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
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
Christine Weixelman
Jayme Morris-Hardeman
Steven Ruzzin
Karla Hagemeister
Betty Mattingly-Ebert
5. As you survey available financial resources, what shifts would you propose in funding? How would you fund these priorities?
Christine Weixelman
Jayme Morris-Hardeman
Steven Ruzzin
Karla Hagemeister
Betty Mattingly-Ebert
Teresa Parks
6. What, if anything would you change about school security?
Jayme Morris-Hardeman
Steven Ruzzin
Karla Hagemeister
Betty Mattingly-Ebert
Teresa Parks
Christine Weixelman
Closing Statements
Steven Ruzzin
Karla Hagemeister
Betty Mattingly-Ebert
Teresa Parks
Christine Weixelman
Jayme Morris-Hardeman
