Four candidates are vying for three seats on the Sahuarita School District board.
They are: incumbents J. Elaine Hall and Kris Ham, and Shari S. Lowell and Dalia Zimmerman.
The Star asked the candidates on their views on some key education issues. The answers have been edited for length and clarity.
On Testing
Hall: I am really not in favor of high stakes testing. The tests are given on a specific day and time and itβs one snapshot and maybe you had a bad day. I think we have enough good teachers to improve instruction for each student because all students learn differently.
Ham: State testing is necessary to hold districts accountable. The state needs to settle on a comprehensive test and leave it in place. The Every Student Succeeds Act has promised local control to states and districts.
I would like to see our district choose a test and use it over a period of time that would make it meaningful and allow us to gauge our growth and success.
Lowell: Since students will be exposed to testing throughout their lifetimes, the goal is to help students become proficient in course material, and to become good at test taking so that they become extremely confident in testing situations.
Zimmerman: I believe testing, when done in moderation and with the intent of ensuring each child is able to obtain the needed knowledge can be an effective tool for teaching.
On Improving Teacher retention
Hall: We have a good program going β we have fewer positions that arenβt filled than most districts in the state. We have a partnership with the University of Arizonaβs teacherβs college and we have incentives for student-teachers. I would continue to support those programs and look for alternatives.
Ham: The Sahuarita Unified School District has been successful in hiring and retention through placing a high value on our teachers and staff and recognizing their work as well as providing an increase in pay with the help of the passage of 123. By providing a good work environment, supporting our administration and staff, our school board works with our HR department to hire and retain quality staff.
Lowell: Sahuarita Unified School District does a great job of putting a high priority on teacher retention. We provide mentoring and development opportunities to our teachers, and work to ensure that our teachers have consistent positive interactions with the administration. We need to build on our strengths in this area and also work to address the overarching issue of teacher pay.
Zimmerman: Providing an environment where teachers feel respected, valued and have access to resources helps when asking someone to work hard for a low wage. That said, I am committed to supporting a wage that better reflects the value provided by excellent education.
On Academic achievement
Hall: Donβt teach to a test, teach how to learn and think constructively and creatively. There is no cookie cutter method because every student is different but we need financial support.
Ham: Certifying that our district hires highly qualified teachers, along with offering a variety of challenging subjects and courses ensures that the Sahuarita Unified School District provides a high level of academic achievement.
Lowell: We must effectively teach study skills, organizational skills, and time management. It is important to engage students in critical thinking and build a lifelong love of learning.
Zimmerman: Addressing the individual needs of each child will further ensure academic success. For example, if a child is excelling academically they need access to classes that can challenge them. Where as, if a child is struggling to read they need access to support that will help develop the needed skills to read.
