of that evaluation. Annual repeats of that process, its review and critique are planned. The first board/superintendent in-service days were recently

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completed. The reaction of all participants was extremely positive. This type of inter-action will be continued on a regular basis.” e Mikel: “Not yet being a member of the board, it would be pure speculation on my part to make a judgement. ’ ’ Do you think the school corporation should consider putting the sixth grade back in the elementary school to ensure full use of facilities at the existing schools? Swartzendruber: “No. From outside reading and educational consultants, I have hoard often and emphaticaHy that sixth graders are more like seventh and eighth graders than like fourth and fifth graders. In fact, some recommend fifth grade be included in the middle school. Times have changed and children are growing up faster and reaching puberty earlier. “Our facilities will be well used by K-5. At present, none of our schools can fully implement Prime-Time except with the use of paraprofessionals. There aren’t enough classrooms. With the new middle school allowing more classrooms to be available, implementation with 18-20 students per teacher will come closer to reality. With our increasing enrollment in the elementary, every year becomes a challenge.” Wells: “No. I think the sixth grade should continue to be part of the middle school. The curriculum of the sixth grade fits in with the middle school curriculum better than it does with the elementary.” Little: “Established school corporation policy with our current K-5 approach seems to be desirable and workable. Current enrollments in this school configuration is 460 students at Milford; 654 students at North Webster; and 567 at the Syracuse Junior High School site. These are workable numbers. “Following the moving of students to a completed middle school, extensive updating and renovation of vacated classrooms will have to be accomplished. I see no basis for the suggested transfer. Our curriculum is designed around our six through eight approach and it is sound.

Staff and community committees have had input and have made valuable contributions in devising a workable middle school curriculum. Although junior high school plans for only the seventh and eighth are in place, the trend is not to move away from a six-seven-eight configuration. “Maturation seems to be occurring earlier and lends support to the inclusion of the sixth grade child in the junior high programs. I feel that the protective home room concept is not an item of major concern at tfiis grade level. Additionally, I believe that the interest and focus of a sixth grade student is enhanced by giving that student the additional responsibilities connected with the middle school setting. Our plans call for the use of a student/teacher personal arrangement that is both creative and exciting. “The school board and administration responded to what was perceived as the voice of the communities and have proceeded with citizen committee input and middle school plans on a six

SAMPLE VOTING BALLOT DISTRICT 2 . (TURKEY CREEK) □ CAROL SWARTZENDRUBER □ JEFF WELLS (REMEMBER — ONLY 1 VOTE IN EACH DISTRICT) DISTRICT 3 (VAN BUREN/JEFFERSON EAST) □ BILLY G. LITTLE □ DENNIS MIKEL (REMEMBER — ONLY 1 VOTE IN EACH DISTRICT) YOU HAVE ONLY 1 VOTE IN EACH DISTRICT VOTING FOR 2 IN THE SAME DISTRICT WILL NULLIFY YOUR VOTE l_—. -J

through eight basis. The board was of the opinion that the most fair method to determine preferences was to ask for parental input by a questionnaire. These preferences have been received and noted. To move the sixth grade back into an elementary setting would contradict the expressions of choice as reflected in that questionnaire. Such a move would again delay the Syracuse/North Webster Middle School program. Facilities and programs that are urgently needed would be compromised. “We do not contemplate an excess of vacant classrooms as long range plans call for creative usage of available classroom space for our special programs. Finally, there has been no suggestion educational wise that such a transfer should be done. ’ ’ Mikel: “To put the sixth grade back into the elementary program would require a major revision of both the elementary and junior high programs. I’m not sure that is a viable option. ’ ’ How do you view the possibility

of enhancing the Milford school facility to the level of the new middle school and changing the school district lines so that the Milford school can be used as a second middle school, thus giving the corporation a two-middle school system as was originally presented by the administration and avoiding a potentially overcrowded central middle school in the future? Swartzendruber: “Most anything is possible but decisions can only be made with the facts on hand. No one knows exactly what the future holds. At this time, the probability for this to be needed seems minimal since the new middle school is being planned for more students than we can foresee in the near future. It is also planned so that expansion can happen as the need becomes apparent. “With the previous redistricting, the board committed to any further change as a last resort. If lines are changed it always involves both elementary and middle school children. The impact on the Milford school could be negative for the elementary grades.” Wells: “I do not like the idea of changing district lines and having two middle schools for three communities. The communities are probably not going to grow at the same rates, therefore, you would ned to constantly change district lines to maintain optimum enrollments at each school. One centrally located middle-school would eliminate changing district lines and be more cost effective to build and maintain. I would prefer building an addition to a central middle school before I would having one child go to the north school and my next child going to the south school.” Little: “Some 18 months ago our school corporation became engrossed in a length and emotional process designed to secure reaction from school patrons in all three communities as to their middle school preferences and expectations. I felt then, and I feel as strongly now, that the board did listen carefully to all who wished to be heard. Os course, diversed opinions were expressed. Equally true, not all preferences could be satisfied. ' The board heard the expression that in the Milford area a small -school setting wao dwired. The board heard that view and responded to it even though it was contrary to what was perceived as sound progressive educational direction. “A firm and resolute commitment was extended to the Milford community and students that a two site junior high/middle school program would be assured, although an enrollment size variance would indeed exist. Statements were made by the board indicating that a curriculum would be maintained as nearly identical but subject to the enrollment differences. The school board then turned to the two communities directly involved in the new middle school pro-

