League of Women Voters of the Cincinnati Area Education Fund
	Hamilton County, OH November 5, 2013 Election
	Candidates Answer Questions on the Issues Member of Board of Education; Indian Hill Exempted Village 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.     See below for questions on Qualifications, Improvement, Building Consensus, Equity Click on a name for candidate information.   See also more information about this contest. 1. What are your qualifications for office? Answer from Karl J. Grafe: As a long time District resident and 1978 Indian Hill graduate, I am passionate about quality education for our community's children. My wife Donna and I have two children who also spent K through 12 in the District. It has been an honor to have served the District for the past four years as a member of the Board of Education (the last as President). I believe that my knowledge of the District and background in business, law and finance will enable me to continue to serve the District as we face the financial and operational challenges ahead. Answer from Eddie Hooker: I have been an educator since the 1980s. I have taught physicians at the post-graduate level at the University of Louisville, the University of Virginia, and the University of Cincinnati. I currently teach both graduate and undergraduate students Health Administration at Xavier University. I am also a practicing emergency physician. 2. What can be done to improve your school district's results at current funding levels? Answer from Eddie Hooker: Indian Hill's Schools are already performing at the highest level. We need to continue to ensure appropriate funding of the schools, search for cost savings where possible, and support our teachers in every way possible. Answer from Karl J. Grafe: The District's academic excellence is our highest priority. That said, the Board of Education must continue to provide conservative oversight of taxpayer funds and district expenditures. In times of varying enrollment, we must right-size the organization and work to limit rising costs through efficiencies, buying consortiums, and technology, so as to make all of our dollars count. 3. What will you do to build consensus in the community in support of your school district? Answer from Karl J. Grafe: The Board of Education seeks input from many constituent groups through surveys, community forums, public meetings and discussions with interested residents, parents, teachers and students. We are blessed to enjoy very strong support for the District's mission, and work closely with our many support organizations to maintain and build upon that support. Answer from Eddie Hooker: The school board needs to encourage public debate and input on all issues. While we need to listen to vocal minorities because they may have valid concerns, we must decide what is best for the school district and the majority of voters. 4. What would you do to advance the concept of "equity in education" in your district? Answer from Eddie Hooker: We need to make sure that each child is educated based on their specific needs. The district already does a great job addressing special needs of certain students. I would make sure that the district has the resources to ensure that all children get the best education that is right for them. Answer from Karl J. Grafe: Our community places a high degree of importance on ensuring that all children have the opportunity to reach their full potential inside and outside of the classroom. It is important that we continue to provide the highest level of academic opportunities, including course offerings that enable all of our students to reach further than their comfort zone. We also value the arts, athletics and other extra-curricular activities as a way to provide a well-rounded education. To that end we will continue to support strong visual and performing arts programs, identify and retain excellent coaches and faculty advisors, provide leadership and service opportunities, and work to provide meaningful assistance to those who require specialized or additional help. Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League.  Candidates' statements are presented as submitted. Word limits may apply. See individual questions for specific word limits. Direct references to opponents are not permitted. Please edit your work before submitting. We are unable to provide spell-check at this time. The order of the candidates is random and changes daily. Candidates who did not respond are not listed on this page.