Kettering school board candidates address pressing needs of district

Four candidates — two incumbents and two challengers — are running for two seats on the board.

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By Jill Kelley, Staff Writer 11:19 AM Thursday, October 13, 2011

KETTERING — There are four candidates running for two Kettering Board of Education seats.

The two incumbents are Lori Simms and James Trent, and the two challengers are Jim Ambrose and Frank Spolrich.

Each candidate was asked the following questions:

What is the most important issue facing Kettering City Schools?

Ambrose, a 63-year-old trial lawyer, said the district must provide opportunities for children to succeed. “I’ve seen what can happen when we don’t have an educated citizenry,” he said.

Spolrich, 66, has 39 years of public education experience. He said the priority is to keep teachers and keep the size of classes small.

Trent, 77, who worked in Kettering City Schools for 30 years, said it is important to mold students into successful citizens. “You need to integrate character education in with regular curriculum,” he said.

Simms, 49, an incumbent with nearly eight years on the school board, agreed character was key. The mother of six said the district needs to stress not only basic curriculum but also life skills.

What does the district do well?

Trent said he thought the district did everything well: “I sincerely believe we have the best school system in the Miami Valley.”

Spolrich lauded the district’s special needs programs and its music and arts programs.

Simms said the school board consistently looks at ways to save money that don’t affect students. She added that the district excels at educating every student.

Ambrose cited the cooperative efforts of the board, the administration and the Kettering Education Association to achieve the recent three-year base pay freeze.

What does the district need to improve?

Spolrich said he would like to see more stress on reading throughout the school system: “It is important for students to understand the written word and comprehend what’s going on. I also would like to see the schools continue their pace with technology skills.”

Simms underscored the need to continue to make sure every child feels like he or she is in a warm, inviting environment: “When kids feel welcome, they thrive.”

Trent said the district should continue to focus on the needs of all students: “We are always looking for ways to help students go into next stage of life.”

Ambrose said education goes beyond the Ohio Achievement Assessments: “They don’t test them on history, do they? That is important, also. They need to think outside the box.”

Why are you running for school board?

Simms said she is the only candidate with children currently attending Kettering City Schools. “I think I can be of value,” she said.

Spolrich, who served four years on Kettering City Council, said he believes in servant leadership and engagement. “I have the experience in public education, and a proven record in community involvement,” he said.

Ambrose said there should be more public discussion from the board on topics such as the recent suspension of teacher Michael Togliatti and less of a “rubber stamp” approach to dealing with the administration.

Trent said, “I love what I’m doing. I think I am making a difference.”

Final thoughts?

Ambrose said he would like to facilitate more involvement: “No one talks anymore; it is a victim of advanced technology. It also is important that parents and teachers talk.”

Spolrich also said he thought involvement was key, noting that he would like to launch a program to get citizens and parents in school to see effective teaching at work.

Trent said Kettering has become increasingly diverse economically and should continue to address those needs. “I look at diversity as a blessing, also a challenge, but as a blessing,” he said.

Simms said she is proud that Kettering was rated Excellent this year and Excellent with Distinction last year on the state report card. “It is something we put on our superintendent year after year. It is an indicator to the community and everyone else that we are a great community,” she said.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-7325 or jikelley@DaytonDailyNews.com.

Board continued on Page 3

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