The Mail-Journal, Volume 27, Number 38, Milford, Kosciusko County, 2 November 1988 — Page 2

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THE MAIL-JOURNAL — Wed., November 2,1988

School board candidates participate in forum

(Continued from page 1)

current policies and programs of the school board; the need for a new middle school; visiting schools in the district; how “atrisk” students can best be served; strengths and weaknesses in the A+ program; and extending Prime Time to the upper elementary classes. All four candidates supported the current board policies. Mikel stated, “I believe you as parents want and demand an above average education for your children. And, these policies address those desires. I believe this corporation is known as a quality school system; credit for that reputation goes to many fine parents, teachers, administrators and board members.” Mikel pledged to support a policy that will build on that reputation. Wells, who feels as a general rule the current policies and programs are good, said he would advocate some changes, with the board taking a stronger stand against drugs in the schools. Little noted he supports the

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policies and will continue to do so, if children come first for all, administrators, staff and board members alike. Mrs. Swartzendruber would not alter the policies but would continue to build and strengthen that base of honesty, integrity, open communication and commitment to kids. Candidates agreed there was a need for a new middle school. Wells feels, with the results of the recent survey, the board should take another look at the location and reconsider if it is at the right spot and would stand behind that decision. Mrs. Swartzendruber noted the decision was made and she totally supports it and encourages its speedy completion. Little reflected back on the events that took place prior to the decision noting he supports the continuing of the plans for the project and feels that at this stage of planning it would be impossible to make further changes without hurting the programs. Mikel also supports the project plans but has a primary concern on the proposed location and it

needing to be reconsidered. “As it appears we as a corporation are moving toward a central middle school,” he noted, adding that a move would result in an approximate six-month delay but would not be much time for a location that would have to be lived with for the next 30 years. Responses ranged from monthly to several times per year concerning the necessity of visiting the schools. Mrs. Swartzendruber noted she has found beyond a formal visit it is helpful to attend programs, special meetings or presentations and open houses. Evaluation and on an individual basis was the response from the candidates on how should “at-risk” children best be served. Little stated to adequately serve “we must identify, recognize and assist and remediate successfully.” Several programs such as “Just Say No” and Uons/Quest “Skills For Adolescents,” were noted by the candidates. A+ Program The A+ program received a variety of responses, but one ma-

jor outcome was all candidates felt this was a good program to enable the students to compete in the world today. The lack of flexibility at the local level was the concern of Mikel, and Wells questioned whether a longer school year makes for a better education. Funds were noted as a' drawback to extending Prime Time into upper elementary classes by the candidates. However, the adding of paraprofessionals into those grades was highly noted by all. Input and views from all taxpayers as well as facts should be a criteria in making decisions Wells feels, noting to make sure the taxpayers know the facts about issues, is to have informal public meetings to create an atmosphere more condusive for people to express ideas. Mikel feels decisions need to be made after priorities are set and facts gathered and analyzed, as one would with any good business decision and that emotions not be used. Little noted his overriding criteria is to place children first

and to assist the most good for most children educationally and that playing factional politics has no place in the operation of a school corporation. Mrs. Swartzendruber responded by asking five questions: What is the best education for the children? What is financially sound and responsible? What the community wants? Is the future as well as the present being addressed? What are the state mandates and requirements? The question concerning the Milford Middle School, its curriculum, and future and priority in allotting funds received no response of indications the school should close. Incumbent members, Little and Swartzendruber, noted the middle school students must be served to the best of the board’s ability regardless of location and that expenditure of nearly similar amounts per student should be of prime concern to members of the board. “The dollar divisions should be about the same,” noted Little, and Mrs. Swartzendruber stated, “Parents will determine how long the Milford Middle

school will remain open by their children’s attendance.” New candidates, Mikel and Wells, had differing views. Wells noted he feels it will be difficult to offer the same curriculum at Milford and the new school, unless the curriculum is reduced at the new school, but he feels'the board needs to make sure all students are given the same curriculum choices and that a study needs to be done to find out how low the enrollment can go before the closing of the Milford school should be considered. Mikel noted that if the board continues in its present direction and support of the Milford Middle School concept, it needs to do that and support the Milford program to the fullest possible extent. All four candidates believed that priority in allotting funds to either school should not be given. Questions From Audience Written questions — totaling 12 — were taken from the audience. The questions again were wide ranged, but also dealt with the middle school issue, and drugs and alcohol in the schools. Wells and Mikel were asked if they felt there were drugs and alcohol in the school system and if tougher measures need to be

