Candidates shared their stances on a variety of education topics, including standardized testing, technology and school safety. (Alex Eady, WTIU/WFIU News)
The Indiana Coalition for Public Education introduced the candidates for the Monroe County Community School Board during a public forum Monday.
During the forum, candidates shared their stances on a variety of education topics, including standardized testing, technology and school safety.
Candidates from District 1 include Eric Breidenstein, Jane Gouker, Thao Nelson and Elizabeth Ruh. In District 3, candidate, Byron Turner will face incumbent Martha Street. Brandon Shurr is running uncontested in District 7.
Breidenstein and Street did not attend the forum.
Turner, who works for the Department of Child Services, says educational equity is one of the biggest challenges the school district faces, particularly with impoverished students.
"I believe that this issue is particularly facing Fairview and Templeton," Turner says. "I don’t feel that they’re getting an equitable education at those schools due to the high rates of poverty at those schools and the high rates of trauma and I think it’s imperative we do something about that."
The panel also discussed steps the district is taking to keep students safe. Shurr says there will also be a level of uncertainty in today’s climate.
"I would imagine there is a sense of not feeling safe not because of the school system were in, but just because of the time were and just the different things teachers and students have to think about and worry about," Shurr says.
Candidates also agreed on the importance of implementing culturally responsive practices, prioritizing school librarians and integrating technology that doesn’t hinder students.
Elections to select the seats for the Monroe County School Corporation will be Nov. 6.
CORRECTION: A previous version of this story incorrectly quoted Byron Turner saying, "I don't feel that they're getting inequitable education at those schools." The quote has been updated to the accurate quote: "I don't feel that they're getting an equitable education at those schools."
