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Dawson-Bryant School Board hopefuls meet voters
Published Wednesday, October 14, 2009
COAL GROVE — Seven candidates seeking three open seats on the Dawson-Bryant Board of Education got an opportunity to pitch their case to voters on Tuesday night — albeit in a restrictive environment.
Hosted for the first time by the Dawson-Bryant High School Junior Advisory Program, their “Meet the Candidates Night” allowed hopefuls the opportunity to introduce themselves to voters while outlining their thoughts and ideas on education issues such as student and teacher objectives, public confidence and communications between board members.
Attending the discussion in the Dawson-Bryant High School cafetorium were current incumbents Debbie Drummond, Sadie Mulkey and Jamie Murphy along with hopefuls Gary Dutey, Michael Nourse, Denise Paulus and Timothy Stormes.
The candidates sat in alphabetical order, right to left, behind a table on the stage. About 125 people were in attendance.
An eighth candidate, Katy Ford was unable to attend the forum due to a prior out-of-town business commitment. However, in a letter read by moderator Gary Salyers, Ford said she is “eager to serve the children of the district.” Nearly all the candidates spoke about how serving the children of the district were the main reason they were seeking public office.
All questions asked were selected and screened by the Dawson-Bryant High School faculty and had been given to the candidates prior to the forum.
As a result, candidates read carefully-worded responses from pre-written index cards or notes when it was their turn to speak instead of ad-libbing.
No questions were taken from the audience during the nearly 70-minute forum.
Hopefuls were given three minutes for their opening statement and one minute to respond to questions. They were also given one minute for a closing statement.
Candidates spent much of the first 15 minutes touting themselves and their backgrounds and criteria for the position. Salyers piggybacked on that discussion by asking the panel about their civic and religious involvements within the community.
One question that caught the ears of many in the audience was when each candidate was asked to name their top objectives should they be elected to the Dawson-Bryant Board of Education.
Answers ranged from “continuing to offer the best education” and having “open communication in doing what’s right for the children,” by Jamie Murphy, to being “fair to the public” and having “no hidden agendas” by Michael Nourse, to “increasing parental and community support” and “challenging the way things have been getting done,” by Denise Paulus.
When asked how they would go about maintaining the public’s confidence in the school board, current member Debbie Drummond said taking the time to listen is important.
“We are always available to listen to the concerns of our citizens and our students,” Drummond said.
Current school board member Sadie Mulkey hinted that the district is sometimes shown in a bad light.
“We need the public to learn about the good things that come out of the district. The bad things are so easy to get out,” Mulkey said.
Other topics discussed included relationships with other board members, district budget development and how to provide a quality education for adverse student populations.
One topic many in attendance wanted to hear board members discuss was their individual thoughts on current Superintendent Dennis DeCamp, who came to the district late last year from a long-run at Sciotoville Community School in Portsmouth.
While questions specific to DeCamp or his current 16-month contract that is set to expire in April were not addressed, Salyers did ask each to expound on their thoughts on the most important role of a superintendent.
“A superintendent is to provide a safe environment of learning,” said Timothy Stormes.
“They should be able to communicate with the district,” Gary Dutey explained.
None of the seven candidates mentioned DeCamp by name during the entire forum. Dawson-Bryant’s current board has met in closed session in recent weeks to begin the process of evaluating its superintendent position.
The Board of Education “Meet the Candidates Night” followed an hour-long question-and-answer session for candidates seeking sports on Coal Grove Village Council.
Election Day is Nov. 3.
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Comments
Posted by itsallgood (anonymous) on October 14, 2009 at 11:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Clarify the last sentence. Candidates seeking "sports"???
Posted by cabinfever (anonymous) on October 14, 2009 at 1:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I think that the forum was a success, it's great that the kids of the district had the opportunity to participate in something that is so vital to their futures. Hat's off to the staff that was behind it, you have done a great service to your district. I think the current Board of Education is doing a fantastic job, they have been faced with tough decisions and have stepped up to the plate when it has counted the most.
Posted by ontcare (anonymous) on October 14, 2009 at 1:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I think the community spoke loud and clear during the last election, now it will be interesting to see if they got what they really wanted..If you want to play the "FAMILY" game you know what you need to do. If you like the changes you know what you need to do. We spoke once, but will we do it again ????
Posted by sugar08 (anonymous) on October 14, 2009 at 1:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
How can anyone say the question and answer session was a sucess when you already have the questions and the answers before hand. When asked a question you should be smart enough to be able answer it right off the top of your head. Do we want people on the board who can't give their own answers when asked, you should come prepared to answer the questions the audience wants to ask. Oh, I forgot you only get the ones you want to answer in this district. Did the kids get to ask questions they might have wanted to ask, after all it's their future.
