Edmond school board candidates face voters

Patty Miller The Edmond Sun

EDMOND — Two Edmond Board of Education candidates for District 5 faced off Thursday evening as more than 50 people listened to their views on issues important to voters.

Former school board member Leri Cooper led the question and answer discussion with incumbent Kemp Cole and challenger Susan Huffer.

Cole told members of the audience that he plays well with others and always votes what he thinks is best. With a knowledge of how the system works, he believes his business background, where he oversees 250 agents, would be a plus for him. He said he thinks he is the best choice for helping to oversee the $185 million school budget for the next five years.

A product of the Edmond schools, Huffer said she is a 1979 graduate, and has education in her blood. Her mother was a school counselor. She is a Realtor in Edmond and said that the schools are one of the things that draw new members to the community. Stating she has a passion for education and children, she said she is a believer in Edmond and the Edmond school system. Huffer said she believes the Edmond schools are at the top and she wants to be a part of keeping them there.

A self-proclaimed team player, Huffer said she thinks she can listen to both sides and ask the difficult questions to get to the answer that is best for the students. With a telephone dedicated to the public, Huffer said she would always be available.

Cole described himself as a peacemaker and amicable, with the ability to consult others and ask the questions necessary to get the right answers.

Below are some of the candidates’ responses.

On childhood obesity and the idea of adding 30 minutes of physical education two to three times a week:

Huffer: Schools need to look at and consider adapting to exercise and to keep encouraging healthy nutrition.

Cole: Great idea, I would highly encourage adding 30 minutes, but because of cost it is not a good idea at this time.

On the direction of the Edmond schools:

Cole: How can you be unhappy with the direction? More students take AP classes and tests. ACT scores are the best.

Huffer: We need to take advantage of new technology to see if we can do even better.

On middle school scheduling:

Huffer: As a parent I have many questions and feel there needs to be more research and a lot more input. Spanish as a core class is important, and if extra time is given in math, how will the time be used?

Cole: The committee needs to have free rein to do what is right with no time restraint to make the best decisions.

On the committee for middle school scheduling:

Both candidates agreed the committee should be made up of stakeholders, including parents, teachers and administration.

On the rule that only the school board president can put items on the agenda:

Cole: Everything has to run through a chain of command.

Huffer: The school board represents the taxpayers. They should have an opportunity to put something on the agenda.

On the importance of developing a green approach:

Huffer: I am passionate about the district going green. A few years ago this might not have been economical, but I want to see us build healthy buildings, save on utilities and show students the importance. The money we save we can take and put back into education.

Cole: The Edmond schools have been putting extra insulation in roofs, using more efficient HVAC systems, low-flow urinals, energy star appliances. With some kinds of green energy we have found out more energy is being used in order to save energy. The next three schools are being built to LGED standards.

On making menus more nutritious:

Cole: We have been on the cutting edge in Oklahoma by getting away from processed foods and going to healthy snacks. We want to be better.

Huffer: We have made slow progress but we are on the right track. Now is the time to teach our students so as they become older they will stay on the right track.

On patrons’ complaints about staff members:

Huffer: I would let (the complainant) know I am here and will help them to make the system work for them.

Cole: I would encourage (the complainant) to go through the complaint system that is set up.

On the roles of the superintendent, the school board and teachers in choosing curriculum and textbooks:

Cole: The superintendent provides direction for the schools. The people under him have their feet on the ground to get things done. It should be vertical so everyone is working together. There should be input from the top to the bottom.

Huffer: The administration has the expertise and it is up to them to recognize programs that need to be put in place. It should be done with feedback from teachers who know how students learn and input from the parents.

On the challenge of budget cuts:

Huffer: We will need to find ways to cut the budget and not affect the education of our students.

Cole: Everyone has to give up something.

On the effect their election to the school board would have on their business:

Cole: It wouldn’t affect my business at all. There is no overlap that would hurt me.

Huffer: I could go either way, but I have not thought about it. I love to volunteer, and I have a passion for education in this town.

In summary:

Huffer: I am a leader and I can ask tough questions and make decisions. I will listen to the taxpayers and let them know the specifics when I can. Dr. Goin and the administrative staff have done a lot and I am excited about where we are going (as a district)

Cole: I’ve enjoyed the five years I have been on the school board. I have worked hard and found out it takes more time than most people would figure, including me. I am passionate about kids and work with a youth group at my church. The team we have built at the administrative center are second to none. I think it takes a year to ramp up, and I am there. In a budget crisis I can be an effective leader.



pmiller@edmondsun.com | 341-2121, ext. 171