Five of the six Austin Public Schools Board candidates discussed issues facing the district in a candidate forum Wednesday night at the Austin City Council chambers.

Incumbents Don Fox, Angie Goetz and Kathy Green, as well as newcomers Lisa Haase and Peggy Young answered four questions at the debate. Newcomer Rolando Benitez Ocampo was not present.

When asked what the members would hope to accomplish if elected, Fox said he would like to see existing programs grow, such as the gifted and talented program, the preschool programs at the Community Center and science programs for kindergartners. Haase emphasized the need for technology.

“We need to make sure that we have the best technology for the kids, because thats where the future is going,” she said.

Goetz noted the achievement gap, which she said is always existent because of the diversity of student background, that she hopes to close. She agreed with Haase that the district should focus on using technology wisely. Green hopes to make the Austin Public Schools District attractive to newcomers.

“I think what our role as a school board is is to create a really wonderful, vibrant school district that actually attracts students,” she said.

Green hopes to help different programs continue to stand strong.

Young noted the district must be fiscally responsible, as well as the need to listen to families to make sure students’ needs are met. She also supported an increase in technical programs at the schools.

Young, who works at Riverland Community College and as an agent for Sterling Real Estate, said she hears of the need for prepared students to work entry-level positions in industry.

“A lot of that I truly believe is because of the removal of technical programing in the high school,” Young said. “For the students that don’t intend to go on to college, they need to have some skills in those areas to find adequate employment.”

The other four candidates agreed with the desire to get more technical programming back into schools. Haase pointed out those skills can not only help in future employment situations, but also in daily life, whether it is fixing the plumbing or fixing a chair.

Green supported giving students more control over which classes they take, but because of state mandates, the district would need to get creative in how it brings the programs back.

All candidates noted that they all had flexible schedules and would be available to school administrators, teachers, students and parents. All candidates noted the use of technology: Facebook, email and phones.

When asked about how to help improve test scores, Green said she’d aim to help the district address every student’s needs individually with the help of teachers.

“That’s how we increase test scores, is one student at a time,” she said.

Goetz said the district is already doing things well, but she hopes to see improvements as the calendar committee looks at potential calendar changes the district can make. She suggested a later start time as an example.

Fox mentioned the programs already in place to help students, such as REACH, which is new to the district but has shown positive signs already. He also suggested holding students back a grade in elementary school as a possible solution.

Haase suggested the district focus on reading in all subjects like math and science. She agreed with Goetz about making changes to the calendar, and said she would support a 45/15 schedule for the district.

“I do believe that the 45/15 schedule is better than having the summer off,” Haase said.

Young suggested putting in place more support systems for students who may not have them at home. She also said the district could try adding more real-life situations to what the students are learning. She ended with saying the district needs to make sure the students have all the tools they need to learn, and gave an example of text book shortages.

 

The candidates:

—Peggy Young was on the parent teacher council at Southgate Elementary School and was involved at Ellis Middle School and in the I.J. Holton Intermediate School project.

—Kathy Green has a bachelor’s degree for dental hygiene. She’s served on the school board for about 15 years and has been a director for Minnesota Schools Boards Association. She is also a trustee and vice president for the Minnesota Public Employee Retirement Association.

—Angie Goetz has worked as a substitute teacher, as a dance coach, and she has worked as a college admissions counselor. She also worked as a volunteer mentor and a youth group leadership member. Goetz currently works as the property manager for an apartment complex.

—Lisa Haase has a degree in teaching. She currently works in the finance department at the Mayo Clinic Health System in Austin. She has served on various chamber committees.

—Don Fox taught in Michigan for five years. He served as a guidance counselor, a football coach and a physical education teacher. He was the principle at Southgate Elementary and the assistant principle at Austin High School. He’s taken a few interim positions as principal.

—Rolando Benitez Ocampo received his two-year degree and attended classes for communication. He works at Hormel Foods Corp. in Austin and at the Austin Municipal Airport. He is a member of the Salvation Army board and is on the Bike/Walk Committee for Vision 2020, as well as Spruce up Austin. He was also on several boards during school.