Document text
School board hopefuls line up for March By Amber Fossen Ashland Daily Tidings Ashland School Board members fielded questions from a number of potential board candidates interested in functions of the board. Calling it a "good turnout," nearly 10 community members attended the Monday night meeting to discuss the roles and responsibilities of board members. Potential candidates have until March 20 to file for either position 2 or position 5 held by John Maurer and Curt Bacon, respectively. No applications were filed as of this morning. Ed Taylor, owner of Internet Marketing Group and Ashland resident for seven years, said he is considering running for a board seat. "It appears that there's a need and at this point in my life, I have an interest in it," Taylor said. Taylor said the district has provided his daughter - who is attending Ashland High School - with many opportunities he would like to see continue for the next generation of students. However, he added, no decisions to run have been made. "I still have to go home and evaluate it, talk to my wife and daughter, to see if this is reasonable," Taylor said. "I don't want to be a part of something if I'm unable to contribute to it fully." Other community members in attendance included; Robert Kuenzel (former Ashland Schools Foundation board member), Rick Barth, Howard Braham (former Drug and Alcohol Committee member), Heidi Parker (former Drug and Alcohol Committee member), Marty Lenk, Dennis Funk and Ellie Thivierge (former School Closure Committee member). One of the questions potential candidates wanted to know was how much dedication is involved. Board member Terry Littleton said she tried to keep track of her involvement this year, approximating a six hour per week commitment. Although the board holds one public meeting per month, the potential for more meetings is guaranteed. According to Superintendent Juli Di Chiro, the board has a lot of work to accomplish - more than a once a month meeting would allow for. "In order to be prepared to conduct business, there's a lot of work that needs to occur in between," Di Chiro said. Board members have multiple responsibilities such as working on collective bargaining agreements, selecting and evaluating the superintendent, developing a budget and setting district policy. Board members also have important issues to address like the closing of Briscoe Elementary School at the end of the year. Braham said even though the board faces difficult issues, he's still considering stepping up to the plate. "It would be quite an honor and an interesting challenge," Braham said. "I love working with people and I certainly don't shy away from controversy." Braham said he's been interested in running for a board seat ever since he moved to Ashland five years ago but the opportunity didn't present itself until now. And while he's interested in working toward providing the best opportunities to area students and teachers, he has not said whether or not he will run in the May 20 election. Board candidates have until March 20 to pay $10 or collect 25 signatures necessary to gain entry on the May ballot. LINKS: DAILY TIDINGS: Main | News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Opinion | Columnists | AP News | Subscribe | Archives | Weather | Classifieds | Contact Us | Privacy REVELS: Main | Calendar | Dining | Movies | T.V. OTHER: Road Cams Copyright 2003 Ashland Daily Tidings 541.482.3456. 1661 Siskiyou Blvd., Ashland, OR 97520. Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. - Advertisers -