Rigdon is named attorney for Milford

- JAY r RIGDON £ < ■•‘lk • IB Warsaw attorney Jay Rigdon was named Milford’s new town attorney at a special meeting of the town board last Thursday, Oct. 27. Rigdon, an attorney with the law firm of Rockhill-Pinnick-Pequignot-Helm and Landis, was chosen over two other applicants who board members, interviewed last Monday. “We had three very qualified attorneys — anyone of them would have made a fine choice,” board member Robert Phillips noted. Rigdon currently serves as Etna Green’s town attorney, while his law firm also handles Leesburg. The Warsaw resident will be filling a void left since August, when former town attorney William Leemon resigned to pursue other interests. Born in Syracuse and raised in Fort Wayne, Rigdon returned to the area in 1984 to make his home. He and his wife, Brenda, P/z-year-old son Jay Alden, and Chelsea Jane, born October 3, reside at Winona Lake. He graduated from Fort Wayne Northrop High School before attending George Washington (D.C.) University and completing a law degree at Indiana University, Bloomington. Rigdon graduated from law school in 1984 and has been a candidate for the 13th district’s State Senate seat, losing in the primary. He works for the local Democratic party as a precinct committeeman and has been a delegate to the state convention three times. In other business, the board accepted a $2,079 bid for septic system work at Lakeside Park in Milford. Newton Excavating, Warsaw, submitted the winning bid, although a stipulation within the board’s agreement with Newton will state that the sewage work must begin before November 11 and completed by November 25. If the Warsaw company cannot comply with those stipulations the work will

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taken, while the incumbent board members were asked how effective existing programs have been. Wells noted he believes there is a drag and alcohol problem in the school, but to what degree he is uncertain and feels it needs to be addressed. He feels that the current policy needs to be stronger with more definite measures. He added that input from parents, administration and teachers is needed and the commitment. Mikel noted the administration is currently attempting to address the problem, which is not a simple problem. He stated officials need to respect the students’ rights and privacy and there was nothing wrong with a Systematic locker search. Little noted that the administration has toughened its approach on alcohol, but officials must work within the law and be done with enough patience and evidence to be effective. Mrs. Swartzendruber believes programs already implemented are effective, however the effectiveness cannot be measured immediately and if the program helps one student, it is worth it. Closing Comments Mikel noted during his closing

then be awarded to Kline Excavating, Syracuse. Park board president JoEllen

County contest on ballot

(Continued from page 1) education students. She said as many as 32,000 Indiana special ed students are not getting their educational needs met because of the large class sizes. In the State Senator race, Dennis J. Sprunger, Kendallville, is running against Robert L. Meeks, LaGrange. Sprunger runs on the motto of “listening, caring, work-

Two arrested for tossing tire

Tracy Scott Taylor, 25, 2507 S. Nebraska, Marion, and Danny Eugene Percy, 32, r 1 box 313, Warsaw, were arrested following an incident Friday evening, Oct. 28, in North Webster. Taylor is being held without bond and has been charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated, refusal to take a test, disorderly conduct, criminal mischief and driving while suspended. Percy was released on his own recognizance after being charged with criminal mischief, and disorderly conduct. North Webster Town Marshal Jerry Craig reported witnesses saw Taylor and Percy throw a tire through the front window of Sue’s Creation after being ejected from Cruiser’s bar. Police were notified at approximately 11:05 p.m. of the incident and were given a description of the vehicle and partial plate number. The pair was stopped by Craig south of North Webster on SR 13. Damage to the picture window, floral arrangements and ornaments at the business was estimated up to $2,000.

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comments that those present have seen with the candidates diversified views on problems and possible solutions. “I don’t criticize the current board’s placement of the new middle school,” he stated, adding he felt it needs a second look and that there is a need for a general change. Wells addressed the middle school and rumors that his goal is to move the school to Syracuse. “It is not my goal, and still is not, unless it is in the best interest of all students'in the corporation,” he said noting that if the Milford Middle School is kept open, the peer pressure of those students when reaching the freshman level will be tough. Mrs. Swartzendruber noted her main concern is to take children and education further together and to have the parents, community and school administration working together. Little noted there is one common thread of all the candidates, the desire to do the best for the children and he again noted the discussions of 15 months ago, when citizens responded they did not want a central middle school and the desire to keep the Milford School open.

Frige thanked the town board for its quick response to alleviating the sewage problems at the park.

ing for you,” and Meeks notes his 29 years of dedicated, knowledgeable public service. Two Kosciusko county candidates, H. Dale Tucker, Democrat, and David A. Wolkins, Republican, are vying for the right to represent Kosciusko and Noble County residents as state representative. Voters will all have the added bonus of the opportunity to be counted on three propositions and the retention of two Indiana Supreme-Court justices and one Indiana Tax Court judge.

New M-J Subscribers Bill Sincroft R1 Box 135 , Leesburg, Ind. 46538 Mr./Mrs. Bob Holland 727 Marine Key Drive Syracuse, Ind. 46567 Charles Harter 9379 N. Citrus Springs Blvd. Citrus Springs, Fla. 32630 Arthur Kile Maple Leaf Estates 2100 Kings Highway 941 Port Charlotte, Fla. 33980 Donna Bevington 5125 104th Way North St. Petersburg, Fla. 33708 Thomas/Cindy Earley 2542 E. Lupine Phoenix, Ariz. 85028