Schools

Rockwood BOE Candidates' Forum Hosted by Citizens' Group: Part 2

PART 2: Making changes was a common thread throughout the specific questions and answers at this forum for Rockwood School District Board of Education candidates.

A candidates' forum for Rockwood School District Board of Education contenders was hosted March 23 at the Eureka City Hall by Rockwood Stakeholders for Real Solutions (RS for RS), a self-appointed watchdog group of the district.

Two of the four board candidates attended:  Jeff Morrell and Steve Banton. The other two candidates are Loralee Mondl and Janet Strate.

A small crowd of eight attended Saturday's forum, besides moderator Eileen Tyrrell, co-founder and RS for RS spokesperson.

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Read the first part of coverage from this forum published last Monday, including videos of the participating candidates opening remarks:  Rockwood BOE Candidates' Forum Hosted by Citizens' Group

Attendee Paul Bozdech asked about district issues for which he considered to be getting "half truths" as responses. His concerns about "dishonesty" stemmed from a situation about his son and field hockey.

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Attendee Chester Strobel said he did not think it was fair for only half of the candidates to be present and not be able to explain or defend themselves. He said he was searching for balanced viewpoints, and ways to put matters in context and keep them in proportion. It was noted that the forum was being held during Rockwood's spring break.

Attendee Nancy Robinson said safety was the topic of the day, and that she was concerned that police officers she has spoken to indicated the best security option was to place armed police officers at every school—yet that wasn't a path being pursued. "Can you help patrons feel like we're engaged, and improve on that as board members?" she posed.

Attendee Larry Lazar specifically asked Morrell about why student achievement was not a priority in his stated campaign messages of safety, finances and transparency.

Attendee Jeanna Benny asked what the candidates would do about the gap between students who are struggling or underachieving.

Attendee Fran Gragnani asked about how the candidates would make every penny count for the district, citing an example of how she heard from an organizer of Rockwood sixth grade camps that he had identified a cheaper location than the traditional Babler State Park in Wildwood, but that he was not allowed to change it.

Attendee Walt Young said he wanted to know how board members would ensure that bond-related projects were completed at the specified costs involved and that nothing else was being done with the finances.

Tensions increased at several points of the forum, especially when Strobel asked Tyrrell if she was being a moderator or asserting facts.

In closing remarks, Morrell said there's a better way to handle security for students, ways in which "everybody is brought into the plans." He said he was in favor of applying commonsense to the district's finances. He believes that an asset inventory should be part of the district's punch list.

"We should safeguard Rockwood's money, equipment and people," said Morrell.

"Transparency is how the public perceives a district's actions with money and kids. If half of the public is angry, listen to them. And board of directors should educate everyone why district decisions are made."

Board incumbent Banton said he had appreciated serving Rockwood, and that student achievement would continue to be his goal. "I want taxpayers to get to get the best value for their buck."

Banton said it is critical that every child in Rockwood achieves, and that proper interventions are deployed.

He said a current Rockwood focal point is about accepting criticism, taking input and making changes.

RS for RS hosted a series of candidates' forums last year as well. The group consolidated the forums this year, and the second and final one was scheduled for Monday evening at the Daniel Boone Library in Ellisville; however it was canceled right before it was to start.

Patch reader Catherine Moser-Hartsfield, on Tuesday posted she went to the forum at the library the night before, not knowing it was called off. She said Banton and six interested constituents showed up, and that the library staff told them they did not know the event was canceled. A later post on Tuesday on Patch from "Rockwood Stakeholders for Real Solutions" indicated they canceled the forum due to weather and road conditions, and that an electronic notification had been sent to those for whom they had e-mail addresses. The post also indicated the library had been e-mailed.

Read Patch's three-part, prior coverage regarding a Rockwood board candidates' forum hosted by the League of Women Voters with all four candidates:

Rockwood BOE Candidates' Forum: 'Issues Not Personalities'

Rockwood BOE Candidates' Forum: No Conflicts of Interest Presented

Rockwood BOE Candidates' Forum: Closing Remarks


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