Posted by cg2009 (anonymous) on October 14, 2009 at 1:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree with "ontcare"..the "family" card can only be played so much. It is time to do things right, not by your last name or by the size of a wallet. Coal Grove it time for a change!!!
Posted by cabinfever (anonymous) on October 14, 2009 at 2:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Why is it that people can't find positive things to say about projects that kids are involved in. You should try to emphasize the good instead of constantly being negative. I'm sure that the group of kids that supported this worked hard and it seemed that is was important to them that it was fair. You should give our kids more credit.
Posted by ontcare (anonymous) on October 14, 2009 at 2:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Cabinfever, the reason they can't say anything about the kids is because no one cares about the kids, they only want jobs for the parents, uncles and aunts. The primary purpose of some people is to employee not do for the kids which are the future.
Posted by Grove4Life (anonymous) on October 14, 2009 at 2:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Prechosen questions, just another way of saying we don't the higher ups in the school don't want their choices to look stupid, in fact here's a question i bet wasn't asked or answered, How do you feel about people getting jobs in the district due to name, and not by the fact they can do the job? or here is one specific to a certain person running that I won't mention by name, Are you running due to the fact you family did get the superintendent position and you are going to do everything in your power to make the current superintendent's job worse just so you can force him out and have you family take the position? I know I am not alone in the Dawson-Bryant school district who is tired of the name game and just wants to see new ideas and if that means bringing in people who are not from the first family of Coal Grove then so be it.
Posted by Grove4Life (anonymous) on October 14, 2009 at 2:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I reposted this due to erros in spelling.
Prechosen questions, just another way of saying the higher ups in the school don't want their choices for school board to look stupid, in fact here's a question i bet wasn't asked or answered, How do you feel about people getting jobs in the district due to name, and not by the fact they can do the job? or here is one specific to a certain person running that I won't mention by name, Are you running due to the fact your family didn't get the superintendent position and you are going to do everything in your power to make the current superintendent's job worse just so you can force him out and have you family take the position? I know I am not alone in the Dawson-Bryant school district who is tired of the name game and just wants to see new ideas and if that means bringing in people who are not from the first family of Coal Grove then so be it.
Posted by ontcare (anonymous) on October 14, 2009 at 2:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Grove4life, I don't know who you are but kudos to you.....I hope more people like you are going to the polls..We had three members of the board have the nerve to do the right thing by hiring the right man for the supers job..he was the most qualified and is trying his best to better our school system but is being fought tooth and nail on almost everything he is doing..We can only hope with this election that we get some people that have the guts to stand up for the kids for a change and not just want a job to help another member of the family....
Posted by ontcare (anonymous) on October 14, 2009 at 2:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm waiting for the teachers to get out of school that support the other side
Posted by cabinfever (anonymous) on October 14, 2009 at 2:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
You are so right. The nepotism needs to end. We need more board members with out agenda's. Schools are the wrong place for it and Coal Grove has a long history of it. Past generations may have been looked over because of family name but that doesn't mean this generation has to suffer the same consequences. Let's give them better.
Posted by SomeGuyOnLaneStreet (anonymous) on October 14, 2009 at 3:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm voting for Gary Dutey. He is well-educated, has great experience, and brings no agenda to the table. Gary will make an excellent BOE member.
Posted by ontcare (anonymous) on October 14, 2009 at 3:16 p.m.
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Posted by itsallgood (anonymous) on October 14, 2009 at 3:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
We need board members without agendas. How true. The current board evidently has an agenda. You see anyway you look at it if you are on one side or the other there is an agenda.
Posted by sugar08 (anonymous) on October 14, 2009 at 3:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The name doesn't matter, when you have the experience that this one has, he can only benefit the schools. Some of you are so hung up on names that you can't see the experience this person has to help our schools and we really need help. Speaking of names, who do you think is probably going to be the next superintendent, think real hard and it will come to you.
Posted by itsallgood (anonymous) on October 14, 2009 at 3:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The name shouldn't matter. It should be the best person for the position. That is not having an agenda.
Posted by cabinfever (anonymous) on October 14, 2009 at 3:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Agenda's are not a bad thing if they are for what is right and to benefit the school district. It looks like board majority now is trying to do what is best instead of what might be popular. Maybe it's that they don't owe debts like some do.
Posted by sugar08 (anonymous) on October 14, 2009 at 3:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
He has moved up the ladder, guess who.
