League of Women Voters of the Cincinnati Area Education Fund
Hamilton, Butler, Warren Counties, OH November 8, 2011 Election
	Susan Elizabeth (Garrity) Wyder Answers Questions Candidate for Board Member; Princeton City School District

The questions were prepared by the League of Women Voters of the Cincinnati Area and asked of all candidates for this office.
Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

Questions & Answers

1. What are your qualifications for office?

I have been a resident of Princeton for 41 years; I have four children who went entirely through Princeton; and, I just retired after a 31 year teaching career in Princeton. I feel that my unique perspectives from these different vanatage points, especially from one in the classroom, coupled with my passion for Princeton will qualify me for this position. I am also a life-long learner, who is willing to study and learn whatever is needed to perform this job. Finally, because I am retired, I am able to give as much time as is needed.

2. What would you do to advance the concept of "equity in education" in your district?

I think that Princeton does strive to advance equity in education! There is continuity of programs throughout the schools, and Princeton does have intradistrict enrollment, so that parents can choose the school the best meets their child's needs. Additionally, Princeton is extremely inclusive with all of its special needs students, both during the school day and in extra-curricular activities. Furthermore, the arts serve as a great equalizer, and Princeton makes these programs available to all. More than anything, we need to work with the state and federal governments for equity in school funding, so that Princeton and all school districts have equitable resources to meet the educational needs of the students.

3. How would you use your students' state test results to improve education in your district?

I would use data analysis to determine strengths and weaknesses of our programs. I would work to strengthen areas of weakness by utilizing the problem solving skills of the staff in finding ways best to attack our problematic areas. In the past, when I have seen groups of educators work together on such tasks, great and successful solutions in the areas of concern are usually ascertained quickly and efficiently!

4. What will you do to build consensus in the community in support of public schools?

I would like to see the Board more visible in the buildings; I would like to see the Board have a representative at each PTA or PFO meeting; and I would like to see the Board hold Community Forums to make the members of our communities feel that they are valuable partners in the education of our children. If the community feels welcome and involved, consensus is a likely outcome.

5. What are your budget priorities?

Princeton has taken some heavy hits in the financial arena, and the current Board has done a magnificent job of making cuts to keep us within budget boundaries. However, there is always room for improvement, and I think that looking at the budget through educational lenses would allow us to fine-tune what has been done, so as to ensure that the fewest cuts are in the areas that directly impact our students, in the areas of tools and services, and the biggest cuts are in more peripheral areas. And, of course, we need to continue to press atate and federal governments for equity in school funding!

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Created from information supplied by the candidate: September 24, 2011 11:11
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