Some questions for my fellow school committee candidates

Here are some questions for my fellow school committee candidates:

Let's have some fun with an old fashioned civics debate!

Why would anyone in their right mind want to run for a seat on the Longmeadow School Committee? Why are you running?

Do you believe that the Longmeadow schools are clean and healthy buildings?

Is our custodial coverage adequate to the task?

If not what do you propose to do about the problem?

Do you believe that the MCAS tests are worthwhile?

Do they promote "teaching to the test" rather than more worthwhile classroom interactions?

To what extent do you think teachers should rely on a textbook for their course?

Do you believe that class size is important for student learning?

Many prep schools focus on class discussion skills and research skills and critical thinking skills, to what extent do you think Longmeadow schools should emphasize such learning?

What role do you think the Commonwealth of Massachusetts should play in the funding of our local schools?

Do you see a role for the federal government in the funding of our public school system?

Do you believe the Iraq war and its related costs have anything to do with the problems local school systems are currently facing? Please explain your position.

How do you stand on environmental questions? Do you support recycling in our schools? How would you enforce it?

Should we build a new high school? Should we renovate the old one? Could it be used for elderly housing?

If we build a new high school will you support a "green architecture model?

Are you a candidate for the School Committee or the Finance Committee?

How do you view the relationship between the School Committee and the Finance Committee?

How do you view the relationship between the School Committee and the Select Board?

Do you believe that the high school and the middle schools have an adequate number of guidance counselors?

Do you support a health program at the high school? Are you happy with the status quo with respect to health education at the high school?

How do you stand on the question of fees that students are asked to pay for athletics, clubs, parking, etc.?

If you have children in the school system, what school(s) do they attend?