October 28, 2003
Candidates’ concerns voiced at forum
By Matt Merritt/Austin Daily Herald
The public got down to the details with the 10 Austin School Board
candidates Monday night at the Mower County Senior Center.
Questions at the forum, sponsored by the Austin branch of the American
Association of University Women, included such issues as the Channel
One News network, pop machines in the schools and the possibility
of hiring a full-time high potential director.
Candidates in general opposed the possible inclusion of Channel One,
a company that provides TVs and equipment for schools to show news
programs.
Opposition to the network was due to the fact that TV advertisements
would be shown.
"
In my classroom, I used to cut off the advertisements on the athletic
schedules," incumbent candidate Larry Andersen said.
"
Our kids are bombarded with advertisements their entire day," candidate
Mary Kleis said. "I think we need to give them a break."
Pop machines in school met with general opposition as well, with
most candidates saying students need healthy options at school.
Incumbent Kathy Green said she did not agree with soda in schools,
but healthy options are acceptable. Water is the top seller,
so students will purchase nutritious items, she said.
Candidate Dennis Schminke, however, said parents and teachers
need to focus on teaching students to make good choices,
rather than
limiting options.
"
These kids are making life choices far more momentous every time they
step into the car and turn the key," he said.
Many students will soon be in college and faced with
those decisions daily, he said.
"
Is their any limit to the nanny-state? " he said.
SOURCE: http://www.austindailyherald.com/articles/2003/10/28/news/news2.txt
