Dublin School Board Candidates Debate Issues at Dublin High PFSO Forum

On Monday night, Dublin Unified School District candidates Dan Cunningham, Amy Miller, Austin Ogden and Greg Tomlinson met for a Candidates Forum hosted by the Dublin High School PFSO. The event included a series of questions provided in advance along with questions from the audience. OneDublin.org filmed the event and has split the forum up by question in a series of short videos. Parent Michelle McDonald from the Dublin High PFSO served as moderator for the event.

Topics covered ranged from funding challenges to student population growth, from the Tassajara Prep charter petition to managing student stress. Dublin High School’s class ranking system provided the most spirited debate (note: earlier the same day, at the Dublin High School Site Council meeting, it was announced that the class ranking system was not going to change for the 2012-13 school year and that final details for how the system would evolve were still being finalized).

Dublin School Board Candidates Forum – Opening Statements

Dublin School Board Candidates Forum – First Moderator Question

Moderator Michelle McDonald – “What would you consider your priorities for the District and our students as we face the possibility of more cuts at the state level?”

Dublin School Board Candidates Forum – Second Moderator Question

McDonald – “Our District is growing steadily, providing much needed funding with added students, but also putting pressure on our facilities and on our class sizes. Can each of you talk about the view of our growth in our District and how it impacts students.”

Dublin School Board Candidates Forum – Third Moderator Question

McDonald – “Dublin Unified has already made significant investments in technology, and with Measure E’s passage in June there will be more funds for technology. Can you talk about your view of the technology needs in our District and how those monies might best be spent.”

Dublin School Board Candidates Forum – Fourth Moderator Question

McDonald – “Dublin mission is obviously to serve all students. Can you address: (a) how well you think the District is doing that and (b) in what ways the District can improve upon its intervention programs for those students that are struggling or falling behind.”

Dublin School Board Candidates Forum – Audience Question #1

“What is the most compelling issue facing our District right now?”

Dublin School Board Candidates Forum – Audience Question #2

“Where do you all stand on the potential re-surfacing of the Tassajara Prep charter petition?”

Dublin School Board Candidates Forum – Audience Question #3

“If you are on the School Board and the Board is in disagreement over an issue how do you employ strategies to make your position known while maintaining your diplomacy?”

Dublin School Board Candidates Forum – Audience Question #4

“We have heard about data, testing and budgets, but what about the mental health of students? How do you see the schools supporting the needs of students and their mental health?”

Dublin School Board Candidates Forum – Audience Question #5

“How do you help solve the east-west divide that still stubbornly persists in Dublin?”

Dublin School Board Candidates Forum – Audience Question #6

“What perspective do you feel you’d bring to the Board the Dublin High School Student Representative doesn’t already bring?”

Dublin School Board Candidates Forum – Audience Question #7

“What one specific thing would you like to see happen in the Dublin Unified School District?”