1 00:00:09,77 --> 00:00:14,04 Welcome to the Penfield beat the candidates night I am Sherri Johnson and I will be 2 00:00:14,05 --> 00:00:18,35 your moderator Tonight's program is sponsored by the Indian landing P.T.O. 3 00:00:18,36 --> 00:00:20,60 In the Penfield school district P.T.A. 4 00:00:20,61 --> 00:00:25,48 Days this year the annual budget vote and school board election will be held on 5 00:00:25,49 --> 00:00:30,68 Tuesday May seventeenth residents may vote from six A.M. To nine P.M. 6 00:00:30,69 --> 00:00:34,94 At Penn Theel high school. Members of boards of education hold 7 00:00:34,95 --> 00:00:40,20 a unique public trust they are elected officials however they serve without pay and 8 00:00:40,21 --> 00:00:45,35 devote hundreds of hours to their duties this community depends on its school board 9 00:00:45,47 --> 00:00:49,91 to provide for the education of the community's children to see that the property 10 00:00:49,92 --> 00:00:50,72 and finances of 11 00:00:50,73 --> 00:00:55,21 a district are properly managed and to ensure that many laws governing education 12 00:00:55,22 --> 00:00:59,52 are followed changes in education and law in financing make this 13 00:00:59,53 --> 00:01:01,19 a challenging time to serve on 14 00:01:01,20 --> 00:01:05,80 a board of education this year two candidates are running for two seats on the 15 00:01:05,81 --> 00:01:11,01 board they are both incumbents and they are John Piper and Barbara Bradley ours 16 00:01:11,74 --> 00:01:16,12 tonight's program alas no longer than two hours or until we run out of questions 17 00:01:16,97 --> 00:01:22,20 and each candidate will give an opening statement up to three minutes long then I 18 00:01:22,21 --> 00:01:26,56 will ask them questions which have been submitted from the people in the audience 19 00:01:27,06 --> 00:01:30,73 questions will be directed to the candidates and rotate in order so that each 20 00:01:30,74 --> 00:01:35,51 person will have opportunity to speak first but all candidates will answer each 21 00:01:35,52 --> 00:01:38,58 question and answer should not exceed two minutes 22 00:01:39,25 --> 00:01:41,19 a time keeper in the audience will hold up 23 00:01:41,20 --> 00:01:45,73 a card to let you know when thirty seconds remain and another one it's time to stop 24 00:01:45,73 --> 00:01:50,00 . There are people in the room distributing cards for questions from the audience 25 00:01:50,01 --> 00:01:53,24 please write your questions down and hand them back to the officers who will give 26 00:01:53,25 --> 00:01:56,55 them to me questions can be addressed to all candidates or to 27 00:01:56,56 --> 00:02:00,97 a single candidate but in that instance each candidate gets an opportunity to 28 00:02:00,98 --> 00:02:06,31 answer the question as moderator I have the discretion to combine similar questions 29 00:02:06,32 --> 00:02:12,02 or will out irrelevant inappropriate repetitious or abusive questions in my 30 00:02:12,03 --> 00:02:16,74 decision will be final as we come to the end of the meeting will be able to make 31 00:02:16,75 --> 00:02:23,63 a closing statement of not more than two minutes so. I will leave 32 00:02:23,64 --> 00:02:30,58 it to Barbara why don't you make your opening. First 33 00:02:30,59 --> 00:02:36,89 of all I need to tell you. This See it is very very low I really am much taller 34 00:02:37,67 --> 00:02:44,08 but. For you out there who are wondering OK. 35 00:02:45,46 --> 00:02:51,32 And now I begin Good evening I am Barbara Larkin barriers and I'm seeking to be 36 00:02:51,33 --> 00:02:54,21 reelected to the Penfield Board of Education for 37 00:02:54,22 --> 00:03:00,30 a three year term that begins this July first first of all I want to thank the 38 00:03:00,70 --> 00:03:01,84 Indian landing P.T.O. 39 00:03:01,85 --> 00:03:07,89 For hosting the Meet the Candidates night as well as Cherie Johnson for being our 40 00:03:07,90 --> 00:03:14,64 moderator for those of you who don't know me. 41 00:03:16,85 --> 00:03:22,06 I am married to Jim and we have a daughter Meghan who is 42 00:03:22,11 --> 00:03:27,76 a two thousand and eight graduate of Penfield high school and is currently 43 00:03:27,77 --> 00:03:33,45 a speech language pathologist in the Pittsford school district. In one thousand and 44 00:03:33,46 --> 00:03:39,90 sixty one when my dad was transferred to Rochester for his job it was my parents 45 00:03:39,91 --> 00:03:45,27 who chose to live in Penfield with one of the deciding factors being the excellent 46 00:03:45,28 --> 00:03:48,10 school system. I am 47 00:03:48,11 --> 00:03:52,86 a product of that Penfield education and when the time came for Jim and I decided 48 00:03:53,47 --> 00:04:00,39 our own family we chose Penfield. I feel that 49 00:04:00,43 --> 00:04:05,37 in my nine years on the Penfield school board I have been a capable part of 50 00:04:05,38 --> 00:04:10,80 a team that oversaw a successful facilities Project installed 51 00:04:10,81 --> 00:04:16,75 a strong visionary for Penn fields current superintendent worked extensively to 52 00:04:16,76 --> 00:04:23,11 maintain quality education programming while being fiscally responsible. As well as 53 00:04:23,12 --> 00:04:28,41 working hard to facilitate accurate and thorough communicate communication between 54 00:04:28,73 --> 00:04:34,71 all of our districts they call theirs. Wanting to continue to be an active member 55 00:04:34,72 --> 00:04:37,48 of this process I chose to run for 56 00:04:37,49 --> 00:04:44,48 a fourth term. In terms of what qualifications I 57 00:04:44,49 --> 00:04:50,03 bring to this position. I am now 58 00:04:50,07 --> 00:04:54,96 a retiree. Almost two years of a from 59 00:04:54,97 --> 00:05:00,80 a thirty eight year career working in the special education field I have an 60 00:05:00,81 --> 00:05:06,76 understanding of most of the mandates that affect the education process and I am 61 00:05:06,77 --> 00:05:12,94 a firm advocate of the board's current goals with my definite support of how we as 62 00:05:12,95 --> 00:05:19,89 a district support the whole student in their education experience both my 63 00:05:19,90 --> 00:05:22,52 husband and I are now retired so I feel 64 00:05:22,53 --> 00:05:28,31 a direct tie with others in our district community who are now on fixed incomes. 