Three campaign for open Ervinton District school board post

This is the last in a series of candidate profiles in the upcoming November election 2019. Candidates for Dickenson County School Board in all five districts were asked the same questions, given the same time to respond and asked to limit their answers to roughly 100 words, more for multi-part questions.

ERVINTON DISTRICT

Candidates for the office of DICKENSON COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD

KATHY HARRISON

DAMON RASNICK

DAVID RATLIFF

1. As you evaluate the quality of education being delivered to Dickenson County students, describe one area of required educational programming you believe needs more attention, what improvement is needed and how you will work to accomplish it.

KATHY HARRISON: One area of educational programming that needs improvement is a sub-category of our Special Education instruction. My grandson is autistic and has some several sensory and communication difficulties. He is very smart but at times very frustrated. A teacher trained in ABA or other specialized neuro-developmental issues is greatly needed. I would recommend we help our special education teachers get the extra training required for Autistic and other neuro-developmental children because each child has different needs. (As does every student enrolled in DCPS.)

DAMON RASNICK: The data regarding student performance in the core areas show students in Dickenson County have moved from the lower quartile to the top quartile in the state. This may be the largest upward movement in the state. I will support every effort to continue this high level of achievement. Our students, parents, educators and all other staff and community supporters are deserving of high praise.

Meeting the needs of our students who face the most challenging circumstances in life is also one of the most challenging tasks of school divisions. It is critical that educators keep abreast of what works best especially regarding the role of expanding technology and the corresponding gains associated with improvements. I will work with support administrators, teachers, and all others delivering services in this area. Working with educational personnel to identify critical needs and determine how to meet those needs.

DAVID RATLIFF: The teacher and food service, custodians, aides, office staff and the bus drivers. Retirement, health insurance, life insurance.

2. Along with core curriculum, students need opportunities for electives and extracurricular activities for the most well-rounded education. Clearly state your position on the funding priority of arts and music programming in Dickenson County schools. Identify an elective and an activity that is not available to students that you believe should be and how you will work toward providing each.

KATHY HARRISON: I fully support art and music in all schools. Art and music develops the creative part of our brain. A class in problem solving would be wonderful as an elective. All our kids could benefit from problem solving practice.

DAMON RASNICK: Board members can and should support arts, music and any other worthy program beneficial to students. School Boards do not have any ability to generate funds. All citizens should contact federal, state and local officials and let their feelings be known. We could encourage those programs to be required and funded.

Students should have an opportunity to master individual instruments including the guitar and other instruments not included in traditional local school settings. Other Arts and Crafts instruction would provide excellent opportunities for students and community.

If dreaming a bit is allowed, I would like to see our county and school division some day provide an opportunity for students to train here for as many Olympic activities as possible. If dreaming a bit more is allowed I suggest we explore grants and other funding for pre-entry programs in dental, medical, veterinary, pharmaceutical, Aeronautics, Management, Business, Astronomy, and a host of other areas and professions. I believe Military Training such as ROTC should be in place as well.

DAVID RATLIFF: I would find out about music and art grants to get. Video, television and new paper for the schools and lots more grants in our schools to help in what we try to get.

3. Boards typically are policy setters while staff implement and administer those policies in daily operations. But boards also typically have members who tend toward micromanagement of operations at differing levels. If elected/re-elected, how do you see these roles and how will you handle them when you encounter questions about operations?

KATHY HARRISON: I agree that boards are policy setters while staff implement and administer those policies. I do think board members need to be sure policies are being carried out the same way across the school division for everyone. Board members also need to have some idea of standard daily practice carried out in all divisions of the school system. A little working knowledge so board members know who to go to for more answers to any questions stakeholders may have about policies and practices. And I do not think the right person in all situations will be the division superintendent.

DAMON RASNICK: I have a clear understanding of the role of school board member and the role of the profession-al Educator. I also think it is clear to most observers that confusion concerning proper behavior has been evident. Members of School Boards have zero authority as one individual. The authority of a school board member is when that member works as a part of a group of three concerning a majority vote. It is my view that a member who attempts to micromanage the system is in violation of the law and should be dealt with accordingly. Board members are not day-to-day operators of any facet of the school division.

DAVID RATLIFF: I think if you are elected to office, I would work and go to Richmond to talk to representatives in office to help and pass bills to help schools in Dickenson County.

