School Board Candidates Debate on Air

President and banker took part in a radio debate that covered many pressing issues leading up to Nov. 8 election.

The debate, hosted by  at 9 a.m. Tuesday, touched on topics such as the system's booster clubs, hires made by Superintendent Howard Hinesley and closing the achievement gap faced by minority students.

“People want to know how money is being spent in the booster club,” Benton said. She said that she is pushing to allow open bidding by local vendors.

In addition, Benton said that when is mentioned, people need to see how the money is being spent.

Jones said there needs to be a distinction between money raised by taxpayers for school use and private donations given by parents and supporters for the booster club.

“As a former athlete, I understand the importance of a strong booster club,” he said.

Jones said he wants to represent a group he feels is being overlooked: parents in their 30s and early 40s.

“Issues that face children now aren't the same as they were 20 years ago. We need a constant influx of youth so experience is transferred and made personal,” he said.

Benton said younger parents are being represented in the school with advisory councils. She went on to stress her accessibility and said she is glad that Jones wants to get involved but doesn't think young people are being ignored.

Both candidates dismissed the idea that Hinesely's hirings have re-created his former school system in Pinellas County, FL.

Benton said that one of the principals who came from Florida was a superintendent in another district and never worked for Hinesely.

Jones said he would like to see more hiring of Bartow County residents.

On the achievement gap between white and minority students, including CRCT scores and after-school activities, Benton said she and the rest of the board are working diligently on that problem.

The board has worked with religious leaders to host after-school programs for minority students. She also mentioned the , which provides a minority student with two years of free college education.

“If we focus on the things that unite us,” Jones said, “then everything else falls by the wayside.”

He stressed the need to give teachers the maximum support to help educate all students, saying every teacher on the front lines is doing everything he or she can.

The final issue of the debate was state Sen. Barry Loudermilk's statement that Georgians are not receiving the education needed to compete for the thousands of high-tech jobs available in the current market.

Jones said that the traditional model of education, where a college degree virtually guaranteed employment, has changed. The school board needs to be flexible and to change with new technologies.

Jones would welcome suggestions on how the school board can keep its fingers on the pulse of the newest technologies.

Benton mentioned the Freshman Academy at Cartersville High School, which gives at-risk students iPads. She lamented the cutting of funding for technology programs and recognized it as an issue that needs to be addressed.

“I know we're in good hands,” Benton said, “but it's just a matter of getting students to engage in what's available to them.” 

Jones is an assistant vice president and commercial loan officer at . Benton has served in the at-large position for 17 years and has been the president of the school board for 11 years. 

The election is next Tuesday.