Halloween activities to highlight weekend

(Continued from page 1) Key Club is helping out with registration. For more information, call Carol Wallace at 457-3179. To round out this year’s spooky season, Syracuse merchants will be holding sales in conjunction with “Halloween Madness.” At Milford Saturday Milford’s Halloween celebration will be marked by the fifth annual Campbell’s IGA party on Oct. 29 at the IGA parking lot. There is a free chili supper that will be held from 5-7 p.m. and donations will be accepted for the Milford EMS service. A cake decorating contest will be held. To be judged, cakes need to be at the IGA by 5 p.m. Costume judging for children and adults will begin at 7 p.m. and prizes will be awarded for all categories. Categories include cartoon character; witches, ghosts, goblins; space people; clowns; hobos; story bode, fairy tales, nursery rhymes; movie characters; animals and cowboys and Indians. The age categories are one-seven and eight-up. Prizes in all categories are $5, $3 and $1 respectively for first, second and third place. There is also a $25 grand prize. Various Milford service organizations helping with the

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ject — North Webster and Syracuse —for community input. With this input as well as that from staff procedures were followed for 16 months to move us to the stage of final drawings and specifications preparatory to placing the corporation in a position for bid letting in early 1989. “The concept of making the Milford site into a second middle school would require the transferring of 250-300 students if the two locations were to be somewhat compatible in size. The changing of school boundary lines is extremely disruptive and educationally chaotic. Such a plan is upsetting to students and parents alike. To contemplate a middle school setting of approximately 400 students in the Milford area would seemingly not be to the expressed wishes of the Milford patrons who have indicated that they desire a small school setting. I am of the opinion that parents have, through community meetings, private contacts, and community committees as well as the questionnaire given a clear indication of their choice. To alter plans would be a failure to honor that expressed choice. “There may well be a difference in the direction that I and another candidate might follow in this regard. However, the direction that I support, is to continue the plans for the new middle school as currently developed. I do not feel that at this stage of planning it would be impossible to make further changes resulting in delays for needed classrooms. Such a move, would in my opinion, jeopardize more equitable programs to the students of the North Webster and Syracuse area for at least another year. This is not desirable. It is not possible to maintain our expected 1990 opening and change middle school plans still further. I support the continuing of the pin:•«? as they have been formulated. ” Mikel: “The board must keep the curriculum at Milford on a reasonably even leVel with that of the new middle school, that is my top priority as a candidate from the Milford area. “I believe that if we create a situation at Milford where., the educational opportunities are nearly equal with that of the new school, many parents will want to keep their children in Milford.” What do you feel should be done to improve education in the school system for (a) gifted students, (b) average students, (c) special students? Swartzendruber: “Ideas for improvement in these areas must come from the teachers and administrators who are educational experts. That is their job and as a school board member I want to encourage their ideas and provide the means for them to implement what they believe to be best for each of these groups. “At present, through the workings of the building and corporation curriculum committees, an

party include: Milford Lions’ Club; Milford Legion Auxiliary; Milford Fire Department; Milford EMS and Campbell’s IGA. If there is bad weather or rain, the events will be moved to the .Milford School gym. For more information, call 658-9481. Police to start checking vehicles Residents who frequently travel through North Webster are encouraged to have their vehicle’s taillights, headlights and turn signals in working order during November. North Webster Police Chief Jerry Craig stated during that month officers will be checking vehicles. Those persons who have vehicles with equipment violations will be issued a warning. Citations will be issued if the vehicle is stopped for that same offense within five days after the warning is issued. Chief Craig noted the equipment check is being done for the public’s safety as headlights are being utilized more often during the fall.

