|
Three candidates are vying for the Area A seat on the Cape Henlopen school board, representing the Milton area.
There are seven seats on the school board and terms last five years.
The candidates must live in Area A but voting is open to everyone at least 18 years of age whose primary residence is in the school district. Voters go to the polls between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 13. Polls will be open at Rehoboth Elementary School, Cape Henlopen High School and Mariner Middle School.
Absentee ballots can be obtained by sending in an affidavit printed off the Department of Elections website, by calling the department or stopping in to fill out the form and vote in person.
Find the Department of Elections at http://electionssc.delaware.gov, or call 302-856-5367.
The following are questions to candidates and their answers:
One board member recently suggested racism continues to be a problem in the district, as evidenced by some Milton-area parents trying to remove their children from H.O. Brittingham Elementary School through school choice. Do you consider this a significant problem and what could the school board to do to respond to it?
Fuller:
“If racism exists anywhere I consider it a serious problem, but I also know that most parents always want the best for their children and the choice between a superior school and a commendable school is not a hard one. I believe that the board could set a monitoring system in place that would help to identify the reasons for individuals’ school choice. This process could assist in bringing clarity to a very sensitive subject.”
Prettyman:
“I feel that the Milton schools are no different than any other schools in the Cape Henlopen School District. We serve a diverse population throughout the Cape Henlopen School District. Therefore, it is inappropriate to single out one school in the district.”
Schrock:
Racism, unfortunately, comes in all shapes, sizes and colors and is a learned behavior. If race alone is the reason a parent wishes to choice their child out of H.O.B. then I would like to explain to that parent that his/her child, when going out into the real world, will have to deal with people of all nationalities. Beginning to accept another’s race in elementary school will better prepare all children for life.
Milton schools serve more economically deprived children than any other district schools. How can the district address that issue? What resources do you think should be available to teachers in Milton schools?
Fuller:
“I believe it will take a collaborative effort between all stakeholders with all interested parties thinking outside the box to appropriately address the specific problem. With regards to the resources I think should be available to the teachers in Milton schools, I would have to speak with the administrators and lead teachers of the individual facilities to find out what they see as the primary resources that should be available to the teachers of their individual facilities.”
Prettyman:
“As a board member for the Cape Henlopen School District, I feel that we should get the schools in the district all the materials that they need to instruct, mentor and to help the young scholars to be successful in competing in the global world.”
Schrock:
“I think the best persons to answer this question would be the teachers themselves since they are the ones dealing with this issue on a daily basis. I certainly think we should listen to these teachers and do whatever we can to provide them with the tools they feel they need to help these economically deprived children.”
Cape school district is just emerging from a major budget shortfall. How will you ensure that another shortfall will not occur? If you should have a surplus, what is your first priority for spending it?
Fuller:
“As an individual board member I would only support hiring positions that are state funded and would make sure that the local positions were only funded for emergencies, and I would ensure that the start and ending dates were clearly identified. The fact that a surplus exists denotes that all needs have been met. I would not support needless spending of the surplus, but would seek to preserve it for critical needs that may arise to challenge our educational system.”
Prettyman:
“As a member of the Cape Henlopen High School Board it is almost impossible for anyone to see into the future. If there were a surplus, I would have to put some of that money in reserve and some I would put into administration in the district and see what technology, books and other materials they would need to help our young scholars to succeed.”
Schrock:
“Given the current economic climate, I feel we need to better plan how our monies are spent. As with a household budget, we need to look at every fund line and see where we can cut some fat out. I do not believe that we should automatically look at eliminating instructional positions as a kneejerk reaction. We need to do all we can to maintain our current level of instructors - teachers and paraprofessionals - since our No. 1 priority is to teach the children of the District.”
If you could invite anyone to speak at graduation, whom would you choose?
Fuller:
“I would invite Lt. Gov. John Carney.”
Prettyman:
“I would choose No. 1: Noble Prettyman. I would choose No. 2: Lt. Gov. John Carney.”
Schrock:
"I would invite Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama for the simple reason that both of these people are making history as viable candidates. Both of these candidates show that regardless of race, gender or background, with hard work and determination you can accomplish the the goals you set out to achieve."
Contact Leah Hoenen at leah@capegazette.com
|