65 00:05:29,44 --> 00:05:34,21 And I always laugh about it because I'm still new to this but I certainly 66 00:05:34,22 --> 00:05:40,16 understand it now. And how those. What we do as 67 00:05:40,17 --> 00:05:46,78 a board impacts. The yearly budget and then the subsequent 68 00:05:46,88 --> 00:05:53,09 tax bill. Speaking of 69 00:05:53,71 --> 00:05:58,86 finances I believe that the process that the Board of Education in the district 70 00:05:58,87 --> 00:06:04,49 administrator have put in place to seek out the school district community 71 00:06:04,50 --> 00:06:11,01 stakeholders administrators teachers students parents and all taxpayers 72 00:06:11,47 --> 00:06:18,19 by using on line surveys communication on education workshops P.T.A. 73 00:06:18,52 --> 00:06:19,53 Our H.S.A. 74 00:06:19,87 --> 00:06:25,96 Our P.T.O.'s and our focus groups have been an affective way to balance between 75 00:06:25,97 --> 00:06:30,34 district and community needs while preparing for next year's budget 76 00:06:33,01 --> 00:06:37,76 and what I would like to accomplish as I continue on the board I would like to see 77 00:06:37,77 --> 00:06:43,51 that the Penfield school board continue to hold our education responsible in 78 00:06:43,56 --> 00:06:50,40 educating our school age citizens to take their academic achievements and be 79 00:06:50,41 --> 00:06:56,83 Cami become contributing citizens not only locally but in our state and nation as 80 00:06:56,84 --> 00:07:03,78 well I would continue to work in tandem with administrators local and state school 81 00:07:03,79 --> 00:07:10,11 board associations to encourage Manty relief that would serve to reduce taxes on 82 00:07:10,12 --> 00:07:16,70 the local budgets Thank you. John your turn Thank you 83 00:07:16,99 --> 00:07:19,13 good evening my name is John Piper I'm seeking 84 00:07:19,14 --> 00:07:23,38 a third three year term on the Penfield Board of Education and I'd like to thank 85 00:07:23,58 --> 00:07:24,78 Indian landing P.T.O. 86 00:07:24,79 --> 00:07:30,71 And Cherie my twins who are graduating this year attended this school and I love 87 00:07:30,72 --> 00:07:35,35 coming back here any time I can my first six years on the board and serving this 88 00:07:35,36 --> 00:07:39,27 year as board president has been an extraordinary opportunity during 89 00:07:39,28 --> 00:07:43,74 a time that state entities continuously challenge our mission of educating our 90 00:07:43,75 --> 00:07:48,34 children every day I continue to learn more about education and the critical role 91 00:07:48,38 --> 00:07:51,06 it plays in our community service and 92 00:07:51,07 --> 00:07:54,55 a school board is not just about conducting business in 93 00:07:54,56 --> 00:07:58,46 a professional manner it is about leading an institution that makes 94 00:07:58,47 --> 00:08:02,78 a meaningful difference in the lives of children effective school boards choose 95 00:08:02,79 --> 00:08:04,26 what is vital over what is 96 00:08:04,27 --> 00:08:09,29 a media see the future and not just the present and advocate for the greater good 97 00:08:09,33 --> 00:08:13,47 over individual interests the challenges of the past six years have been 98 00:08:13,48 --> 00:08:19,18 unprecedented and show no signs of letting up the so-called two percent tax cap 99 00:08:19,61 --> 00:08:24,34 teacher performance curriculum mandates and the ongoing policy changes have been in 100 00:08:24,35 --> 00:08:28,96 the spotlight. What state officials have failed to recognize is that all school 101 00:08:28,97 --> 00:08:34,09 districts are not equal and one size does not fit all during the period of time 102 00:08:34,10 --> 00:08:40,04 prior to the tax cap our average tax rate hike average one point eight percent 103 00:08:40,67 --> 00:08:45,81 during the period prior to teacher performance both our teachers and ministration 104 00:08:45,86 --> 00:08:50,17 always work together to measure performance and during the period prior to the 105 00:08:50,18 --> 00:08:55,30 Common Core our staff and volunteer parent groups collaborated to maintain quality 106 00:08:55,53 --> 00:09:00,02 challenging curriculum for our students Penfield has continued to be 107 00:09:00,03 --> 00:09:04,44 a high performing school district in continues to improve as one of the top three 108 00:09:04,48 --> 00:09:08,98 academically achieving school districts in our region I am pleased to live in 109 00:09:08,99 --> 00:09:13,11 a district where the teachers and the supporting staff are regarded as the best in 110 00:09:13,12 --> 00:09:18,61 the region unlike other ninety million dollar organizations in Rochester our goal 111 00:09:18,62 --> 00:09:24,23 is not to produce products it's to produce well rounded successful whole students 112 00:09:24,78 --> 00:09:29,12 balance and all of our actions as an elected school district officials has never 113 00:09:29,13 --> 00:09:33,54 been more crucial or stakeholders property owners students staff and community 114 00:09:33,73 --> 00:09:39,29 partners must work collaboratively to maintain value in the work we perform this 115 00:09:39,30 --> 00:09:42,35 includes being a participant in issues that have 116 00:09:42,36 --> 00:09:47,97 a direct impact on our district in terms of growth in space value and maintaining 117 00:09:47,98 --> 00:09:52,97 it continuing to improve our district value in the direct correlation that schools 118 00:09:52,98 --> 00:09:58,48 provide to home values in our district and value and what we will continue to 119 00:09:58,49 --> 00:10:03,41 provide to children entering kindergarten through high school this fall the 120 00:10:03,42 --> 00:10:07,89 continue challenges that will be delivered to us from the Education Department must 121 00:10:07,90 --> 00:10:12,72 be viewed as opportunities for the future and outstanding education blended with 122 00:10:12,73 --> 00:10:17,67 quality arts and athletic opportunities will continue to be the board's goal as we 123 00:10:17,68 --> 00:10:20,80 move