|
|
By CHARLOTTE PERKINS
Journal Staff Writer
The four candidates in the special election for Post 5 of the Houston County Board of Education squared off Monday night in an occasionally tense debate. They are vying for the unexpired term of the late Pam Greenway, and will be on both the Democratic and the Republican Primary Ballots.
Schools represented in Post 5 are Perdue Elementary and Primary, Houston County High, Bonaire Elementary and Middle, Russell Elementary, Hilltop Elementary and Miller Elementary. The final vote will be on Tuesday. Other posts on the Board of Education will be filled in the November election.
The candidates are Helen M. Hughes, Randal P. Hinson of, Darin Rase and Marsha McGowan Hall. Hughes is the incumbent, having been appointed by a vote of the Board of Education members to fill the post until the special election could be held. She is office manager for Hughes Honda and has been a volunteer in the school system.
Randal Hinson is a retired educator with 33 years of experience in the school system. He has been a principal as well as a coach and teacher. Darin Rase is a Certified Public Accountant who became interested in serving on the board during the recent rezoning of school districts. Marsha McGowan Hall has previously worked for the Board of Education in lunchroom and office work.
At the debate, which was organized by Jodi Daley, Kathy Brown and Fenika Miller, with support from The Patriot newspaper and radio, Hinson, who is running on his experience as an educator and parent, said, “My whole family has been involved in the Houston County Schools and I feel that I can make a difference.”
Darrin Race, said, “I believe I can bring valuable experience in tough economic times. I understand financial issues.”
Race also said, “The Board has not been as responsive as some would like it to be,” noting that he was “disappointed with how the zoning decisions were made, with three months of public input … and three minutes of input on the final map.”
Race’s sentiments were echoed by Marcia McGowan Hall,who said, “Our board has lost sight of what its purpose should be, and is a rubber stamp for the superintendent,” and argued that the system has a “top heavy central office staff.”
Hughes, who told the audience that when the Board members interviewed her for the post, they wanted her to seek election for the full term, said that the board allows “a lot of public input,” and emphasized her experience for the last year, which has involved rezoning, dealing with a difficult budget process, and selecting a new superintendent.
Randal Hinson, said that the Board should have a hiring freeze and “let the people at the central office divvy up the work.” He said that principals had been expected to do this in the schools and “What’s sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander.”
All of the candidates stressed communications with parents and the community.
|
|
|
|
|