WYDaily sent an identical questionnaire to each candidate running for the York County School Board.
Nathan Kaw-uh, a 19-year-old student and lawn care specialist, is independent candidate for the district two of the York County School Board.
Kaw-uh’s answers are unedited and presented below.
The election takes place Nov. 7.
Read a completed questionnaire from the other candidate for district two, Michael Anderson.
What do you feel are the three major issues facing the school district right now? What are your ideas on how to address those issues?
- Teacher Pay- I believe Teacher pay is a large issue facing our school division today. I will continue working with the board to restore pay steps.
- School Start Time- The proposed adjusted start time would have a negative ripple effect across our school district. By changing times for High Schoolers you have to change start times for everyone or increase bus availability which our funds do not allow. I am open to any input and suggestions and will propose a work session devoted to hearing both sides of the proposal.
- Resource Allocation- With limited funds, our school system must focus on how to spread resources effectively. I will continue working with the board through budget review work sessions.
The YCSD school division pays starting-bus drivers less than the national median pay, and less than other school divisions such as Williamsburg-James City County and Newport News. Would you support a pay increase for school bus drivers, and how would you convince county officials the raise is necessary?
I would support a pay increase for bus drivers. Bus drivers are paid less than trashmen in the county with a starting pay of $12.25. I feel as if our low pay discourages drivers from seeking to fill the position. The drivers are responsible for hundreds of students every day and must be ready to deal with every situation that comes their way. I believe that with higher pay would come higher quality drivers and more people wanting to fill open positions.
To convince county officials I make the officials realize the full extent of all the drivers do. One cannot know the full extent to what the other does until brought into discussion.To do so I would bring in opinions and ideas from the drivers and staff themselves. I would also include national statistics to support presented ideas viewpoints.
What budget items do you want to ensure are fully funded for the next fiscal year? Why are those budget items important?
Crucial Maintenance staff such as plumbers and bus maintenance engineers need to be fully funded for the next fiscal year. These positions are currently understaffed and are some of the most crucial in our division.
There are ten elementary schools, four middle schools, four high schools, and one charter school. Plumbing issues occur throughout every facility but with a limited plumbing staff, many issues are unable to be resolved in a timely manner. By increasing plumbing staff the division would be able to resolve issues in a timely manner while promoting long term savings and a safer facility environment.
To run a large division such as our own, many busses are needed to transport students. Each bus gets inspected and maintained constantly throughout the year. To help alleviate the stress and high demands placed on the vehicle maintenance team, I would push for increasing funding towards the vehicle maintenance team. By doing so, more resources and personnel would be available to keep our busses safe and running.
By giving these sectors more resources, the school system will continue to make our school division safer.
Which school improvement projects do you think need to be priority items for the school division? Why?
We want to provide comfortable learning and teaching environment for our staff and students
I think projects relating to HVAC systems should be a high priority item in the school division. By improving our HVAC systems we will be able to reduce temperature derived distractions and cultivate a healthy environment.
Bullying has been a rising issue at school divisions nationwide, do you think YCSD schools are doing enough to prevent bullying in all its forms? What sort of actions would you take as a member of the school board to reduce the amount of bullying in schools?
During my time in our school system I observed several bullying incidences. Those incidents were reported to administration and taken up for appropriate action. Since I had no major experience with bullying, I am not well versed as to how the system handles bullying. I am open to ideas and concerns from my constituents as to how to improve.
Talk about the achievement gap in YCSD Schools. Are the current strategies to close the gap working? Why or why not? What are your ideas to help progress in this area?
Our Division’s Chief Academic Officer Stephanie L. Guy, Ed.D. and her team work hard every day to ensure that ours schools have the resources and programs to meet our Annual Measurable Objectives. As of October 2017 the division met all but one of 27 AMO targets, the one being English-Students with disabilities (YCSD). To continue the high success of closing the gap I would encourage the continuation of Stephanie L. Guy, Ed.D. and her team’s work.
How would you describe the working relationship between the school board and the Board of Supervisors? What can the school board do to improve or enhance this relationship?
I would describe the current working situation between the School Board the Board of Supervisors as awkward. The School Board has to go the the Board of Supervisors and as for money every year. The latter situation can be compared to a kid asking their parents for money. The kid has to provide reasoning as to why they should be given money.
To continue improving Board to Board relations, the School Board needs to be able to fully justify and explain requests for additional funds. By having clear, open, and ready communication, the School board can approach the Board of Supervisors with increased confidence and the ability to make the Supervisors understand their reasoning. Ultimately resulting in a smoother relationship.
How well do you feel the school board members work together? What do you feel you can bring to the school board’s dynamic
I can help the board by providing fresh input that would ultimately help solidify reasons for budget increases.
Are you a member of any political organizations? Which political organizations are you a member of and what have they taught you?
I am not a member of any political organization.
Will you be participating in any forums or public debates? When and where?
I have been to a few in the latter months but am not participating in any forums or public debates at the time.
What is a question you wish we had asked?
Have you met with the superintendent or other Chief Operating Officers?
What is the answer?
On October 12th I had the pleasure of meeting with the York County School Division Superintendent Dr. Victor Shandor. During our meeting I was briefed by Carl James (Chief Operations Officer), Stephanie Guy (Chief Academic Officer), Bill Bowen (Chief Financial Officer), and Jim Carroll (Chief Human Resources Officer). I learned about what goes on behind the scenes and how York County School Division operates. As candidate for the District Two School Board, I strive to learn more about my potential roles and duties.
