Fri, Jul 04 2008

Published: April 02, 2008 08:33 am

CANDIDATE Q&A: Greater Clark School Board - District 7

Editor’s Note: Submissions appear as the candidates submitted them without editing.Candidates are listed in alphabetical order. Except where noted, questionnaires are only being published for contested races.

Rebecca “Becka” Christensen

• AGE: 47

• EDUCATION HIGHLIGHTS: Graduate of Jeffersonville High School

• CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: Founder and CEO of Affairs of the Heart Florist and Co-founder of Eberts 1864 Cottage/Rental Hall.

• FAMILY NOTES: I have been married to Dan Christensen for 32 years. I have one daughter, Jamie Christensen Chevalier, graduate of the University of Louisville, now residing in San Diego, Calif. with her husband, Senior Chief Petty Officer Keith Chevalier USN.

1) Why are you running for this position?

“I am running for Greater Clark County School Board District 7 so that it can continue to have the strong and ethical leadership for our children, which is demanded from a school board representative. Past board members from district 7 have provided that having had active rolls in our community and high moral standards by which they live and succeed. I believe I have those same qualities.”

2) What is the most important issue facing this position and what is your plan to resolve it?

“After much discussion with other board members (past and present) of Greater Clark the answer is likely, spending the taxpayers dollars wisely on all new construction projects for the school corporation and be able to provide the best possible educational opportunities to all children in the Greater Clark School Corporation. Alone I cannot resolve any issue but together with other strong school board members who put children’s education first, I can help with discussions and actions to accomplish this.”

3) What unique contribution will you make to this board?

“Many who know me say it is my passion for my hometown. I am not a politician but a cheerleader for Jeffersonville. Everything good surrounding its future (which are our children) inspires me to give more of myself. I am founder and CEO of Affairs Of The Heart Florist and for over 17 years I have successfully managed the day to day operations of my shop, served on several local non profit associations as a board member, was a past executive officer of the Downtown Business Association and was very active in Greater Clark County School events during my daughters education process. I am the daughter of a factory worker grew up in a middle class family received my education in the Greater Clark County School System and I am a lifelong resident of Jeffersonville, and proud of it.”

4) Have you ever been convicted of a non-traffic court crime in the United States? If so, please explain all relevant instances.

“Never. No I have not, and in light of recent newspaper and television newscasts, I would support and encourage background checks on all political candidates running for office.”

READER-SUBMITTED QUESTIONS

Gov. Daniels' plan would eliminate property tax by increasing sales tax as a source of revenue for the general fund of schools. Since school corporations would therefore rely predominantly on state support, what effect might this have on school finance and what will be your priorities when forced to make any cuts?

“Forced to make any cuts to the school finances will be a very difficult task for all board members. Our priority should be to protect the educational process of our children in the public schools. I will work very hard to ensure that this stays the priority with the board. Numerous discussions will be needed to find the answer to this question, not just from the board members but also with the superintendent, teachers and the taxpayers of Clark County and I will continue to study the problems we are facing in the Greater Clark County School system. And then I will be able to wisely represent the best interest of our children as a responsible board member.”

It seems that some local school boards have become increasingly involved in the day-to-day operation of schools. Do you feel that is an appropriate direction for a board to be moving in, or should it function more as an advisory body?

“When making my decision to run for Greater Clark County School Board, I researched the job description on what it requires to be a good school board member. I read several publications and believe that at this time, board member should not take an active role in the day-to-day operations of the schools. It is our job as a good board member to ensure that we have an outstanding superintendent managing the day-to-day operations and we as a board will be there to establish the policies and evaluate the progress of these policies. It will be important for board members to be familiar with most activities that are in our schools and continue to have discussions with the management team, teachers, students and parents throughout the school year so we can evaluate the policies, but not on a daily basis.”

What do you plan to do to increase your school corporation's overall high school graduation rate?

