Murfreesboro City School Board candidates weigh in on future of district at forum

Four experienced educators are vying for the three at-large seats on the Murfreesboro City School Board in the Aug. 4 election.

Candidates took turns Tuesday introducing themselves and responding to a series of five questions from the League of Women Voters of Murfreesboro/Rutherford County in a televised forum by Murfreesboro CityTV.

School board incumbent, attorney Amanda Moore, faces Central Magnet School math teacher Karen Dodd, university professor Florence Omachonu and retired educator Barbara Long.

Here is a look at the questions and the candidates' answers.

What do you feel is the most important issue facing Murfreesboro City Schools in the next five years and how would you address that issue?

Long: We have to recruit and retain amazing staff and teachers. We have to close the learning gaps between math and reading due to the COVID absenteeism.

Moore: From teachers and our staff, the issue that needs the most attention is behavior and mental health. They couldn’t teach the kids if they kids weren’t calm and present and ready to learn.

Omachonu: We to have a long-term strategic plan for building and maintaining facilities as well as recruitment and retention of teachers and administrators.

Dodd: We definitely have to work on growth on the west side.

What role do you think a local school board should have in the charter school approval process?

Moore: (The school board has) an appointment team that will review and evaluate those applications. We have to make sure it’s high quality, transparent and fiscally responsible and follows the state’s guidelines.

Omachonu: It is the role of the board to ensure that a curriculum and other operating procedures meet the needs of the students.

Dodd: If they do come into our district, we need to work with them on setting some standards.

Long: It is beneficial to work alongside charter schools if they are approved and we can learn from each other. The school board needs a seat at the table to ensure high standards and accountability.

What specific measures would you propose to increase safety and security at Murfreesboro City Schools?

Omachonu: I would support whatever’s in place now. In addition, I would recommend if we see any red flag, we should report it immediately to the authorities.

Dodd: I think we need updated safety training for everyone in every school, every year.

Long: Until our culture decides to live by moral values, none of this is going to change. But there is some of this we can tighten up. Make sure every door is maintained, that walkie-talkies in use, that the communication system is loud enough.

Moore: We have officers in every school. We have a good partnership with Murfreesboro Police Department. School did not crate this situation and we cannot solve it on our own.

Given the new funding formula for schools as stated in the Investment in Student Achievement Act, what would be two of your spending priorities for Murfreesboro City Schools?

(MCS will received around $9 million in funding from the state, but it won't arrive until 2023.)

Dodd: I think that support staff at the schools is what’s needed. Try to get some of the load off teachers backs.

Long: I would suggest smaller class sizes, especially for Title 1-funded schools. And extra guidance counselors and social workers.

Moore: Two of the main things we heard from all the schools, what they would like to see more funding on, was academic intervention ... and the mental health piece.

Omachonu: I would like to see is equal or fair distribution of state funds. Priority for me would be high-quality professional development for teachers and staff.

Why are you running for the school board and what do you hope to accomplish in your first term in office if elected?

Long: I would use my experience to think through solutions and see how they affect the classrooms. I want to be an advocate for teachers and students and taxpayers, and promote parent-teacher partnerships … and bring some fresh eyes and ears.

Moore: After serving for four years, I’m ready to hit the ground running and keep pushing this district in a good direction. As far as changes … when you look at data, you can see that there are consistent gaps in achievement for what we call sub groups. It’s really important to me to close those gaps.

Omachonu: I feel that now is the time for educators to take ownership of our children’s education. I have the mental capacity, ability and requisite of experience to do so. My motivation to run comes innate passion and my personal interactions with colleagues in the field of education.

Dodd: I feel like I can bring a unique perspective to the board … because I know what teachers and students need right now because I’m there. I would like to work on a more diverse staff. We have a very diverse population, students want to look up there and see that role model.

Reach reporter Nancy DeGennaro at degennaro@dnj.com.

This article originally appeared on Murfreesboro Daily News Journal: Murfreesboro City School Board candidates discuss future of district