forward. School boards play 124 00:10:20,81 --> 00:10:25,17 a vital role in student achievement research has repeatedly found that 125 00:10:25,18 --> 00:10:29,37 a set of. Common characteristics shared by a school board make 126 00:10:29,38 --> 00:10:34,53 a difference at the root of these characteristics is the understanding of the value 127 00:10:34,54 --> 00:10:38,98 of the practice of good governance this is crucial and I will work with our other 128 00:10:38,99 --> 00:10:43,47 school board members to continue this practice as we create the foundation for our 129 00:10:43,48 --> 00:10:50,29 children's future thank you so I've taken the questions that have been 130 00:10:50,30 --> 00:10:54,71 given to me and I've divided them into three categories currently so I have board 131 00:10:54,72 --> 00:11:01,19 service and I have students teachers curricula instruction and achievement and 132 00:11:01,20 --> 00:11:08,14 finances so I'll get the first question and then John will answer after and then 133 00:11:08,15 --> 00:11:14,17 I'll rotate back to John so the first question came in several questions what do 134 00:11:14,18 --> 00:11:18,77 you personally feel should be the district's biggest focus for the next three years 135 00:11:18,77 --> 00:11:18,77 . 136 00:11:26,43 --> 00:11:31,59 The next three years the biggest focus I will number one. 137 00:11:35,09 --> 00:11:41,64 We are in the business of education so to maintain quality education for all of our 138 00:11:41,65 --> 00:11:48,45 students I think should be the number one without question. And when I say all of 139 00:11:48,46 --> 00:11:54,00 our students I truly mean. All of our students whether. 140 00:11:56,08 --> 00:12:02,81 They are special needs or they are you know high high academic achievers we 141 00:12:02,82 --> 00:12:09,57 have the responsibility to maintain quality education for all. In 142 00:12:09,58 --> 00:12:15,73 terms of other things that we need to focus on. Maintaining. 143 00:12:16,86 --> 00:12:22,03 The professional development opportunities for our educators because things are 144 00:12:22,04 --> 00:12:29,00 changing all the time and we need to make sure that our educators 145 00:12:29,01 --> 00:12:35,06 in our Penfield schools are given every opportunity to be able to. 146 00:12:37,54 --> 00:12:44,17 Take the opportunities to advance their own education their own. Things that they'd 147 00:12:44,18 --> 00:12:50,26 like to see happen for their students and the last thing that I think that I see is 148 00:12:50,27 --> 00:12:57,10 a three year commitment is in terms of. Something we 149 00:12:57,11 --> 00:13:02,27 may not have any control over and that some of the housing developments that could 150 00:13:02,28 --> 00:13:09,18 be impacting facility changes Think You Can I would 151 00:13:09,19 --> 00:13:15,20 say first my first one would be culture trumps all in an organization so I think 152 00:13:15,22 --> 00:13:19,38 the culture from the top down through every teacher or every employee of the 153 00:13:19,38 --> 00:13:20,81 district has to be 154 00:13:20,83 --> 00:13:25,75 a strong one and that's only led by the board and the superintendent I think it's 155 00:13:25,76 --> 00:13:30,100 important that we add resources and find resources to make sure our programs can 156 00:13:31,01 --> 00:13:36,99 continue I think it's also important that we eliminate state mandates that take 157 00:13:37,01 --> 00:13:42,64 money away from our students and from our programs and lastly I think it's very 158 00:13:42,66 --> 00:13:49,44 important we recognize that our ongoing goals to meet all of the above will be 159 00:13:49,82 --> 00:13:54,79 legislative getting our legislators and in particular our chief executive officer 160 00:13:54,80 --> 00:14:00,80 the governor to understand that public schools are the primary schools under the 161 00:14:00,81 --> 00:14:06,69 constitution of New York and they should be fully funded Thank you. The next 162 00:14:06,70 --> 00:14:07,27 question is 163 00:14:07,28 --> 00:14:12,67 a finance Kostin and want to ask John first how can you York state help schools be 164 00:14:12,68 --> 00:14:17,01 more cost effective if. Well if they can help us in 165 00:14:17,02 --> 00:14:23,56 a lot of ways. First of all they could streamline the process that is out there for 166 00:14:24,40 --> 00:14:26,66 adding building or putting in addition and 167 00:14:26,67 --> 00:14:30,47 a school currently if we started today. With 168 00:14:30,48 --> 00:14:35,99 a plan to renovate Indian landing we'd be able to probably get that approved in 169 00:14:36,00 --> 00:14:40,07 about thirteen months when New York state so it's simple math that they can 170 00:14:40,48 --> 00:14:46,47 streamline their process it will help us during the period of time with our last 171 00:14:46,61 --> 00:14:52,13 project our costs tend tended to go up twenty five and ten percent because of the 172 00:14:52,14 --> 00:14:56,20 delays from New York state and these are costs that all of us in the community pay 173 00:14:56,44 --> 00:15:02,04 so I think it's important that the state recognize that they can help us by 174 00:15:02,05 --> 00:15:07,90 streamlining various activities that they do and helping us with the funding when 175 00:15:07,91 --> 00:15:10,71 we need it not thirteen months later. 176 00:15:15,15 --> 00:15:21,59 I like to see answer. Because as he was 177 00:15:21,60 --> 00:15:26,09 a big big issue for us at least the last six years that I've been on the board that 178 00:15:26,77 --> 00:15:28,88 it took forever to get things done as 179 00:15:28,89 --> 00:15:32,98 a matter of fact we're just getting something done that should have been done over 180 00:15:32,99 --> 00:15:39,60 a year ago because as he took. Forever to approve it. In addition to 181 00:15:39,61 --> 00:15:46,47 that I think the state really needs meaning the legislators 182 00:15:46,51 --> 00:15:53,43 as well as the executive branch needs to look more to the people who are 183 00:15:53,44 --> 00:15:59,58 going to be involved in the mandates that they're setting up. From what I have 184 00:15:59,59 --> 00:16:05,78 learned very often. No administrators in 185 00:16:05,79 --> 00:16:12,75 a district or even. School boards were approached to. 186 00:16:13,96 --> 00:16:20,78 How this would impact their particular district in terms of mandate. 