“I plan to work effectively with the school board as a group to increase the overall high school graduation rate by studying the recent data on this subject. Some former students I have spoken with say that the importance of vocational classes, such as auto/mechanics and metal shops are really important as well as the arts, in our schools. Some children need to feel challenged to learn more. By having a variety of elective classes of which to choose from along with academics adds to student interest. We have to keep all students interested in continuing their education. We as a school board must creatively find the funding to accomplish this.”

Charles Neal

• AGE: 32

• EDUCATION HIGHLIGHTS: Bachelor of Arts, Economics (student athlete), Eastern Kentucky University; Master of Business Administration, Finance (honors), University of Wisconsin; Registered Principal, Financial Industry Regulatory Authority

• CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: Founder and CEO, CFN Wealth Management, LLC (2005 - Present)

— Financial Advisor, UBS Financial Services, Inc. (2002-2005)

— Operations Manager, Hilliard Lyons, Inc. (1998-2002)

— Training, Wall Street and New York Stock Exchange, New York City (1999, 2000, 2003)

— Board Member and National Alumni Chapter President, Eastern Kentucky University (2002-Present)

— Hall of Distinguished Alumni, Young Alumni Award, Eastern Kentucky University (2008)

— Volunteer of the Year, YMCA of Southern Indiana (2007)

— National Financial Planning Award (2003)

— Writer, Evening News and The Tribune, Opinions Column (2006-Candidate Filing)

• FAMILY NOTES: Season Welsh (fiancée); Charles King (father) and Jill O'Daniel; Deborah Neal (mother) and Robert Neal

1) Why are you running for this position?

“I believe in public education and view it as a means of freedom. Public education gives every child the tools with which to help shape their future and impacting the economic and social well being of society.”

2) What is the most important issue facing this position and what is your plan to resolve it?

“One of the most important issues facing our school system is balancing the budget and yet provide all the programs and services that our schools are known for, our parents want and students deserve. Another key area involves the large expenditure of taxpayers money earmarked toward the renovation our school buildings.”

3) What unique contribution will you make to this board?

“My education and professional experiences have shown firsthand the challenges facing our public school system. Specifically, my work with Eastern Kentucky University has allowed me to witness the changing landscape of public education. I have enjoyed being a part of the process that enables schools to educate students. There are many good people in the Greater Clark School District who are supportive of our schools, which will make doing the challenging work rewarding.”

4) Have you ever been convicted of a non-traffic court crime in the United States? If so, please explain all relevant instances.

“No.”

READER-SUBMITTED QUESTIONS

Gov. Daniels' plan would eliminate property tax by increasing sales tax as a source of revenue for the general fund of schools. Since school corporations would therefore rely predominantly on state support, what effect might this have on school finance and what will be your priorities when forced to make any cuts?

“There is no easy answer when it comes to government financing, but cutting property taxes while not cutting spending is nothing more than bait-and-switch. Any discussion of budget cuts for the school system would involve a careful examination of the school corporation's current budget. It would be extremely difficult for any outsider to identify specific budget cuts or even attempt to determine whether they are really necessary.”

It seems that some local school boards have become increasingly involved in the day-to-day operation of schools. Do you feel that is an appropriate direction for a board to be moving in, or should it function more as an advisory body?

“I believe that a school board member is a trustee of the community that elects him or her. Serving an advisory role, board members are responsible for setting the standards for the district following board policy. I fail to see how the idea of board members being directly involved with managing our school's day-to-day operations best represents the interests of our students and school system. Instead, we see this advisory relationship in both business and the current public university board that I help represent.”

What do you plan to do to increase your school corporation's overall high school graduation rate?

“High school graduation is a very important step in an individual's life towards social and economic advancement and personal well-being. High school graduates receive higher income, are less dependent on public or government assistance, and have more stable employment when compared to those lacking this important education credential.

“Several factors are linked to graduation rates: school size, quality of school, racial-ethnic disparity. A review of these factors is the starting point for improving our schools. I would work hard to bring all sides together and encourage open collaboration. Motivated and working together will be the stepping stone to improve our schools, increase high school graduation rates and ensure a better and brighter future for all students.”