P.O. Box 1222, Madison, WI 53701 | www.prodane.org | office@prodane.org | (608) 257-4985

February 23, 2010

Progressive Dane School Board Candidate Forum Write-Up

Progressive Dane was delighted to hold a school board candidate forum this past Sunday and thanks Alder Satya Rhodes-Conway for moderating. Unopposed incumbents Maya Cole and Beth Moss were both asked to share with the audience why they are running again and what advice they might give to a new member of the school board. Both candidates acknowledged that serving on the school board was a challenge; however, both noted that the work they are doing is worth the effort and pointed to initiatives such as 4-year old Kindergarten and Strategic Planning as examples of improvements they have contributed to.

The Contested Race (James Howard vs Tom Farley)
The format for this portion had candidates giving two minute responses to questions prepared by Progressive Dane followed by questions from the audience. To allow for more audience questions, the time was temporarily limited to one minute. The forum ended with closing statements from the candidates.

The candidates addressed a wide-variety of issues ranging from the school budget to advertising in schools to civic engagement to military recruitment in the schools. Although differing in style, Farley and Howard both expressed pride in Madison's schools, placed great value on community engagement, lamented budget difficulties, and urged involvement in state level school-funding reform efforts.

Some items of note:
*Both candidates support 4-year old kindergarten and both believe that the school district should continue to implement the program during the 2011-2012 school year, even in light of the current economic crisis.
*The candidates were asked what programs they would never cut. Tom Farley mentioned special education, the arts, and teacher education. James Howard declined to single any program out, and said he didn't want to cut anything.
*An audience member asked about services for the children of undocumented immigrants. Both candidates indicated that they thought the school district should serve these children and leave immigration policy to the federal government. Mr. Farley was strong in his response declaring that these kids have a basic human right to health care and education.

Media:
Progressive Dane was happy to see the media coverage at the forum. The Wisconsin State Journal, the Isthmus, the Capital Times, and WISC-TV were all there. Media coverage is key to helping voters make informed choices. Progressive Dane would like to thank the media that covered this event and for helping make it a successful event. An informed public is essential to democracy.

Progressive Dane has currently endorsed Beth Moss for re-election and is considering an endorsement in the one contested school board race.

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