Gilpin students question BOE candidates
Three candidates running for two 4-year seats
The Gilpin County High School Student Council sponsored a question-and-answer session in the school auditorium with the candidates running for a two-year term position on the Board of Education. The Student Council advisor, Su Henry, coordinated the meeting. The Student Council representatives, Jara Peterson, Aspen Walters and David Yerkman, posed 11 student-originated questions to the two candidates present, Bob Masslich and Charlotte Taylor. The third candidate, Rusty Hardy, was unable to attend the session. The current Board of Education treasurer, Craig Holmes, was also present at the candidates’ table to answer questions. Gilpin County Commissioner Jeanne Nicholson attended the session as well.
The first question centered on how much experience each candidate had regarding the school board. Masslich, as a current member of the school board, responded that he had six years’ worth of insight in dealing with school issues. Taylor emphasized her prior knowledge of school issues, as she had been a board member for three years, from 1970-2000, and covered board meetings as a Weekly Register-Call reporter.
The next question was “What are the reasons why we don’t have more extra-curriculum activities?” Taylor replied honestly that she did not know why, but that finding an answer would involve interaction from the superintendent, principals, staff, students and parents. Masslich responded that there would be more time for sports with shorter school days. In clarifying the issue, Holmes remarked that funding or an economy of scale was the biggest issue in not having such activities.
Andrea Walters posed the students’ third question of “Why don’t we have a track field?” Holmes stated that it was an economic issue, a lack of money, but it – a track field – was something to aspire to in the future. Masslich and Taylor both agreed that it was a money issue with Taylor suggesting fundraisers and other like activities for generating track field monies.
The fourth question was about getting out of school earlier, on May 28th instead of June 10th. Masslich proposed devising a school calendar with more school days, but with fewer hours in each day. Taylor remarked that there are state requirements that dictate the number of contact hours between students and teachers, which are necessary to meet. Both Masslich and Taylor put a priority on nurturing student achievement.
The fifth student question asked about replacing textbooks with CDs for students who had computers at home. Taylor replied that it would require looking into copyright laws to see if it was possible. Masslich cited cost factors. Holmes said it was a good idea and possible to look into licensing agreements for CDs.
David Yerkman presented the next question, “Is the school cabin ours and why don’t we rent it out for extra money?” Holmes clarified that renting out the cabin raised potentially costly liability issues. Masslich and Taylor spoke about the 93 acres owned by the school behind the cabin and how the land was a financial asset to the school. Taylor agreed with Holmes in seriously considering liability issues associated with renting out the cabin.
Jara Peterson presented the next question to the candidates regarding their knowledge of the school’s current financial system, including increasing funds for sports, etc. Taylor stated that the budget is complicated and that “Education needs to be the highest priority.” Masslich agreed in general with Taylor, citing the funds from Black Hawk that have alleviated some of the school’s money issues. Holmes pointed out that Colorado is one of the lowest ranking states nationwide in providing funds for its schools. It’s always a matter of prioritizing in spending funds.
The eighth question was “What’s your opinion on using sports as a Physical Education (P.E.) credit?” Masslich answered “Yes,” to the question. Taylor considered it an interesting question and would refer to the P.E. instructors’ opinions in forming her answer.
The following question was “As a board, what do you believe is the most important quality for a board?” Taylor responded that the board is a guiding force with details filled in by the superintendent and her staff. Masslich referred to the school’s mission statement and that the board is focused on making it better. Holmes explained that the board sets policy and they have one employee, Superintendent Goar, and their goal is to help her succeed. The board carried the financial responsibility for the school and its ongoing success.
Yerkman presented the question, “What do you feel are the biggest mistakes and issues in our school and how do you plan to fix it?” Masslich replied that scores were low in reading and writing, and learning how to make yourself better would be good. Taylor emphasized that she wanted to figure out a way to see everyone excited to be attending school here. Holmes added that programs were in place to raise the level of student achievement. We would have to wait to see the results. A Level 3 accreditation was attained this year and Holmes wants to focus, through student achievement, on obtaining a Level 1 status.
Peterson posed the last question from the students, “Do you see some mistakes our district made over the last few years that you’d like to correct?” Masslich replied that they did do well financially and a long term fiscal outlook was needed. Taylor said everyone’s voice needed to be heard in decision-making and that needed to be worked on. Holmes explained that a process of community involvement had started and he regretted that it was not continued. It was more a regret than a mistake. Holmes also complimented Superintendent Goar in generating more school spirit.
At the conclusion of the questions and answers period, a small straw poll was conducted of the students present at the session. It was unanimous: All of them would vote for Craig Holmes being on the board.