| "I believe every student should have a path to success, be it academics, vocational training, the arts, athletics or leadership!" |
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Some have asked me why I did not respond to the Christian Coalition questionnaire. As a minister they felt this was an easy answer and even a "gimmie". The truth is I did answer the questionnaire. In fact, I provided over 3 pages of narrative answers on about half of the 31 questions. Since there was no way for the Christian Coalition to record all of these answers on their limited form, I suggested that they could direct interested persons to my website to find the complete answers. When they informed me that they could not do this for me alone, I suggested that a simple statement indicating that ALL of the candidates may in fact provide completed answers to their questions on their individual web sites. The Coalition indicated that they wanted a simple agree or disagree for each of their questions. Questions with narrative answers were open to the interpretation of the "committee" and were designated by a caveat as being unclear or as being diluted. My personal feeling was that I would withdraw my completed form rather than have my answers interpreted by others. I was extremely disappointed that I was forced to do this but, I believe that the limited context and the inability to fully explain my answers was determinative in my decision. I am however, making my complete answers available on my website. Thanks for taking the time to be an informed voter and looking at the completed answers. - Stuart The full text of questions can be obtained from the Christian Coalition, Contact: Gerald Lostutter
Or Call him at: 574-5225 1) Any time a private school takes public funds (tax dollars), it should be open to public scrutiny and oversight. If a Private school agrees to open their books to public (School Board) scrutiny then they could be allowed to receive public funds. The great thing about private, religious institutions is that they are free from government interference. I believe that it is in the best interest of private schools to operate free from government oversight, and consequently from government funding. 3) I strongly support a parent's right to send children to any institution that they choose. However, that does not guarantee that a diploma will or should be recognized by secular accredited institutions. Students that later wish to enter into the public secondary or collegiate systems should be required to prove grade level proficiency and be able to meet Sunshine Standards and benchmarks as required for promotion. 5) Since the School Board is elected by the community, and they vote on these policy and curriculum decisions, I would argue that parental and community input is already considered in each of these areas. 7) We already exercise this option. For instance, Jehovah Witness Children are not required to say the pledge or to participate in certain holiday celebrations. The implementation of such a policy (allowing parents the option to simply withdraw students at any time) would be over reaching and the potential for abuse overwhelming. If parents feel that a unit is going to be contrary to certain moral constraints, children should be allowed to do independent study, on school grounds such as in the library, computer lab or other supervised facility. On Campus Parental supervision should be considered for this time as well. 8) On the surface the answer is an easy yes. This is why we have options within the public school system, charter, magnet, academies etc. We also support a parent's right to choose a private or home school education. In the regular classroom, teachers teach curriculum that is determined to meet community standards with input from a variety of sources. In the end, the curriculum is offered and parents exercise their right to choose based on evaluation and the options that are offered. 9) Absolutely not! A variety of teaching methods including phonics is required to meet the many and varied learning modalities of many different students. 10) For the most part this is true. HOWEVER, there may be mitigating circumstances that would require an exception be made. 11) They should be allowed to be displayed but they should not be required to be displayed. 13) Do you mean ANY or ALL of these options? Are you suggesting that non-school personnel should be allowed to teach these on school grounds? None of these should be required. However, some parents may support and encourage these activities for their children. If a staff person, chooses to offer these activities on their own time, and students choose to attend they should be allowed. The same is also true for Student Bible study and religious activity as well. 14) The methods that God used to create his universe are wide open to scientific speculation and testing. No scientific discovery or theory will ever PROVE or DISPROVE a truth of faith. Science and Faith are not working in opposite directions but rather one builds and supports the other. I would never favor teaching creation as simply one of many THEORIES of how the universe came to be. To us Christians, Creation is a faith fact. To relegate it to one of many theories to be considered is not plausible. As a Faith fact it should be taught in a faith setting. In my opinion, the truth of Gods creative power and the theories of the origins of the universe are not in conflict. 18) In most elementary settings to teach about AIDS and STD's would indeed not be necessary. However, there may be some settings where AIDS and other STD's have already become a part of a student's vocabulary and daily experience. To not be able to respond, if from nothing more than a health issue, would not be in the best interest of a student or a class. While it may not be appropriate for every class, there may be some settings where it is appropriate. You CANNOT lay down a blanket rule. 22) The School Board is not responsible for the establishment of protective status Etc. 24) On the surface a straightforward no is the correct answer. However, who would make the decision and how do you define "advocating?" If a book were to simply mention, that someone was a homosexual without a compensatory denunciation, would this constitute advocacy. We are moving down a slippery slope of censorship. You also do not ask WHICH schools. In a grade school the answer would be different than in a High School library. 28) Currently Brevard rates next to last in the state of Florida in money spent per student for administrative support. We are pennies from being rated dead last. While it seems like a good idea to simply reduce staff, this often has adverse consequences on teachers. When state mandated forms and accountability is called for it is staff that responds. To reduce staff is to place this EXTRA burden onto a classroom teacher. This load further reduces the time that they can spend on each student. Our teachers already have enough work without loading them down with additional ADMINISTRATIVE and possibly custodial duties. 30) I believe that these disclosures should be mandatory for every school receiving public funds. This would include Charter schools and private schools that receive Public Funds. 31) As a collective bargaining entity for teachers it has been most helpful. This has had an overall positive effect on teacher salary and benefits. |
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