Posted by ontcare (anonymous) on October 14, 2009 at 3:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Now I get it....you know sometimes I get confused on who is zooming who....I forgot we had two different families to keep employed .....MY MY !!!!!
Posted by BubbyB (anonymous) on October 14, 2009 at 3:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
How did Denise Paulus come across?
Posted by ontcare (anonymous) on October 14, 2009 at 3:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I don't really know but I know she isn't going to play the name games and will stand up to ANYONE!!!!!
She would be a good fit...
Posted by itsallgood (anonymous) on October 14, 2009 at 3:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Does her children attend Coal Grove schools?
Posted by hornet1 (anonymous) on October 14, 2009 at 4:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Denise stated last night that her children do attend Dawson-Bryant.
I believe there are three candidates that have children attending Dawson-Bryant at the present time:
Denise Paulus, Tim Stormes, and Jaime Murphy.
Posted by bleedingheart (anonymous) on October 14, 2009 at 4:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Only one of her kids attend D-B. Other one still at Rose hill
Posted by NeverCeasesToAmazeMe (anonymous) on October 14, 2009 at 5:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
@ cabinfever....no one is saying that the youth did anything wrong and I applaud any youth that shows an interest in their future. What is wrong is that noone was able to go and ask any of these candidates the questions that the people of this district wants to know. I understand that there are always idiots in the group who would try and "show" themselves, but the if the voters have questions then these people should be able to give them the answers. How hard is it to answer a question on a topic that you are suppose to know about?
BTW, good post Grove
Posted by myvoice (anonymous) on October 14, 2009 at 6:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
dawson bryant is a good school....but right now their problems isn't so much with the schools as it is with this power struggle going on......you don't fix things unless they are broken!!!! the employees in the school are not so happy with decamp because he tryed laying off workers, the lies that have been told about certain employees and so on....
this is a fact!!!!
as far as the name game.....yeah you can say this if you wish but any teacher/principle must have the proper education to be able to get a teaching/principle job......
as far as scott dutey he does have the education and is probably better off going somewhere else to work because he will be able to prove his self....(i went to school with him) the kids that i went to school with that later became teachers are all working at dawson-bryant and most teachers go back to where they went to school to teach when they get their degree..., but don't take this as i am a supporter....i'm just stating the facts................
i can tell you one thing your NAME means nothing...no one's NAME means anything......remember we are just a number!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by Guess (anonymous) on October 14, 2009 at 8:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Is it not fair to ask each canidate how they feel about the superintendant job? and who they think might be a good fit for the job? I want to know before I vote. I am sure most of them know who they would hire if givin the chance.
Posted by flo (anonymous) on October 14, 2009 at 10:36 p.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by rooster1410 (anonymous) on October 15, 2009 at 1:47 a.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by my2cents (anonymous) on October 15, 2009 at 4:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
My vote will go to Tim Stormes. He is an educated professional in the health care field. He graduated from CGHS. He drove his daughters to school for years until he moved to CG so they could attend CG schools. He is family oriented and goes for what is best for the kids. I agree it is time for the family name and the original "gang" to go. If you want change then you must vote for it...Tim Stormes for School board.
Posted by hornet1 (anonymous) on October 15, 2009 at 6:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)
After hearing the candidates on Tuesday evening, my vote is for Tim Stormes. He was direct with his answers. I feel he is running for school board for the right reasons, the CHILDREN being the most important. I did get a chance to speak with him after the event was over. His answers to my questions seemed to come from the heart. With Tim, I did not feel he had a hiden agenda.
I agree with, my2cents, he is a family oriented man and he did drive his children to and from Dawson-Bryant schools everyday for years until he and his family moved into the district.
If You Really Want Change......
Vote Tim Stormes for School Board!
Posted by ontcare (anonymous) on October 15, 2009 at 9:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey, I heard the teachers union interviewed some of the candidates, does anyone know who they are endorsing..I heard it was a select few teachers and maybe things didn't go the way they planned.....I heard they didn't even put it to a vote for the teachers. Can anyone verify????
Posted by family545 (anonymous) on October 15, 2009 at 9:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I can't tell that Tim Stromes and Denise Paulus is running with an agenda (let me know if I'm wrong). I'm tired of people using the school board status for self-gain.
Posted by family545 (anonymous) on October 15, 2009 at 9:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I don't think Nourse has an agenda either (I don't know him). I think DeCamp has been a good thing for our school?
ontcare; why would teachers union be interviewing candidates?
Posted by turbo (anonymous) on October 15, 2009 at 10:02 a.m.
