Board Member Chris Scott (left) is running for reelection. (City-Times photo)

Questions by Stevens Point League of Women Voters           

What background qualifies you for this position?  

For 14 years, as a community and board member, I have invested my time in supporting our schools. I volunteered in our schools, served on a district advisory and facilities committee, worked on referendums, met with districts around the state regarding school funding and worked as a substitute educational assistant. I have been in contact with local and state officials regarding education. 

As a board member, I have served on all our committees and chaired both the Curriculum and Human Resources committees. I have served as Clerk and also as Vice President for a number of years. I have worked with 5 Superintendents and participated in the hiring process for 4 of them. I am a member of Reading First, a community group that provides free books to children. I have attended WASB workshops which provide professional development for board members.

What strengths and interests do you bring to the board?  

Supporting education for our children has been a passion for me because of the rewards it brings to our community. Creating and sustaining learning opportunities for our students, is essential for them in leading a productive way of life. I have the time and am committed to supporting our schools. I am aware of the dedication and responsibility involved.

As a board member, how would you foster a more positive public opinion of the board?

The board could do a better job explaining our rationale when we deliberate. Deliberating and discussing issues is a vital part of what we do. What and why in our debates is important, How is the most important. Making issues personal does not help. Instead it portrays us in a bad light. We are 9 different people dealing with serious topics, children’s education, people’s livelihoods and tax payer dollars. We should be respectful of these things even when we disagree.

What is your knowledge and understanding of the current public school funding situation in Wisconsin?

Funding for schools is not one size fits all. Look at inner city schools vs rural schools. What happens if you are funded by enrollment and it drops? What if your students have greater educational needs or their families are struggling financially? How does that figure in? And if dollars for private charter schools are taken away from public schools, what will that mean?

There are only so many dollars to go around but I think there are many areas which could be changed to help schools. Two examples would be to make sure all additional mandates are funded and monies received arrive in time so that short term borrowing would not be necessary.