avenue has been developed for making improvements and changes. A great deal has been done to improve the gifted program and the special education programs over the past few years and it is continuing. The average student needs to be addressed more. Through curriculum guidelines, the new middle school, Prime Time and new programs such as our new vocational agriculture program, the average student is affected. “We have an excellent educational program in our Wawasee schools with many individual programs recognized throughout that state as being progressive and admirable. We should be proud of what we have but always willing and eager to improve. The state is continually sending new guidelines and mandates that use must be willing to adapt and make work for our students. ’ ’ Wells: “The best way to improve education is to provide sufficient compensation to quality educators. With better compensation, it would provide more incentive for the current educators and attract qualified ones in the future. Along with more compensation, I would also like to see some form of evaluation that allows the educator to know exactly what areas of their performance needs improvements. I think better compensation helps create an environment of creative thinking and educational enrichment. This would be applicable to all three areas. ” Little: “I am certain that nearly all persons involved in education have developed pet projects and interest for the gifted and talented, average and the special student. All soon realize that expectations must be tempered with reality because of available dollars and space limitations. Programs are now in place, and are regularly being expanded, that address the above concerns. Readiness projects, testing, atrisk programs, remedial programs and special services in guidance are all functioning. Regardless of our approach it is made more difficult by our problem of identification. This leads to label and that does frighten me. , “I feel that the specific programtj are not in the realm of the responsibility of the school board member. The board of trustees has selected a chief executive officer, our superintendent of schools. He and his central office staff, plus building principals have the expertise and the charge to initiate and implement such programs. Their task is aided by building and corporation curriculum, school panning and advisory committees. This is the chain that is a part of our objectives and regulations. The efforts of these groups and individuals within the confines of state adopted measures addressing attendance, competency testing and public expenditures is not an easy one. They operate within another major concern. The message that has come from the state is one of accountability as continued emphasis is placed upon more closely regulated funding and testing programs to insure comparability of student learning. “I do not inject myself to this process expect to insist that our programs are sensitive to the needs of all students — special, gifted and average. As long as our activities teach to morals, ethics, desired behavior and values I have no problem with our approach. The changes involving the stability of our family units and the pace of our modern lives create tremendous concerns for these professionals. “The planned new middle school setting will more equalize the treatment of all of our students. Eliminations of facilities that are antiquated and restrictive will in themselves enable us to move progressively to the common goal of providing for all children of our corporation the very best offerings within our means. Again the role of responsibility is very clear. “I as a board member can only be pleased if our basic concept and attention speaks to providing instructional time sufficient to provide to all students the opportunities to acquire a minimum proficiency in every curriculum area.” Mikel: “Gifted students — Gifted students need to be challenged, the current programs, Future Problem Solving, Up Up and Away, challenge primarily the literary skills and do very little to address math and science these areas need some work. “Average student — The biggest complaint I hear in this area from the elementary is not enough time in the computer lab. “Special students — Largest problem — curriculum does not always challenge students at an individual level.” Why do you want to serve the people of the Wawasee Community School Corporation as a school board member? Swartzendruber: “My wanting

• to serve as a school board member grew out of my awareness of the importance of children, their education and how both affect the future. I have been involved directly with Wawasee’s schools through my children for over 12 years. I have found that my concern, my communication with administrators, and my willingness to take time and to work have made a difference over the years. As a board member, I would hope to be able to influence many children’s educational experience to be a positive one and an experience that leads to a desire for life long learning. “lam committed to giving the time necessary to be available and to being attentive to needs and concerns which affect children throughout our school community. We are moving in a positive direction towards open communication, progressive curriculum and changing for the future. I want to continue to be part of that movement. ’ ’ Wells: “Today, education is more important than it has ever been for our children to get good jobs and have the ability to make their own future. “I feel that I would do a good job determining what is necessary to provide our students with the proper facilities, materials, and educators to enhance their education without placing an extraordinary burden on the taxpayer. “I have been involved in many organizations over the years and I would look forward to accepting the challenges that face the school board.” Little: “I believe that there are many reasons why I would like to be re-elected to the Wawasee Community School Corporation Board of Trustees. There are also many reasons why I feel that I should be re-elected, but first, I would like to speak to a concern. I understand fully how some voters might feel about my continued service on the school board. I had sincerely considered not running again for the office. However, the present uncompleted projects and programs in which we, as a school corporation find ourselves involved, have caused me to consider otherwise. “The Syracuse renovating project and the new middle school A combination for the students flf Syracuse 1 arid North Webster are the culmination of at least three years of planning and input, I would like to see these programs through to their completion. I feel that my support of these programs represents a different commitment than that of my opponent. I believe there to be a difference in our commitment level. I believe that the difference in commitment to site location, to programs, to construction plans and their implementation is an issue in this election. Parents have spoken and we have listened and proceeded accordingly. “My length of service to this board and these communities can be a positive plus to the communities at this time and with these concerns. I too believe that someone can seek public office too many times and would feel that this would be my last term. I do wish to continue as a board member. I have heard it said that school board members do indeed know when it is time to retire from school service. I believe this to be true and I believe that the time for me to discontinue my association with the school community has not yet arrived. This is not the time for change. “What is it about our present middle school plans that some candidates or supporters would change? Do they have a different agenda or timetable? Furthermore, I believe, that my tenure on the board which is now in excess of 18M> years is a proven and positive one. I have been a party to the making of tough decisions and have demonstrated my commitment, interest and dedication repeatedly. I do not need a breaking-in period but can make a continuous and immediate contribution. I know the role. I am excited about the prospect of continuing to represent the children and voters of this school corporation. I am positive and a “good finder” and that’s not all bad. I have a track record that is, I believe, worthy of your support.” Mikel: “I believe in education, education is one of the most important things we, as parents, can give our children. It is a life long gift. I believe we, in the Wawasee Corporation, have a good system and I would like the opportunity to work toward improving that system.” SPECIAL MEETING The Milford Town Board will meet in a special session tomorrow night (Thursday) at 6 p.m. in the town ball. The board will introduce a new town attorney, having met with three candidates in an executive - session Monday, Oct 24, while it will also accept bids for a new septic system to be installed at Milford Park.