4. Spending on the Dickenson County school division’s central office has been the target of much criticism. Twelve of 15 people in that office have 25 years or more experience. Salary and benefits cost roughly $1.5 million, about 5.8 percent of the division’s total budget. Do you believe the central office is bloated in numbers and needs a reduction in staff, or does it have the level of staffing necessary? Would you support retirement incentives in an effort to create space for less experienced and less expensive personnel? Explain where you stand and what you would do about it if elected/re-elected.

KATHY HARRISON: I realize a lot of central office personnel have been employed a long time. Some of them I know personally and know how long they have been working for DCPS. But somehow some positions had salary increases at a faster rate than other staff members. I haven’t seen job descriptions of each employee —only their title and salary so I can’t say whether we are bloated (could combine some positions) in the central office or not. I just know other divisions have more students with fewer central officer personnel.
I would not be in favor of offering central office employees retirement incentives that are not offered to all school personnel. Plus anytime someone with 25 + years of experience in any field retires it is seldom you can hire someone with the same amount of experience. That does not mean someone with fewer years experience cannot do the job - hopefully it puts some fresh eyes and energy into positions. I am not in favor of firing central office personnel but would be in favor of consolidation of positions as retirement happens naturally.

DAMON RASNICK: Dickenson County did not create The Central Office. The Central Office is not bloated. The Central Office is not over staffed. Many of the positions are required and paid for by the state or federal government. During the years I was superintendent, I think I was the lowest paid superintendent in the state. I believe Superinten-dent Robinson holds that distinction at this time. Someone should research the issue in other counties and publish the results. They should also research the pay and insurance status of surrounding counties and make the comparison. Wise County may pay more money, but look at what the individual employee pays. Numbers without context defines the status of our situation in a way that is clothed with negativism. It takes some work to see exactly how we compare to others. Our comparison with regard to achievement is outstanding. Comparisons regarding salary of support staff, teachers, superintendent and central office staff should be made in line with all others in our region. Based on past experience, most division numbers will be higher than ours except in the area of student performance.

Yes I support retirement incentives. I would never support keeping someone on the job if the position is unnecessary.

I do not know the complete status of the current central office staff as compared to others. It is difficult to critique the current situation without access to universal data.

DAVID RATLIFF: I think the best way to get the income is to get it from the Virginia House and the governor would sign it.

5. State clearly the option and approach you will support, and why, for location of a new elementary school to replace Sandlick Elementary School. The board that takes office in the new year will either make that call or have a lead role in making that call, regardless of the pending judicial ruling in the court case that grew from the siting controversy. Please be specific, including whether you support consolidating Dickenson County’s three elementary schools into one or into two schools.

KATHY HARRISON: First I want to say this question clearly implies the closure of Ervinton Elementary.
I think the replacement school for Sandlick Elementary should be on Backbone. I believe it is doable.
I am in favor of the three elementary school model as was promised to all communities. I do not support consolidation of the elementary school into either a one or two-school model. The only way I would be in favor of a one- school consolidation would be for the school to be located in Clinchco. I simply do not believe our smallest children need to be on a large campus with all grades.

DAMON RASNICK: It is impossible to clearly state a position as requested without the information necessary to make a determination. I do not have any problem with treating every person as equally as possible. Every student should have access to the very best that Dickenson County has to offer. Members of school boards are required to make decisions that are in the best interests of students. This is one law that must be followed. I will support the plan that meets the best interests of the students of Dickenson County. The numbers and facts must present the choice. While no one can accurately predict future trends regarding population etc., it is reasonable to plan based on the data available.

Some have always lived far from a school while others have always lived near. It has always been the case and will remain so forever. Based on the information I have, it is impossible to consolidate all into one. If it is possible to build the new school at Ridgeview with proper space and necessities, I would support the position if Clintwood Elementary students are also included in the process. If proper space is not available, I will support the other best solution possible. I firmly believe local officials will not continue operations at Ervinton Elementary School for the long haul. Neither do I believe they will fund the millions necessary to meet needed upgrades there..Recent data shows that the costs per student at Ervinton Elementary exceeded $12,000 per student while other elementary per student costs were around $6,000. Is this sustainable? School Board members cannot promise money that is not there.

DAVID RATLIFF: I think no more closing of elementary schools. The county needs to use all the elementary schools, in case of emergency shuffle.