187 00:16:21,95 --> 00:16:28,84 Being passed down from the legislature. Thank you next question and Barbara 188 00:16:28,85 --> 00:16:34,06 you look at this one first what are your views on gifted and talented education in 189 00:16:34,10 --> 00:16:41,07 Richmond. I'm trying to find 190 00:16:41,07 --> 00:16:48,02 a very. Outstanding adjective is. It to me 191 00:16:50,62 --> 00:16:57,58 that is part of the whole student that. I feel that the board is 192 00:16:57,59 --> 00:17:03,08 put out there with. One of their goal with our academic excellence goal 193 00:17:04,87 --> 00:17:11,69 they deserve every thing that we can offer and. As 194 00:17:11,70 --> 00:17:14,54 long as I will be on the board it would remain 195 00:17:14,63 --> 00:17:18,51 a true and constant thing of support. 196 00:17:22,57 --> 00:17:24,49 I've had kids go through and obviously be 197 00:17:24,50 --> 00:17:28,78 a part of that I think our goal is to meet the needs of all students and all 198 00:17:28,79 --> 00:17:33,80 students are in different levels of need so we have programs such as you know 199 00:17:33,81 --> 00:17:39,62 gifted and talented we have response intervention we have different programs that 200 00:17:39,67 --> 00:17:43,97 as part mention will bring everybody to become the whole student that's necessary 201 00:17:43,98 --> 00:17:44,84 so certainly it's 202 00:17:44,85 --> 00:17:51,64 a critical part and certainly some kids are. Ready for something more than other 203 00:17:51,65 --> 00:17:57,21 kids but again our goal is to educate everyone as much as as we can knowing that 204 00:17:57,22 --> 00:18:04,04 there are specific things that will be targeted towards other kids. Thank you. 205 00:18:05,18 --> 00:18:09,98 OK back to the board service question during your time that you've served on the 206 00:18:09,99 --> 00:18:14,56 board what developments in the district are changes in the district are you most 207 00:18:14,57 --> 00:18:19,30 proud and this time John it's us. Well there's 208 00:18:19,31 --> 00:18:25,31 a lot of things but I think. And this is really the board more than myself but I'm 209 00:18:25,32 --> 00:18:29,45 very proud that we've been able to. Put in place 210 00:18:29,46 --> 00:18:36,05 a superintendent that has the same values of the board believes in the same culture 211 00:18:36,06 --> 00:18:40,76 setting as the board and in just a very short time has changed 212 00:18:40,77 --> 00:18:46,27 a lot of how our district looks and how it acts so I would say that's probably the 213 00:18:46,28 --> 00:18:47,89 biggest thing and it was 214 00:18:47,90 --> 00:18:54,17 a major undertaking as as we all know to. Change superintendents but. 215 00:18:55,30 --> 00:18:55,41 In 216 00:18:55,42 --> 00:19:01,74 a lot of work but I think the results is just incredible. That we've achieved so I'd 217 00:19:01,75 --> 00:19:04,49 say that was probably number one thank you Barbara. 218 00:19:08,85 --> 00:19:11,06 Again I know I hope I don't sound like 219 00:19:11,07 --> 00:19:17,55 a broken record but I am extremely extremely proud of the fact that this 220 00:19:17,56 --> 00:19:24,32 board. Was able to put into the academic excellence the 221 00:19:24,33 --> 00:19:31,24 whole student because having been in the special ed field for thirty eight 222 00:19:31,25 --> 00:19:37,95 years. I. Was very 223 00:19:37,96 --> 00:19:44,22 excited for my students who maybe in the in the big big picture it was 224 00:19:44,23 --> 00:19:50,03 a very small accomplishment but it was their accomplishment and that was their 225 00:19:50,07 --> 00:19:56,94 whole student so that was their academic excellence and when we adopted 226 00:19:56,95 --> 00:20:02,93 that piece and then put it out there that it is of district goal that to me I still 227 00:20:02,94 --> 00:20:08,56 get goosebumps about that and I'm very very excited that we're doing that and that 228 00:20:08,57 --> 00:20:14,52 the superintendent along with. His educational team are fostering that. 229 00:20:15,93 --> 00:20:22,83 The other thing that I'm most proud about is how this board and it is evolves. 230 00:20:24,42 --> 00:20:26,98 Is so good as 231 00:20:26,99 --> 00:20:33,12 a collaborative. Coach working collaboratively. It's 232 00:20:34,11 --> 00:20:40,40 I think the other districts are very. I don't know from using the right word 233 00:20:40,41 --> 00:20:45,52 envious when we go to do things with Monroe County school boards that were always 234 00:20:45,54 --> 00:20:51,48 there supporting each other and that I'm very proud of that I think you 235 00:20:52,83 --> 00:20:57,88 next question and I believe Harper you can to go first Would you support in-service 236 00:20:57,89 --> 00:21:02,20 training for teachers and counselors to respond effectively to the unique needs of 237 00:21:02,21 --> 00:21:09,13 gay lesbian and transgender students yes. Yes 238 00:21:09,86 --> 00:21:16,55 I would. Tap Yes absolutely OK that answers that question yeah I think. 239 00:21:18,58 --> 00:21:23,13 All right John can you give some examples of what the board has done to keep taxes 240 00:21:23,14 --> 00:21:29,97 below the two percent tax. Well that has been hired because we've always 241 00:21:29,98 --> 00:21:34,38 done that so really the examples are. We have 242 00:21:34,39 --> 00:21:36,98 a tremendous staff and 243 00:21:36,99 --> 00:21:43,68 a tremendous financial. Operation staff and. I think the examples we 244 00:21:43,69 --> 00:21:46,87 look at are that no stone goes on turned when we look at 245 00:21:46,88 --> 00:21:52,56 a budget. We don't assume things are always going to be the same we're also going 246 00:21:52,57 --> 00:21:55,70 to always look out five years so as 247 00:21:55,71 --> 00:22:01,86 a board having the right people to inform us we're not experts on finance some of 248 00:22:01,87 --> 00:22:02,52 us made know 249 00:22:02,53 --> 00:22:07,00 a little bit more than