League of Women Voters Forum - USD 383 candidates

The six USD 383 school board candidates participated in the League of Women Voters of Manhattan/Riley County candidate forum Sunday, heard on News Radio KMAN. Below are the questions and responses from each candidate, along with opening and closing statements.

Opening Statements

Betty Mattingly-Ebert

1. What actions will you take to help create a diverse, equitable, and inclusive climate for students, family and staff of USD 383?

Steven Ruzzin

Karla Hagemeister

Betty Mattingly-Ebert

Teresa Parks

Christine Weixelman

Jayme Morris-Hardeman

2. USD 383 is being monitored for improvement for students who aren’t meeting expectations, including African-American, homeless, English language learners and disabled students. In addition, a disproportionate number of African American and Special Education students are in in-school and out-of-school suspension. What role do you think the board has in improving these situations?

Karla Hagemeister

Betty Mattingly-Ebert

Teresa Parks

Christine Weixelman

Jayme Morris-Hardeman

Steven Ruzzin

3. The district’s pandemic response team recommended mask wearing through Oct. 22. Do you support this plan, and what sources of information will you use to guide your decisions?

Betty Mattingly-Ebert

Teresa Parks

Christine Weixelman

Jayme Morris-Hardeman

Steven Ruzzin

Karla Hagemeister

4. Evidence shows that sexually transmitted infections are increasing in Riley County, specifically in the younger population – middle school and high school aged children. What changes do you suggest for ending and reversing this trend?

Teresa Parks