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.
Paul D. Love• AGE: 62
• EDUCATION HIGHLIGHTS: IU Bloomington BS in Biology Education, MS in Secondary; Education, EdS in School; Administration, and Superintendent’s license.
• CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: I began my career teaching science at Floyd Central Jr-Sr High School in 1968. The following year, I accepted a teaching position in science at Clarksville Middle School where I taught for two (2) years before switching to Clarksville High School. At CHS, I
taught biology/science for twelve (12) years, was assistant principal for two (2) years, and principal for sixteen (16) years. I have been the Assistant Superintendent in charge of finance for the past eight (8) years for the Clarksville Community School Corporation. While teaching, I coached varsity basketball, assistant baseball, and assistant football. My biggest coaching accomplishment was winning the Jeffersonville Basketball Sectional in both 1978 and 1979.
• FAMILY NOTES: My wife, Donna, and sons, Ryan and Kevin, all graduated from New Albany High School. Donna helps with NAHS and Hazelwood theatre departments as a volunteer. I also help the NA theatre department serving as a member of Dads With Tools, a group of volunteers who builds sets for play productions. Ryan (2004) excelled in wrestling and baseball, while Kevin (2007) excelled in theatre and chorus. Both currently attend IU Bloomington.
1) Why am I running for this position?
“I believe strongly in community service. Having lived in New Albany for the biggest part of twenty-eight years and now that I am retired, I feel it is time to give back to the school communities of New Albany-Floyd County. With my experience in education and school business at multiple levels, I believe I would have a lot to offer as a board member.”
2) What is the most important issue facing this position and what is your plan to resolve it?
“In education, the most important link is the classroom where students and teachers connect. Maximizing the potential for ALL students to learn is what it is all about. My plan would be to ensure that students have the best possible facilities and the best possible teachers and support staffs. NAFC schools are already doing a wonderful job, but we can always do a little better. School finance is very complicated and has become increasingly difficult to manage since 2001 when the combination of 911, reassessment, and a downturn in the economy made dollars more scarce. This is probably the biggest problem we face. I have worked in school finance for the last eight years, so I feel I know what needs to be done.
3) What unique contribution will you make to this board?
“If elected, I would be just one of seven board members. No one person should be unique in this setting. I hope that I would bring a thoughtful and caring attitude along with a good understanding of how schools should operate and how budgets are developed and implemented. I have no other agenda other than to serve the community by applying my experience and time to a worthy cause.
4) Have you ever been convicted of a non-traffic court crime in the United States? If so, please explain all relevant instances.
“I have never been convicted of a non-traffic court crime in the United States or anywhere else.”
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?
“What effect on school finance might the Governor’s plan of increasing the sales tax and shifting the burden of support for the General Fund to the state level have on school finance? What should be the priorities when forced to make any cuts?
“Citizens of the state of Indiana demanded property tax relief. I believe the legislation has merit, especially with added language establishing a rainy day fund should there be a revenue shortfall. It will take years to know for sure just how schools will be affected. There will always be property tax, however, to fund other essential programs for schools. But, with the state of Indiana controlling the purse strings and the Governor’s commitment to reducing the cost of government agencies, I sense this translates into consolidation for smaller schools. For larger schools, I believe it means a requirement to become more efficient in its operation. And, since 80-85% of schools’ General Funds goes to salary and benefits, the only reasonable place to make significant cuts is in personnel and/or programs. Hopefully, that will not be necessary for NAFC, but if it is, staff reductions should be made through attrition whenever possible.”
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?
“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 as an advisory board?
“In the final analysis, the only one who can hire or fire staff is the board of education as a group.Therefore, their most important function is to hire the best candidates starting with the superintendent and moving right down the line. The superintendent must recommend candidates for administrative positions, and they in turn recommend other subordinates as needed.
“Day-to-day operations are the responsibility of building administrators under the supervision of the superintendent. The board of education should stick to making policies that work for the stakeholders, approving budgets and building programs, promoting the schools K through 12, and securing the best possible staff. Day-to-day operations should not be their concern unless, of course, there are problems. When this happens, the board should attempt to solve the problems through the chain of command including those involved.”
What do you plan to do to increase your school corporation’s overall high school graduation rate?
“There is nothing any one person can do to improve the graduation rate. That being said, schools should work with parents to create the best possible environment for success in school. I feel strongly that student (and parent) involvement in school activities is essential in this process. As a board member, I understand that my role would be to hire the best staff, provide the best facilities, make schools safe, and approve as many opportunities as possible for students to “buy in” to the total school program.”
Candidates(s) listed on the ballot that did not submit questionnaires by deadline include: Patricia Badger-Byrd and Ronald D. Keller, both of New Albany.
