COVID-19, teacher morale and critical race theory were the main topics of discussion for those running for a Starkville-Oktibbeha Consolidated School District Board of Trustees position at a candidate forum hosted by the Oktibbeha County NAACP Monday.
All candidates introduced themselves and answered questions from 16th Circuit Court Assistant District Attorney Trina Brooks, who has had children attend SOCSD schools.
When the Starkville and Oktibbeha County school districts consolidated in 2015, legislation outlined the layout of the school board — three city representatives appointed by the Starkville Board of Aldermen and two elected by Oktibbeha County citizens who live outside city limits, but only one position is up for election this year, while the other will take place in two years.
The election is set for Tuesday.
Incumbent John Brown was unable to attend the forum due to medical reasons and attempted to join the forum via Zoom, but Brooks and the crowd were unable to communicate with him due to technical difficulties.
As the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the country over the past two years, it has also affected the school district. SOCSD offered a hybrid learning environment at the beginning of the 2020-21 school year, but all candidates agreed that hybrid learning is detrimental to a student’s overall well-being.
Candidate Willette DuVall said students are better served in person and statistics show that students who use hybrid learning are three months behind in learning compared to those that are in-person full time. While she said the hybrid model should be available for students who may contract the virus, it should not be a permanent solution.
“In a medical situation, where a child does not feel well, yes, I believe the hybrid situation should be available for our kids, but as a permanent solution in the education system, no, I do not,” DuVall said. “I do not think it is a healthy way of learning.”
Candidate Cassandra Palmer, who participated in a parent forum with the Mississippi Black Caucus about the issue of hybrid learning and the challenges of COVID-19, said students cannot grow socially, emotionally and academically if they are learning virtually full time or even part time.
“I do not believe in a hybrid curriculum, however, I think hybrid learning should be available to those that are quarantining, or situations where teachers have to be out,” Palmer said. “We need to invest in the best resources available. You never know what might happen again.”
Palmer also said if elected, she will advocate for the strengthening of technology improvements and the internet, especially to students who live in rural areas of Oktibbeha County.
Candidate Rev. Ronnie Tucker echoed DuVall and Palmer that virtual learning should only be used for those who are quarantined. He said he also believes the school board should evaluate the effects that COVID-19 has on different ethnicities and how diversity has played a role in the pandemic within the district.
“We need to make sure that all groups are given adequate resources to enjoy a proper education program,” Tucker said.
Supporting teachers
The candidates also discussed how they would support teachers if elected.
Serving as a past Parent Teacher Organization president, Palmer said she regularly talks with teachers about concerns they have for the district. If elected, she said she will promote two-way communication between the board and teachers, encourage virtual learning training and advocate for policies at state level.
“One of the biggest reasons I am running, my biggest concern was if I was on the school board, would I lose the trust of the teachers that I have built these strong relationships with,” Palmer said. “So I asked them, and they said no. They said, ‘We would feel like we have a voice’ because they know I am advocating for them.”
Tucker said he believes the district should modify its programs and focus on teacher supplements and student readiness instead of being strictly geared toward measuring up to state tests. He also said he believes salaries are “top-heavy” within the district, claiming administrative salaries are disproportionately high.
“When we have equity in our system, then teachers will feel like they are appreciated,” Tucker said. “I think that’s a very important point.”
DuVall said teacher incentive programs will not only help with retention but morale as well. She said the board and administration should have an open-door policy for teachers, allowing them to express their concerns. She said she believes many teachers need assistants because many teachers are overworked, and salaries should also be increased.
“I don’t think our teachers are paid enough for how much they work,” DuVall said. “… I think we should offer incentives for teachers who have worked here for a long time, maybe give them a bonus.”
Critical race theory
While a sensitive subject within society, the candidates explained their views on critical race theory and if it should be taught within the school district.
DuVall said in order to love one another, history must first be taught, no matter how ugly it was. She said in order for students to respect one another, they need to respect their heritage.
“At some point, I do believe we need to teach our history about race to our kids, who we are, where we came from and why we don’t have a system of hate anymore,” DuVall said.
Palmer cited that the Mississippi Department of Education chooses what is taught in the classroom, not the school district, but believes curriculum should be diversified, such as different books and resources from people with various backgrounds and cultures.
“What I believe our focus really needs to be is the fundamentals of being career and job ready, however, I do believe that it is very important to be sensitive to the diversity of students in our schools, that we are willing to learn and love one another,” Palmer said.
Tucker said the district does not need to teach critical race theory, but teach history. He said he knows the curriculum is set by MDE but wants every SOCSD student to know they are valued in society.
“We need to understand that our classes and students are diversified,” Tucker said. “Our history is diversified. Every student in that class should understand their history regardless of ethnicity or geology (sic) and how history has impacted this thing called American society.”
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