League of Women Voters of the Cincinnati Area Education Fund
Hamilton County, OH November 3, 2009 Election
	Christopher Ray "Chris" McDowell Answers Questions Candidate for Board Member; Cincinnati City School District

The questions were prepared by the League of Women Voters of the Cincinnati Area and asked of all candidates for this office.
Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

Questions & Answers

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

Prior to becoming a partner at Dinsmore & Shohl, I was an officer in the Army. There I learned to lead a culturally and economically diverse group toward the accomplishment of a goal. I tought college courses. I volunteer in the schools to instruct 3rd graders in math and reading.

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

In order to raise the level of education within CPS, we must set high standards for both students and teachers. We must get the parents and the community more involved in the education process. Children cannot learn alone and cannot succeed if they are only working during school hours. We must work with parents to help them understand the importance of homework and to turn the TV off and sit down with their children and read a book or help the child with his or her school work. (To see full answer to this question see attached paper)

3. Would you support a "year around school" pilot program for grades K-5? Why would you support or oppose such a program? (100 word limit)

I would support such a program. Studies show that economically disadvantaged children fall behind other children most during the summer months. Children in many other developed countries do not take months off from school. We as a nation need to understand that education is not a part time activity. Wealthy children spend their summer months in organized activities that foster educational growth; however, other children do not have these opportunities and when they return to school, the first month or so is spent just refreshing the children on what they forgot during the summer.

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Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League.  Candidates' statements are presented as submitted. Word limits apply for each question. Direct references to opponents are not permitted.

Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

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Created from information supplied by the candidate: September 27, 2009 14:57
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