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Posted by ontcare (anonymous) on October 15, 2009 at 10:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I understand they interviewed some candidates Oct. 6 at the school but it was a select group of teachers and some of the candidates did not attend. Iwas told it was a group of teachers (Family) that was behind the whole thing and the entire union was not included. I wish this district would bring everything out into the open and lets make our decisions made on good performance, like Decamp has tried to do so far....but he has to fight the Families for everything he does..He has been forced to elimate jobs just like every other business in the country has had to do lately. All he is doing is playing the hand he was dealt.
Posted by hornet1 (anonymous) on October 15, 2009 at 11 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Two weeks ago, I was given a flier with a website address on it.
This maybe something that will help the people of Dawson-Bryant.
The web page tells who and what Tim Stormes stands for and why he is running.
timothystormes.webs.com
Posted by buckeyeguy (anonymous) on October 15, 2009 at 3:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Well the web site is great. A lot of information about the board as well as Mr. Stormes. I know Tim from school events and I support him. Good luck and add one more vote for you. Thanks for attempting to improve our schools.
Posted by sugar08 (anonymous) on October 15, 2009 at 6:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
There's more than two families on the school board that help their family get on, one recently.
Posted by cabinfever (anonymous) on October 15, 2009 at 9:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Who are you talking about? Give us a few clues.
Posted by hornet1 (anonymous) on October 15, 2009 at 10:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
What problem(s) has he had in the past and why has it not been brought up before now?
Posted by buckeyeguy (anonymous) on October 16, 2009 at 10:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I hope those commenting about the candidates can prove their allegations. That is some serious issues and allegations being brought against current board members. How can we be so blind to elect board members that have very questionable characters and morals (if the allegations are true). If they are not true the Tribune should track down those who are making the allegations via e-mails and hold those spreading the rumors responsible. Anyway, my vote is going with Mr. Stormes and Denise Paulus who seem to be running for all the right reasons.
Posted by bleedingheart (anonymous) on October 16, 2009 at 12:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
How can you support someone who doesn't think the school is good enough for her kids?
Posted by buckeyeguy (anonymous) on October 16, 2009 at 12:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Ms. Paulus does have a child that attends Dawson-Bryant School. Maybe the reason that she has a child attending a private school is due to Dawson-Bryant does not offer the classes her child is interested in. I think we could offer the classes if we cut some of the position NOT NEEDED and if you are realy for the kids you know what I am talking about.....I do however appretiate your opinion and you do bring up a good question that Ms. Paulus needs to address.
Posted by ontcare (anonymous) on October 16, 2009 at 12:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Shame on US...my grandmother always told me "The more you stir _ _ IT the more it stinks" We should all be ashamed for some of the comments that have been made...
Posted by bleedingheart (anonymous) on October 16, 2009 at 12:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
What classes are offered at Rose Hill in grade school that are not at D-B? Maybe a club or sport?
Posted by lsocorek (anonymous) on October 16, 2009 at 1:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Way to go Grove4life! You nailed it!! There's nothing really to add to that.
Posted by scoobydoo (anonymous) on October 16, 2009 at 2:13 p.m.
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Posted by MomBlog3 (anonymous) on October 17, 2009 at 10:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Don't be too critical of Denise Paulus for having one of her kids at Rose Hill. There are many reasons a family may choose to enroll a child elsewhere. Regarding the forum, I think there should have been a question/answer segment that wasn't pre-selected. I think it would have made the forum more credible.
Posted by victoria_secrets (anonymous) on October 17, 2009 at 6:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I ran into Mrs. Paulus the other day. She was very approachable and I asked her why both of her kids didnt go to Dawson-Bryant. Now I understand! She is a very down to earth person. If you have any questions or concerns you should ask her! I think she is running for all the right reasons. She has some wonderful ideas that would only benefit our children!
Posted by bleedingheart (anonymous) on October 17, 2009 at 7:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
There are many legitimate reasons to send your children to private school. However, I am a firm believer in a free public education for ALL students. Of 3 children, one graduated from a private school, one still attends a private school, and the other has attended D-B for 3 months. I also believe public school teachers should send their children to public schools. What private schools don't pay you enough, but public schools aren't good enough for your kids? Private schools can make their own rules. They can pick and choose who attends. They do not have to spend resources on such things as alternative school for unruly students. Wouldn't D-B (or any other public school) be a lot better if all they had to do was tell certain students they could not attend. Send your kids to a private school, but don't tell my kids they don't measure up and don't make the rules for my kids to live by. Teach in private school and be on the board of the private school.
