School board candidates answer questions (left to right) Lee Evans, Mike Wilson, Sandra McCumbers, Juanita Berdine, Carlene Frederick and Donna Richards (Not pictured was Steve Whited, who had to be absent, but sent a statement to be read)
Calhoun Education representative, Kelli Whytsell helped the audience asked questions
Calhoun's school board candidates participated in a "Meet the Candidate" forum Tuesday evening sponsored by the Calhoun Education Association.
"It was a lively discussion," said association member Kelli Whytsell, who presented a list of 14 questions to the candidates.
Irona Yeager, representing the Middle School Boosters, asked the candidates what position they would take regarding the school board reimbursing the boosters club for transportation money the group is being asked to advance for middle school activities.
"The system will be reimbursed 90% of the costs, and we think it is unfair for the boosters to foot the entire transportation bill for middle school activities.
"We have agreed to pay the 10% difference," Yeager said.
Yeager said Superintendent Ron Blankenship has indicated he wants the boosters to pay the entire transportation costs. "We think it is unfair and we need help to keep the money in our programs," she said.
The boosters group, through fund raising, have been ardent supporters of middle school activities, raising nearly $40,000.
Middle school sports "have been rising to the top," said Yeager.
Most of the candidates appeared to support the boosters organization over the issue, praising them for their volunteerism.
School teacher Linda Jarvis told the candidates there are "very serious problems with discipline" in the middle school, indicating that teacher's "hands are often tied" to correct situations, some of which have recently turned violent.
"Surely there is something a school board can do to (firm up) the discipline policy," Jarvis said. She cited incidents such as, "rewarding" students who exhibit behavioral problems, by allowing them to go on field trips, as a problem.
Candidates were asked if they would support allowing youth league players to use the Calhoun Middle-High School facilities. They said the Calhoun school system is the only system in the LK area that does not allow games to be played on their field.
Youth leagues have been playing on Wayne Underwood Field, which was donated to the county by the Board of Education.
Sports parents have complained about the facility, including the lack of bleachers and other facilities. The youth football group wants to use the new high school field for four or five games each season.
The prospective candidates were asked for their positions on several other issues including, selecting a new superintendent and "dead-head" bus miles.
 County Clerk Richard Kirby (pictured left) demonstrated the new touch-screen voting machine that will be used in the next election. Kirby said he and his office workers have been taking the machines around the county to help citizens understand how they are used.
"The interest in the machines has been high and nearly everyone has said they are easy to use," said Kirby.
Kirby also discussed issues related to voting for school board candidates. "It gets pretty confusing, and voters need to understand how to make their vote count," he said.
Since three candidates are to be selected this May and only two can be elected from a single district, he said there are special issues in Sherman and Lee Districts.
In Sherman District where Cynthia Dale is already seated on the board, there are two candidates for one seat, Sandra McCumbers and Steve Whited.
In Lee District where Joy Starcher is already seated on the board, there are two candidates for one seat, Lee Evans and Juanita Berdine.
"Essentially, if you vote for both candidates from those districts, you'd be throwing one vote away," said Kirby.
Association member Kelli Whytsell said there was an interesting dialog at Tuesday's meeting. "We're very grateful to the candidates for coming, and those who participated in the forum."
Whytsell said there will hopefully be another forum for the public prior to the election.
The Hur Herald will feature a special section on the candidates starting in April.
Incumbents Rick Fitzwater and Don Harris are not seeking re-election, but incumbent Carlene Frederick is seeking the post.
School Board Candidates, by District:
SHERIDAN - Carlene Frederick (incumbent)
SHERMAN - Sandra McCumbers and Steve Whited (not pictured) will be vying for one seat, with Cynthia Dale already representing the district
LEE - Juanita Berdine and Lee Evans are vying for one seat, with Joy Starcher already representing the district
CENTER DISTRICT - Mike Wilson and Donna Richards
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