HEAR FROM THE CANDIDATES FOR SCHOOL BOARD
Four of the five candidates attended.
From left to right in the picture: Amy Ryan, Deborah Stine, Izzy Imig and Jessica Clark. Charles Messmer was unable to attend.
They are seated in order of their appearance on the ballot. Ironically, the two candidates on the left tended to lean that way in their answers to questions. The two candidates on the right tended to lean that way when answering questions.
Ryan and Stine repeated in their answers that "the sky isn't falling" in Rockwood. Meanwhile, Imig and Clark expressed more concern for standardized test scores that have been dropping across the district.
To see our posts on how much scores have dropped, click here: Scores are down. You can also search this site using the word "proficiency" or use the labels menu on the left.
All four candidates in attendance said they do not support the idea of banning books. Ryan and Stine both indicated in their answers that once books are in the library, there should not be attempts to get them out.
Imig said she believes more specific ratings on the books are warranted to make sure books are age appropriate, in terms of content (not just reading level). Clark agreed with Imig about age appropriateness and added that it's the district's responsibility to show how books that kids are reading for class lead to academic excellence. (Clark's campaign slogan is "Stick to Academics.")
You can read more about books parents have questioned here.
The two on the left are endorsed by the RNEA, Rockwood's teachers' union. See why that is raising eyebrows: Unions and campaign contributions The two on the right have drawn support from parents who are concerned about the direction the district is going.