If someone has great ideas for the city of Ironton, but doesn't live there,should (s)he be allowed to run for Ironton City Council?
Posted by KelliAnn (anonymous) on October 18, 2009 at 4:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
You are wrong again Bleedingheart- One of her kids graduated from Ironton. It is no different than a council member who happens to teach at Dawson-Bryant letting his kids go to St. Joe.
You can apply for scholarships or financial aid to attend Rose Hill I have checked it out. Maybe it's the Christian Education the Paulus family wanted and they feel like their son can be a good witness to other kids in the public school. I'm sure her other son will be at D-B too as soon as he is mature Christian.
If you have any questions or concerns you can Call Mrs. Paulus or Dr. Paulus. I'm sure they will answer any and all questions.
She also is not on the board nor does she teach at a private school.
Posted by bleedingheart (anonymous) on October 19, 2009 at 12:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)
even worse, graduated from Ironton, lived in Coal Grove. Again why? Coal Grove not good enough?? Maybe you didn't read correctly, I don' t believe Nick Miller should accept a public teacher salary if he doesn't think public schools are good enough. It has nothing to due with being able to pay for private school, the point is, if FOR WHATEVER REASON you don't think public school is right for your children THEN DON'T RUN FOR SCHOOL BOARD. Be on the board of the private school you believe is the best option for your children.
Posted by bleedingheart (anonymous) on October 19, 2009 at 12:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Also until this year, where has her children played baseball? Flatwoods! Why Coal Grove not good enough in baseball either. Let's see, 1 kid graduates Ironton (after attending a private school for years) 1 kid still in private school, 1 kid in D-B for 3 months-Play baseball in a completely different city. Now that's what I'd call real community involvement. P.S. I have nothing against her!! I just don't believe she is the best candidate for school board considering the family's lack of interest in the school in the past.
Posted by DrRichardEPaulus (anonymous) on October 19, 2009 at 7:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Bleedingheart; I ask of you to leave our children alone. You are the only person that continuously attack our children and their education. No, our son did not play baseball in flatwoods. Before you state something you might want to make sure you got your facts right. We respect your opinion but you apparently do not respect our decisions based on what is best for OUR children. You obviously are just making statements with no validity. You stated that Ironton was even worse? The question is why would you make such comments? Our oldest son went to Ironton because he loved to sing and act. He asked us if he could attend there because Dawson Bryant didn't offer what he enjoyed. It has nothing to do with a school being "good enough." It would have been more convenient for him to attend and graduate from Coal Grove but at the time, was not accommodating to the courses he wanted. So how could that be so wrong? My wife has interest of Dawson Bryant Schools (not lack of) and she is running for the School Board. Her community involvement is her passion. If you want to know the real facts and truth, please contact her anytime.
Posted by bleedingheart (anonymous) on October 19, 2009 at 12:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Sorry! I truly am. Maybe I am making my point in the wrong way. Let me try this...
Once upon a time I went to the Lutheran Church. My family did, my friends did, and I believe I got a good Christain education. Years later I started attending a Baptist church. They had more programs that were suitable for my children. I still loved the Lutheran church and her people. Occassionally I would attend services. My family and friends still go to that church and I am very up to date on the issues confronting her. Now the Lutheran church is looking for a new pastor. I believe I should be on the pulpit committee. My children and I still attend the Baptist church, it's just that I think I know enough about the Lutheran church to be able to find the very best pastor and steer her in the right direction. Should I be one of the people who decides the future of the Lutheran Church???
Posted by sandy (anonymous) on October 19, 2009 at 8:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Ha ha, you are comparing apples and oranges..... Bleeding heart Why don't you give it up. Everyone knows how you feel about Mrs. Paulus even her husband knows. Better be careful you made need a good heart doctor someday.. Oh but he will never know who you are since you hide behind a fictitious name. By claiming to go to church like you just did - I would have thought you would have learned not to spread false information about people. Maybe you should run for school board since you do know so much.....I mean think you know so much....
Posted by concerned09 (anonymous) on October 20, 2009 at 9:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I also believe that Katie Ford is running for school board and was not able to attend the meeting. Her son is a student at DB and she is devoted to all aspects of the school. She would be a great choice also.
Posted by CUTTIN02 (anonymous) on October 27, 2009 at 9:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I DO BELIEVE DENISE'S SON PLAYED LITTLE LEAGUE BASEBALL FOR COAL GROVE THIS PAST SEASON!!! I THINK SHE WOULD MAKE A PERFECT MEMBER FOR THE DB SCHOOL BOARD
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