Fargo School Board candidates say issues needing to be addressed include teaching new immigrant students, examining a long-range facility plan and obtaining funding from the state and federal government.
Those were some of the topics discussed Thursday evening during a candidate debate. The League of Women Voters of the Red River Valley sponsored the event.
Four of the five candidates seeking four board seats in the June election spoke during the debate.
The group was asked for its thoughts on the $300 million property tax reduction and education funding plan pitched by Gov. John Hoeven in February. If passed by state legislators, Hoeven's plan would boost K-12 funding to nearly $1.1 billion for the 2009-11 biennium.
"I think the governor is doing what he thinks he needs to do to get more money into education, but the fact of the matter is that there's a great deal of funding that has been diverted away from education," said candidate and incumbent Paul Meyers. "I think it's a good start."
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Incumbent candidate Meg Spielman-Peldo agreed, calling it "an important step."
"It's about darn time," candidate John Strand said. "And I hope the governor gets support ... If we don't affect that at the state level, we are forcing property taxes locally to be 2.1 (percent) to 2.3 (percent), and that's unacceptable."
Strand, a first-time office seeker, described his candidacy as "an opportunity to give back to public service." He acted as a mediator for the teachers association when 2008-09 teacher contract negotiations with the Fargo School Board were at an impasse last year.
The candidates also were asked how the school district could accommodate immigrant/new American students.
"Currently we are partnering with the West Fargo School District to have a Newcomer Center," said Robin Nelson, board president and incumbent. The center will help international students in both districts learn English and how to integrate into the American society and academics.
Spielman-Peldo said the Newcomer Center will be especially beneficial to those students who have never attended school before.
The candidates also were asked about a long-range facility plan for the district created by input from more than 2,000 citizens.
Strand is concerned "one critical piece was missing. I'll get right to the chase: The people should have been asked to vote" on plans that include new buildings.
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Nelson said she is a "full supporter" of the facility plan and said the public did have the opportunity to vote in 1990 on a building levy, which is being used for the forthcoming Ronald Davies High School on the city's south side.
Incumbent board member Jim Johnson, who is also running for reelection, did not attend the debate.
Readers can reach Forum reporter Benny Polacca at (701) 241-5504
