League of Women Voters of Ohio Education Fund
Hamilton County, OH November 8, 2005 Election
	Michael Clemons Answers Questions Candidate for Board Member; Norwood City School District

Questions & Answers

1. What are your Qualifications for Office? (50 word limit)

I bring 20 years of direct education experience across a wide variety of learners and styles. My formal education, running my own business and non-profit experiences allows me to critically examine what works and collaborate with staff and agencies to implement those strategies. Accountability to community and taxpayers.

2. What plans do you have to address your top three priorities? (100 word limit)

Proficiency test and graduation rates will be improved through rigorous academic standards, dedicated partnerships with community, business, and agencies. Examination of curriculum will have to be grounded in best practices not on the latest fad. Extravagant spending on non-academic related items will stop by instituting policies that will restrict spending over $5,000 without examination by the board. Competitive bidding will become fact rather than an afterthought. Academic leadership will begin by my motion that each school gain autonomy by developing committees to address each schools needs. The community involvement and participation is priority one!

3. What will you do as a Board of Education member to increase parental involvement in your school system? (100 word limit)

I will ask that the members of the board hold meetings at each school outside of regular board meetings. I also want to develop school committees that address site specific concerns. Parents, staff, partners and administration should all be part of the decision making process with ample time to dialogue about issues. I also would like to fund after school activities that enhance family and communities. One last idea for increased involvement is the notion that each of those parents have something to teach to the students. I want to cultivate the idea that being the best is expected despite obstacles.