The questions were prepared by the League of Women Voters of the Cincinnati Area and asked of all candidates for this office.

See below for questions on Top Priority, Use of facilities

Click on a name for other candidate information.   See also more information about this contest.

Answer from Ron W Rosselot:

Realizing we are experiencing a reduction of state funding, I will provide unbiased understanding of how to operate a business, the school district, in the most efficient, cost effective manner.

Answer from Winnie Clayton:

Emphasize phonics and basic math in the primary grades. And include geography, economics, and civics. Continue (and expand where possible) AP/honors classes and our gifted program. Re-instate the various levels of high school English classes that we had in the past, so that all our students will read good literature and be challenged at their own levels. Science, art, music, physical education, and technology should also remain strong.

Answer from Kevin P. O'Brien:

A "cost effective, high quality" education will be my top priority. Continuing the success and striving for another "Excellent" rating will require a team effort from the Board, Administrators, Teachers, Parents and Students.

Answer from Randy Smith:

Long term financial planning will require action in a number of areas. First we need develop a ten year plan that incorporates projected income, expenses as well as student population and a capital plan. We also need to work with local and state elected officials to participate in any restructure of the State funding systems for Schools. We also need to investigate creative new ways to fund programs and generate revenues. For example, we can look to corporate funding to generate income for incremental programs. I would like to set up advisory board to take advantage of the outstanding financial management available in the Forest Hills School District.

Answer from Gary W. Seibert:

I would encorage other board members to think with an open mind and vote as a team also. A board member will know at the end of a public discussion wether or not he/she is part of the majority. If he/she is, then fine. If not, he/she needs to ask him/herself what good will it do the board, community or district to have a split vote. I feel that split votes will not create the type of atmosphere that will attract the kind of homerowner that we want as neighbors.

Answer from Bob Goodman:

The Board of Education needs to work as a team in order to serve the district. I can help create an environment that utilizes team interaction so that the Board sets a positive tone for the district. The focus of the Board can then be centered on educational and financial planning issues. I bring no personal agenda items to this election, but rather a desire to create a true learning community within our district.

Answer from Kevin P. O'Brien:

As a Board Member of the Anderson Area Chamber of Commerce, I have a unique perspective on this issue. The District is fortunate to have a community that supports the schools in a variety of ways; and conversely many of the school's facilities are open to the public for use after normal classroom hours.

Answer from Bob Goodman:

The FHSD currently provides numerous opportunities for the use of school facilities. One example of that is the Community Education program which offers classes in a wide variety of interest areas for all age groups that utilizes both high school facilities. The school gyms and fields are also used for recreational practices and games for youth.

Answer from Winnie Clayton:

The Forest Hills Board of Education cooperates with Anderson Township Trustees and community organizations such as Youth Football leagues, Kiwanis basketball leagues, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, American Heritage Girls, and other groups for the use of school facilities. Also, the two high school tracks and tennis courts are open for use by the public after school hours.

Answer from Ron W Rosselot:

I am not sure this is an issue with the present school board after interviewing current board members.

Answer from Randy Smith:

Currently the Forest Hills School District does an excellent job of utilizing facilities for before and after school programs as well as for an extensive recreation program. The ball fields and gyms are used by many different organizations wthin the Anderson Township and Newtown area. An opportunity for the Board is to establish a better relationship with the Anderson Township Trustees and other elected officials representing the Forest Hills School District.

The order of the candidates is random and changes daily.