See below for questions on charter schools, special needs students, proficiency tests

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Answer from Gary W. Seibert:

I fear this would create a situation for the students in which they would become the "Have's" and Have Not's" as well as possibly syphoning off funds for the public schools.

Answer from Winnie Clayton:

Charter schools would provide competition for the public schools, similar to the competition provided by private and parochial schools. Competition serves as an incentive to improve.

Answer from Pam Boedeker:

Already the Forest hills District buses approximately 7,200 students to over thirty-five schools! Furthermore, Forest Hills' open enrollment policy allows students in the distrcit to make application to any of its six elementary or two high schools, subject to space availability. Therefore, choice is not new to this district. By all criteria, Forest Hills would continue to ba an excellent school district with or without charter schools. Charter Schools would dilute funding to public schools. Legislators should hold charter and non-charter schools equally accountable to the same standards.

Answer from Harry Andreadis:

In Forest Hills District the effect of charter schools is minimal.

Answer from Ed Acheson:

I do not believe that charter schools have impacted schools in the Forest Hills School District. I believe that the motivation to improve the quality of education in the Forest Hills School District comes from the parents and residents of the district, not from any positive pressures that charter schools may exert.

Answer from Jim Yunker:

These new independent public schools seem to be the latest trend in school reform and may be wonderful alternatives for many parents in urban school systems seeking to turn around failing schools. While charter schools may provide for creativity, competition and accountability, as proponents claim, it's too soon to know their effectiveness. Relative to Forest Hills School District, I do not believe such schools will be needed within our district given the recently published report by the Ohio Department of Education (ODE). All district taxpayers and residents as well as teachers -- and our students -- should be proud that Forest Hills School District met 27 of 27 of the State of Ohio's minimum performance standards for 1998-99 proficiency test scores, attendance rates and graduation rates. According to the ODE, a district is considered "effective" for achieving 26 or more of the 27 standards. Our district was one of only five of Hamilton County's 23 districts which achieved 27/27. Furthermore, Forest Hills is, by far, the largest district of those top five which makes the achievement even more meaningful.

Answer from Winnie Clayton:

Support services for special needs students are provided above and beyond state requirements in the Forest Hills District.

Answer from Jim Yunker:

Based on my personal volunteer involvement and participation as a classroom Dad in my children's FHSD elementary school, I am genuinely concerned that the current level of support services -- and that includes personnel -- are stretched very, very thin. Following a series of fact-finding conversations I currently am having with the nine building principals, Central Office administrators, parents and teachers, I will have a better understanding of the situation and be in a position to offer a personal evaluation based on facts.

Answer from Gary W. Seibert:

I personally feel the Forest Hills School District makes every endevor (sic) to meet all types of special needs for its students with equality.

Answer from Ed Acheson:

I do not believe that the state has adequately funded the inclusion of special needs students. I believe that additional aides are needed in the classroom to ensure that teachers have enough time to provide every student with effective instruction and individual attention.

Answer from Harry Andreadis:

Support system currently in place for special needs students appears adequate, although additional aides would be helpful to assist more students in the classrooms.

Answer from Pam Boedeker:

The Forest Hills' district motto is "Success for All Students". This motto applies to disabled students, at-risk students, average students and gifted students. Long known for its exceptional special education programs and services, Forest Hills has continued to be an advocate for special needs students. Education for special needs students is prescribed by an Individual Education Plan (IEP) which is required by law. Highly qualified special education teachers and parents work with the student to devise the learning program that will best meet the student's unique needs. In Forest Hills, the number of special needs students and the severity of their needs are increasing dramatically, particularly in the pre-school population. Funding from the state has not increased proportionately as services such as summers school must expand. Forest Hills is paying a significant cost beyond that which is provided by the state in order to meet the needs of its disabled students.

Answer from Harry Andreadis:

The students who have not passed the proficiency test are a high priority for special remedial instruction.

Answer from Gary W. Seibert:

The Forest Hills School District already had a fine education program in force before proficiency tests were put into use.

Answer from Ed Acheson:

The goal of the school district is to provide quality education so students can reach their full potential. Proficiency tests are supposed to be an indicator how well the school is doing in reaching the goal. Unfortunately, the indicator has become the goal. High proficiency scores or passing rates must not the goal. We must improve the entire education process by focusing on what goes on in the classroom, not by "teaching to the test".

Answer from Pam Boedeker:

It is too soon to know the impact of proficiency tests. We don't know yet if they will affect student's attitudes and performance or if they will be associated with future success. Proficiency test requirments have prescribed assesment and testing, though Forest Hills had a comprehensive testing program in place long before proficiency requirements. Proficiency tests have standardized education. Proficiency tests have brought about curriculum and instructional changes. Proficiency tests have caused us, as a community, to look closely at specified areas. I question if the fourth grade reading requirement is developmentally appropriate. As a former teacher I sense that the mandated emphasis on proficiences has taken away from the creativity of teaching and learning. I wonder what the next steps will be as we are drawn into local regional and national comparisons.

Answer from Winnie Clayton:

Proficiency tests have improved the education of students in only one way. They insure that minimum standards of knowledge and problem solving skills have been mastered by students in each of the subjects tested.

Answer from Jim Yunker:

Probably not! The emphasis placed on the State's proficiency testing has indeed focused teachers and students in many schools on being prepared for the tests, but that doesn't necessarily translate to "improved education." All taxpayers, and particularly parents, teachers, administrators -- and our youth -- should be proud that Forest Hills School District met 27 of 27 of the State of Ohio's minimum performance standards for the 1998-99 proficiency test scores, attendance rates and graduation rates. That said, however, as a parent and former teacher, I am concerned that our curriculum not be driven by the State of Ohio testing system, but by what's important for our kids to learn and how our teachers can best help them learn.

The order of the candidates is random and changes daily.