others but we're not experts but we rely on the individuals 250 00:22:07,01 --> 00:22:12,26 that supply Assim from ation So I think you know to pin down the answer there's 251 00:22:12,27 --> 00:22:18,57 a number of things that we look at and it's constantly looking at number one. What 252 00:22:18,61 --> 00:22:22,42 impacts our students the most and we don't want to impact those that face our 253 00:22:22,43 --> 00:22:28,06 students the most and those are our teachers and our teachers aid so. So we've been 254 00:22:28,07 --> 00:22:33,97 able to find ways other than personnel to keep numbers lower and 255 00:22:34,80 --> 00:22:39,29 everything is looked at all the time so I think it's important that. We use 256 00:22:39,30 --> 00:22:42,90 a zero base concept and we look at things and we don't assume anything is going to 257 00:22:42,91 --> 00:22:49,70 carry over. Thank you. Well pretty much what he said. But I 258 00:22:49,71 --> 00:22:56,31 also. Know that for us when it is budget time and we do need to be 259 00:22:56,32 --> 00:22:57,41 cognizant for 260 00:22:58,34 --> 00:23:04,93 a responsible because we are the stewards. For our community 261 00:23:05,47 --> 00:23:06,69 is that for 262 00:23:06,70 --> 00:23:12,51 a long time. Mark is always referred to us that we're in the people business and so 263 00:23:12,52 --> 00:23:19,47 that when we are trying to be responsible stewards we 264 00:23:19,48 --> 00:23:25,67 also have to be responsible to the people that work for us so it's hard but we 265 00:23:25,73 --> 00:23:32,34 we've done it OK thank you next question Barbara in what ways do us an individual 266 00:23:32,35 --> 00:23:35,66 board member gather input from District residents 267 00:23:39,20 --> 00:23:45,80 Well I am. One of my favorite things to do is 268 00:23:46,53 --> 00:23:53,02 to be going to the school board not school but I am the school board sorry the 269 00:23:53,03 --> 00:23:54,44 P.T.A. The P.T.O. 270 00:23:54,45 --> 00:23:59,33 Z H S A's go to the booster club meeting I. 271 00:24:02,49 --> 00:24:09,20 Love to introduce the concerts and. I'm always been approachable and if people 272 00:24:09,21 --> 00:24:14,15 needed to email me or call me or Facebook that's fine. 273 00:24:17,72 --> 00:24:21,37 I've always been able to then if someone had 274 00:24:21,38 --> 00:24:28,25 a specific concern to direct them to where they they should go up the chain 275 00:24:28,45 --> 00:24:34,16 I'm not the first person they should talk to so I've always encourage that thank 276 00:24:34,17 --> 00:24:40,91 you Chad. I think it's on two things anything you go to arrive early so you can 277 00:24:40,92 --> 00:24:45,80 talk to people and stay late so you can talk to people I personally you know enjoy 278 00:24:45,81 --> 00:24:47,70 going to the events of Barb mentioned but I had 279 00:24:47,71 --> 00:24:50,97 a personal goal that I have not yet met it's taken a little take 280 00:24:50,98 --> 00:24:55,99 a long time I'm trying to get to every athletic event that our school offers and 281 00:24:56,21 --> 00:24:57,17 that's where you can meet 282 00:24:57,18 --> 00:25:03,28 a group of people that you may never have seen before and but again that primarily 283 00:25:03,29 --> 00:25:08,09 athletics but also concerts aspiring mentioned but I think the key is to be willing 284 00:25:08,10 --> 00:25:14,78 to dedicate the time and be able to listen. When you are with her constituents all 285 00:25:14,79 --> 00:25:21,29 right OK next question John there been some concerns in regards to student suicide 286 00:25:21,30 --> 00:25:26,02 opiate addiction and social media bullying in this district and in the media what 287 00:25:26,03 --> 00:25:29,46 are the just what has the district done or what resources will the district 288 00:25:29,47 --> 00:25:33,63 implement to help our students teachers and parents become more educated on these 289 00:25:33,64 --> 00:25:39,39 issues well the issues you mentioned. I mean there's no doubt there's an epidemic 290 00:25:39,40 --> 00:25:42,67 of heroin in this community suicides are up in 291 00:25:42,72 --> 00:25:48,65 a lot of areas not just schools. You know I think it's something that everyone is 292 00:25:48,66 --> 00:25:52,75 dealing with and different levels in particular obviously have 293 00:25:52,76 --> 00:25:58,80 a great response team that we were an original founder of that helps the families 294 00:25:58,81 --> 00:26:03,06 and the vigils teachers and students and more importantly I think we need to do 295 00:26:03,07 --> 00:26:09,82 more education. On those aspects of suicide in the aspects of drug use that we 296 00:26:09,83 --> 00:26:12,09 started this year but I think we need to have 297 00:26:12,10 --> 00:26:18,68 a continual series that will bring that awareness out it's. You know with drug 298 00:26:18,69 --> 00:26:25,10 use there's always denial of some form and I think we can overcome that as far as 299 00:26:25,11 --> 00:26:30,13 parents and other individuals but we can continue to communicate and provide forums 300 00:26:30,43 --> 00:26:35,06 to educate and I think if we can just educate one more person one more family we're 301 00:26:35,07 --> 00:26:35,26 doing 302 00:26:35,27 --> 00:26:42,25 a great job thank you Ira Sherry would you just. Listen thanks there have 303 00:26:42,26 --> 00:26:46,36 been some concerns in regards to student suicide opiate addiction and social media 304 00:26:46,37 --> 00:26:50,81 bullying in this district and in the media what has the district on what resources 305 00:26:50,82 --> 00:26:54,38 will the district implement to help our students teachers and parents become more 306 00:26:54,39 --> 00:27:00,61 educated on these issues. I agree with everything that John has said and 307 00:27:01,30 --> 00:27:04,82 an addition I think that. As 308 00:27:04,83 --> 00:27:10,05 a school board we have been very very supportive in terms of. 309 00:27:12,38 --> 00:27:19,34 Maintaining quality counsellors and. As well as. I know 310 00:27:19,35 --> 00:27:20,37 that at one point 311 00:27:20,43 --> 00:27:27,29 a few years back we have. A contract with Delphi so we had