Candidates talk finances at forum
By DIANA SROKA - dsroka@nwherald.com
RICHMOND – There was mention of mergers, performance-based pay and the six candidates’ financial acumen at Thursday’s District 2 candidate forum. But as the discussion progressed, board President Patty Anderson tried to draw distinction between business sector concepts and the public school system.
“The fact of the matter is we live in a state where collective bargaining is allowed, and we live in a district with a union,” said Anderson, who is seeking re-election to her board post April 7.
Anderson’s comment was a response to opponent Erin Godonis’ suggestion that the board should explore eliminating faculty tenure at the elementary and middle school district.
“[Tenure] rewards our nonperforming teachers the same as the good ones,” Godonis said.
Anderson and Godonis, as well as John Puleo, Pierre Langlois, Sue Maurer and Sharon Bianchini, are vying for four spots on the District 2 school board.
Several candidates touted their financial backgrounds Thursday night as the qualifying skill for overseeing a school district amid a tumultuous economy.
“We have to be pretty diligent that we’re watching what we spend,” said Langlois, who is an accountant. “I can’t imagine a CPA hurting on a school board.”
Puleo suggested establishing merit-based pay for teachers.
“I’m from the private sector. If you don’t make the grade, you don’t eat,” Puleo said.
Maurer addressed her position on district referendums during the past few years and said she hoped to “keep this district financially strong without seeking a referendum.”
Bianchini told the crowd of more than 60 that attended the forum that her top priority would be to improve communication with parents.
She stressed her technology background, and said she “has knowledge of learning assessment tools” used by other districts.