6. Through a state formula, Virginia sets a minimum standard for what a locality must pay toward educating its students. Dickenson County has a history of investing substantially more than is required to support its school system, funding that draws both praise and criticism. County administration has been clear the current level of giving is not likely sustainable.

If you are elected to the school board, your work to frame the next year’s budget and the request to county supervisors gets underway shortly after you take the oath of office. Will you be a champion for level or more funding, or do you believe the school division should deliver a lower budget request? Describe one new idea you have for a cost-cutting measure and how you would execute it. Are there areas of spending you would consider as off-limits for cutting? Explain.

KATHY HARRISON: Without having seen the budget in all it’s complexity, only what is presented during school board meetings, I would ask for level funding for the next year.

A simple cost cutting measure would be to not sue fellow boards and not hire outside legal counsel to do so. Keep aware of all issues going on in our division so the division itself is not sued.

All areas of special education would be off limits. We also need to keep career technical classes.

DAMON RASNICK: It is difficult to explain how you raise career and life expectations for students when you cut budgets. If there is waste and fraud, cut the waste and fraud. You do not cut necessities period. Dickenson County Schools have always received substantial support from the Board of Supervisors. During most of our history the relationships between the Supervisors have been productive for students and employees. Our geography and transportation needs present some challenges to Dickenson County that are unique and not cost effective.

Previous questions addressed electives, important areas needing attention, and more. How do you improve existing programs, or expand opportunities for our students through level funding, or cuts in funding? I expect most reasonable folks who realize about 2,000 students are being served by more than 300 employees in an area composed of approximately 326 square miles will know that Dickenson County Schools is a huge deal. More than 50 buses travel our rural roads every school day. Salaries and benefits account for more than 80 percent of the current budget. I will always support the expansion of programs to benefit the students of Dickenson County. Proper funding should enhance these positive outcomes. Lack of funding is sure to change the story.

DAVID RATLIFF: I will work on a budget and ask to get stores to look for the best price and put in a bid on it.

7. Describe what makes you the best candidate to represent citizens in your district and Dickenson County.
KATHY HARRISON: I feel I am the best candidate for the Ervinton District because keeping Ervinton Elementary open is my #1 priority. I am a champion not only for Ervinton Elementary but also for all our students - smallest to the biggest.
I want to bring openness back to the school board meetings. I want questions answered and problems addressed. I want the school board to earn the trust of all stakeholders and bring back community involvement to our schools and our school system.

DAMON RASNICK: I have never said I am the best candidate. I do not know one candidate, but do know she is an honorable person. I do know members of her family and her father-in-law was my first boss in my first year as a teacher. I wish her and her family well.

I do know the other candidate from our interest in sports and contributions both of us have made through the years as we supported our teams. We have enjoyed a healthy relationship over many years. I also wish he and his family well.

I entered this race very reluctantly. I still love the school division where I attended school for 12 years and worked in 34 years. I have had the opportunity to work with every school in Dickenson County when we had nine schools in operation. I have no problem standing on my public record as I did my duty as my God gave me the light to see that duty. I will continue to do so. I also believe I can make a positive contribution in service to the children and parents in Dickenson County.

DAVID RATLIFF: I got compassion for Dickenson County. I fight to help children in the county.

Please offer any closing thoughts you haven’t addressed.

KATHY HARRISON: Closing thoughts: This campaign for school board has been a very rewarding experience. It was not a easy decision but I do feel I can and will make a difference in our schools and the communities at large. If elected I look forward to serving the Ervinton District. I am a woman of few words but I take in everything.

DAMON RASNICK: Whatever the outcome of the election, I will always support the students, employees and citizens of Dickenson County. I am so very proud of the efforts of the students, parents, grandparents, other caregivers and all others who support our students. Please continue to do so.

DAVID RATLIFF: I like Dickenson County. The people we got in are going the wrong way. I try my best to help volunteer in the county. Some people don’t have any money or are on disability benefits. I run a zero budget. I show people you do need money to run on. I got compassion for the county. I own my land. But people can’t pay taxes now and people are out of fuel and get firewood to keep the home war in the winter months. The children got old clothes to wear to school. No new clothes. Children picked on the school bus. No money, It makes me sick to see that and think about it. I got to try to help in some way. Sometimes I can’t help people and we need more people to help and have compassion in the county.