to Delphi 312 00:27:27,30 --> 00:27:28,63 const counselors and there was 313 00:27:28,64 --> 00:27:35,24 a possibility that those positions were going to be cut and I know that I for one 314 00:27:35,25 --> 00:27:40,64 fought very hard for them to stay in and they are still in the in the schools as 315 00:27:40,65 --> 00:27:47,54 part of our budget I think that that is another piece that we need to be supportive 316 00:27:48,09 --> 00:27:54,33 and terms of that way because it is our counselors they are the first line of. 317 00:27:54,34 --> 00:27:58,66 Support within the schools I think the parent education as well as student 318 00:27:58,67 --> 00:28:04,43 education we need to be more cognizant and be more supportive of having those 319 00:28:04,44 --> 00:28:10,42 professional development type things for everybody. Thank you so on the subject of 320 00:28:10,43 --> 00:28:11,24 staff this is 321 00:28:11,25 --> 00:28:15,19 a retention question there are two elementary schools where the principals of 322 00:28:15,20 --> 00:28:20,12 accepted positions as superintendents in other districts what steps can the 323 00:28:20,13 --> 00:28:23,89 district take to be sure good principals fill these open positions and remain 324 00:28:23,90 --> 00:28:30,48 committed to their schools. And that goes to me as your first 325 00:28:30,48 --> 00:28:30,97 sorry 326 00:28:31,38 --> 00:28:40,10 a citizen. Well I think we are doing that. And 327 00:28:40,11 --> 00:28:47,10 I think as the school board. We keep our hands off it's not up to us to do 328 00:28:47,11 --> 00:28:53,50 the hiring we only have one employee and we've put full confidence in that employee 329 00:28:53,85 --> 00:29:00,18 to make sure that the process is carried out. To what. 330 00:29:01,13 --> 00:29:06,39 Is are Penfield standards which is. The very best. 331 00:29:07,94 --> 00:29:14,28 Thank you John but I agree I think we only have one employee and you know when 332 00:29:14,29 --> 00:29:17,58 you're an officer of the board you do get I'm going conversations with the 333 00:29:17,59 --> 00:29:23,15 superintendent about principals and staff etc One thing I think is clear in the 334 00:29:23,16 --> 00:29:27,18 messages that are superintendent is put forth to the board we want to maintain 335 00:29:27,19 --> 00:29:32,62 quality people we want to encourage quality people to achieve and move up the ranks 336 00:29:32,62 --> 00:29:38,51 . You have to actually principals jump to be superintendents which in any world 337 00:29:38,52 --> 00:29:39,57 business or school that's 338 00:29:39,58 --> 00:29:44,93 a great thing. Sometimes it's hard though for internal candidates who work in 339 00:29:44,94 --> 00:29:47,12 a certain school to become 340 00:29:47,13 --> 00:29:53,71 a principal that school because everybody has baggage and but I think it's our role 341 00:29:53,72 --> 00:29:57,65 to make sure that we have the right people we encourage the right people want to 342 00:29:57,66 --> 00:30:03,77 someone's interested in that. That we continue to help them to achieve their goals 343 00:30:04,60 --> 00:30:09,20 professionally and sometimes when you do that you end up losing people but 344 00:30:09,21 --> 00:30:13,92 sometimes also they get experience elsewhere and come back and it works well for 345 00:30:13,93 --> 00:30:20,75 you thank you John so John you get this next question Should parents get. More tax 346 00:30:20,76 --> 00:30:27,73 credits to pay for not in public education no. OK Would you 347 00:30:27,74 --> 00:30:32,86 like to answer that question TA There would be no All right thank you on to the 348 00:30:32,87 --> 00:30:36,42 next one. This is 349 00:30:36,43 --> 00:30:43,37 a negotiations question and Barbara you get this one first. Penfield teachers are 350 00:30:43,38 --> 00:30:46,59 without a con a raise in a negotiated contract for over 351 00:30:46,60 --> 00:30:51,79 a year this costs I'm stressing concern among teachers and parents what steps does 352 00:30:51,80 --> 00:30:53,30 the board take to prevent 353 00:30:53,100 --> 00:31:00,92 a situation when the teacher's contract might lapse again. Could you 354 00:31:00,93 --> 00:31:05,72 just read the last part what what does the board yes what would the what what the 355 00:31:05,82 --> 00:31:10,50 what steps could the board take in their role to prevent another situation where 356 00:31:10,74 --> 00:31:13,02 teachers contracts lapse. 357 00:31:19,38 --> 00:31:26,20 Well I think the board did take the role in this last negotiations we left it 358 00:31:26,21 --> 00:31:33,13 up to the superintendent and the union to work it out and. The 359 00:31:33,14 --> 00:31:39,86 superintendent came to us told us how things were going. Asked permission to do 360 00:31:39,87 --> 00:31:46,74 some things I think we we did what we needed to do. Thank you John. 361 00:31:48,28 --> 00:31:54,87 When negotiations in our it's two sided. Issue but I think collaboration is the 362 00:31:54,88 --> 00:32:00,23 most critical thing and. When you negotiate with any individual or 363 00:32:00,27 --> 00:32:05,01 a group I think it's important you get to know who they are. I think they have it 364 00:32:05,06 --> 00:32:05,52 you have to have 365 00:32:05,53 --> 00:32:11,06 a relationship before they're Stross and I think we do that in this district I 366 00:32:11,07 --> 00:32:15,43 think the one exception was when we did have a contract that went out for 367 00:32:15,44 --> 00:32:19,40 a year but all the elements I just mentioned weren't there so I think that's an 368 00:32:19,41 --> 00:32:26,18 example of why you need them and again our role is to advise the superintendent 369 00:32:26,19 --> 00:32:32,44 as as he is in those negotiations but if you start it in the right manner with 370 00:32:32,61 --> 00:32:37,75 collaboration negotiation and trust I think you never will have 371 00:32:37,76 --> 00:32:44,56 a country to war I don't. Think you know OK John that's questions for you Do 372 00:32:44,57 --> 00:32:51,47 you feel special education programs many pedophiles can improve in any way. I 373 00:32:51,48 --> 00:32:56,07 think any program can always improve. We're known as 374 00:32:56,08 --> 00:32:59,35 a great special education district were known as 375 00:32:59,36 --> 00:33:06,14 a destination district for special lad I've actually in my private life. Works. 376 00:33:07,72 --> 00:33:07,88 As 377 00:33:07,89 --> 00:33:14,15 a mediator with parents who were unhappy with another school district and I went to 378 00:33:14,16 --> 00:33:18,19 the head with them to their school district and they didn't know my role obviously 379 00:33:18,20 --> 00:33:25,01 but I came away from there thinking oh my God I'm glad you know that's 380 00:33:25,02 --> 00:33:31,18 not us and there are some districts that don't do anywhere as near as what we do so 381 00:33:31,47 --> 00:33:33,70 yes there's always room for improvement do we do 382 00:33:33,71 --> 00:33:40,58 a great job yes I think that's really the teller's in the fact that more people 383 00:33:40,59 --> 00:33:44,92 come to us for that specific need that other districts Thank you John. 384 00:33:48,83 --> 00:33:55,18 Absolutely. We can't just maintain won't know what is is currently happening 385 00:33:55,20 --> 00:34:00,98 because things are going to be changing technology is going to be changing. Needs 386 00:34:00,98 --> 00:34:07,64 of all of our students are going to be. Evolving and changing. Every 387 00:34:07,65 --> 00:34:14,24 minute. I'm excited for all of the things that I see in 388 00:34:14,25 --> 00:34:20,81 terms of our. Students being more accepting of all that. 389 00:34:21,91 --> 00:34:27,01 We do offer for our special needs students and what I mean in terms that I know 390 00:34:27,02 --> 00:34:33,49 that there's this body basketball is it I think it is or I'm I feel like unified. 391 00:34:35,62 --> 00:34:41,98 It's just positive to see that. At the high school level and it is 392 00:34:42,67 --> 00:34:49,37 you see it at all levels because Penn field doesn't have an inclusive program 393 00:34:50,37 --> 00:34:56,13 for their special ed kids so yes I see. But is it can always improve OK 394 00:34:57,08 --> 00:34:59,69 next question first Would you support 395 00:34:59,70 --> 00:35:03,87 a sexuality education program that teaches abstinence as the only means to avoid 396 00:35:03,88 --> 00:35:06,88 pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. 397 00:35:11,75 --> 00:35:15,19 OK Could you just support would you support 398 00:35:15,20 --> 00:35:21,39 a sexuality education program that teaches abstinence as the only means to avoid 399 00:35:21,40 --> 00:35:24,09 pregnancy sexually transmitted diseases. 400 00:35:33,23 --> 00:35:39,29 Would I support program so well so you know this is where I am I'm confused so 401 00:35:39,30 --> 00:35:42,46 a program that's coming into to 402 00:35:42,47 --> 00:35:48,36 a presentation or is it part of our. I don't know what the writer's intention was 403 00:35:48,37 --> 00:35:53,31 but I'm believing it's. Sexuality education program so what would be what is 404 00:35:53,32 --> 00:35:59,42 already being taught maybe in health classes OK And but it would be abstinence only 405 00:36:00,01 --> 00:36:04,74 as the means to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. 406 00:36:10,63 --> 00:36:16,48 I'm not sure that I would be able to totally I mean. I think that that's an 407 00:36:16,49 --> 00:36:22,80 individual. Personal choice and I don't think that I or the board should have the 408 00:36:22,81 --> 00:36:29,67 mandate as to how things are directed. Down to the educator 409 00:36:30,23 --> 00:36:33,06 is is telling the students what to do I think that's more of 410 00:36:33,07 --> 00:36:36,76 a family personal thing and you. 411 00:36:39,99 --> 00:36:45,37 Know I think I think if you presented in that way with that one notion as being the 412 00:36:45,37 --> 00:36:49,77 only call I think would be too narrow a view would be like taking 413 00:36:49,78 --> 00:36:54,55 a math problem and saying there's only one way to do it and I don't think those 414 00:36:54,73 --> 00:37:00,33 schools should have that option I think we're about broadening the mind presenting 415 00:37:00,34 --> 00:37:01,94 opportunities not only people make 416 00:37:01,96 --> 00:37:06,10 a choice we're presenting them with all the opportunities and choices that over. 417 00:37:07,52 --> 00:37:12,91 Time. Next question John your first school set aside time for prayer in the 418 00:37:12,92 --> 00:37:14,91 classroom or at school events. 419 00:37:20,62 --> 00:37:26,22 OK thank you I've combined their board questions and I've sort of combined the last 420 00:37:26,23 --> 00:37:31,77 three into one it says you are both incumbents and the person who wrote this said 421 00:37:31,78 --> 00:37:35,88 thank you for your service you were running unopposed What are your thoughts about 422 00:37:35,89 --> 00:37:41,26 that and with that question what are your unique contributions to the school board 423 00:37:41,88 --> 00:37:48,63 and Barber I believe you're focused. OK so 424 00:37:49,18 --> 00:37:54,65 I apologize I you're running unopposed What are your thoughts about that running 425 00:37:54,66 --> 00:38:00,64 unopposed and then to follow that what are the unique contributions that you bring 426 00:38:00,65 --> 00:38:07,33 to the scope. It was not my intention to 427 00:38:07,34 --> 00:38:14,26 run unopposed. I would welcome anyone who chose to 428 00:38:14,27 --> 00:38:21,02 run for the school board I think it is something that. We need more 429 00:38:21,03 --> 00:38:27,43 people being involved in wanting to do that. And in terms of 430 00:38:29,72 --> 00:38:33,88 what have i unique contribution unique scuppered. 431 00:38:36,38 --> 00:38:42,15 Well. I am passionate 432 00:38:42,77 --> 00:38:49,64 about. Education. I am determined that field will 433 00:38:49,88 --> 00:38:56,70 be. As good as it possibly can be I support that I support our RE bit 434 00:38:56,74 --> 00:39:01,85 about Penfield education on the arts the sports. 435 00:39:04,47 --> 00:39:11,35 The. Buildings. Fixing the bathrooms fixing the lead in the water you 436 00:39:11,36 --> 00:39:16,97 know I think. I'm the biggest cheerleader Thank you Barbara. 437 00:39:19,69 --> 00:39:25,46 I spend every day trying to find someone to replace me. But seriously I think our 438 00:39:25,47 --> 00:39:26,88 goal is to as 439 00:39:26,89 --> 00:39:32,24 a board to go out and make sure we don't run unopposed I think it's important I 440 00:39:32,25 --> 00:39:38,23 think in society as elected officials in general there's just too much of the I 441 00:39:38,24 --> 00:39:44,37 personally favor term limits for all that officials but. I think it's. 442 00:39:45,36 --> 00:39:51,06 The perception of volunteers today is different than it was twenty years ago and 443 00:39:51,91 --> 00:39:57,19 time is the element that comes in the place so I think it's hard for someone to do 444 00:39:57,20 --> 00:40:02,66 it I think time comes into play and you know there's different priorities than they 445 00:40:02,67 --> 00:40:06,95 were before so I think I think that's part of the reason we run unopposed as far as 446 00:40:06,96 --> 00:40:11,12 my unique contribution one of the last things I ever thought of when I first got on 447 00:40:11,13 --> 00:40:15,35 the school board was that I would use twenty plus years of experience as 448 00:40:15,36 --> 00:40:20,57 a lobbyist with the New York state legislature in this position and I just never 449 00:40:20,58 --> 00:40:25,45 dawned on me that that would be important so I brought relationships with 450 00:40:25,46 --> 00:40:28,99 a lot of legislators and as I just mentioned they've been in there 451 00:40:29,00 --> 00:40:32,99 a long time because they're not term limited and I think that's benefited our 452 00:40:33,00 --> 00:40:37,66 organization to be able to connect and talk to a legislator to get 453 00:40:37,67 --> 00:40:44,00 a message across I think the second contribution is I've I spent most of my career 454 00:40:44,01 --> 00:40:44,90 working for 455 00:40:44,91 --> 00:40:50,16 a board of directors so I think. Knowing my way around the board table has proved 456 00:40:50,17 --> 00:40:56,87 to be beneficial to other board members and to the superintendent and to stand up 457 00:40:56,88 --> 00:41:01,51 because quite honestly it's somewhat unique I mean we all don't have 458 00:41:01,52 --> 00:41:05,62 a lot of board experience that it would be my choice but I think it's important as 459 00:41:05,63 --> 00:41:09,88 I mentioned in my opening statement I think what we do is 460 00:41:09,89 --> 00:41:15,14 a board and how we come about to do things is the most critical part and that 461 00:41:15,15 --> 00:41:21,81 relates to our board governance Thank You Are there any more questions that need to 462 00:41:21,82 --> 00:41:28,27 be submitted. Scene on I will ask each of the 463 00:41:28,28 --> 00:41:29,40 candidates to make 464 00:41:29,41 --> 00:41:35,82 a statement of not more than two minutes in closing and John this time you get to 465 00:41:35,83 --> 00:41:40,70 go first OK thank you both thank you again to everyone who has taken time away from 466 00:41:40,71 --> 00:41:44,44 their families tonight and again to the P.T.O. 467 00:41:44,45 --> 00:41:49,27 And Mineral County School Board for facilitating this this is the closest level of 468 00:41:49,28 --> 00:41:54,31 government. That we get to the constituents in our state your being here shows that 469 00:41:54,32 --> 00:41:58,66 you care about the quality and excellence that Penfield school district offers 470 00:41:59,16 --> 00:42:03,86 schools are local assets appreciated for the education they provide while also 471 00:42:03,87 --> 00:42:05,15 binding the community with 472 00:42:05,16 --> 00:42:09,62 a sense of public purpose we must continually recognize the value of 473 00:42:09,63 --> 00:42:13,85 a well educated contingent in every young people who are prepared to take their 474 00:42:13,86 --> 00:42:18,20 rightful place in the community and are capable of addressing the complex 475 00:42:18,21 --> 00:42:23,04 challenges that are required in the world today we must recognize however that 476 00:42:23,08 --> 00:42:23,91 everyone should have 477 00:42:23,92 --> 00:42:28,75 a sense of collaboration and global vision as we continue to ride world class 478 00:42:28,95 --> 00:42:35,56 education for the Penfield Central School District. I believe my experience my 479 00:42:35,57 --> 00:42:40,30 involvement of having five kids go through public schools is beneficial but my 480 00:42:40,31 --> 00:42:40,89 experience as 481 00:42:40,90 --> 00:42:45,55 a leader in the community has added value to our district and to our board and I 482 00:42:45,56 --> 00:42:49,21 will be and I honored to represent the Penfield school district communities for an 483 00:42:49,22 --> 00:42:52,16 additional three years thank you thank you John. 484 00:42:57,19 --> 00:43:03,90 My response in closing is this I want to thank. Not only 485 00:43:03,95 --> 00:43:08,92 sherry for moderating but the Indian landing P.T.O. 486 00:43:08,93 --> 00:43:13,82 As well for all that you've done tonight to set this up thank you to everyone who 487 00:43:13,83 --> 00:43:20,73 came Thank you to everyone who's watching. And the biggest thing that I would like 488 00:43:20,74 --> 00:43:26,78 to leave with you with all of you is this it has been my pleasure to to be 489 00:43:27,33 --> 00:43:34,01 a member of the Penn field school board. I have done it for nine years and 490 00:43:34,02 --> 00:43:37,82 having grown up in Penfield having been 491 00:43:37,83 --> 00:43:43,27 a part of the Penn village cation system that to me is something that I always 492 00:43:43,28 --> 00:43:50,07 wanted to do was to give back to my community and I feel that by using my talents 493 00:43:50,08 --> 00:43:56,83 as an educator I have been able to provide that both to my community. And the 494 00:43:56,84 --> 00:44:02,14 Penfield school board as well so I look forward to the next three years. And. 495 00:44:03,95 --> 00:44:08,88 I'm always available so thank you very much thank you to both of you it's by 496 00:44:08,89 --> 00:44:12,59 a pleasure to have moderated this for the Penfield school district in the Board of 497 00:44:12,60 --> 00:44:13,68 Education this evening.