3 candidates vie for Conover seat

By: Sarah Newell williamson | Hickory Daily Record
Published: October 12, 2009

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Election day is three weeks away. Early voting begins Thursday at the library in Newton.

There are three seats available this term on Newton-Conover City Schools' board of education, currently being held by Randy Isenhower, Betty Coulter and Gary Hicks.

Isenhower, the current board chair, is not seeking re-election, although Coulter and Hicks are. Coulter is one of five people vying for the two open seats that will be held by Newton residents, while Hicks is one of three people running for the one open seat that will be held by a Conover resident.

Other candidates running for a seat on the school board are Candace Cansler, Kyle Drum, Donnie Holbrook, Jimmy Martin, Kim Cline and Mark Ehrnsberger.

The same questions were asked of all eight candidates. The Conover candidates' have their information listed today, and the Newton candidates will have their information listed in Wednesday's Record.

1. Why are you running?

Cline: My kids were in another school system in a different town and had a very bad experience. In Newton-Conover, they have had a very good experience. I want to be a part of that, to help it continue to grow and get better.

Ehrnsberger: I have two kids in the school system. I feel, as a parent, I would like to be involved with my kids and make a difference on the board with new ideas. I have a vested interest in the school system, and it's in my best interest to improve it.

Hicks: I wanted to stay involved in the community and the schools. The board is a cohesive group, and in these tough economic times, I wanted to stay a part of the group and continue our work.

2. What issue do you think demands the most attention at Newton-Conover City Schools?

Cline: The budget. We need to make sure we stay within budget and the direction is efficient, doesn't raise taxes and is the best for the money. We also need to make sure kids are not getting lost within the system.

Ehrnsberger: I'd like to increase the overall scholastic aptitude of the students — that's something we can always improve. I can talk to the superintendent and board members, see if there's something I can bring to the table.

Hicks: The budget challenges of the next two to three years will be by far the biggest issue. Revenues are down. We'll have to see what the state can commit. We'll use local money the best we can, and do teacher assignments the best we can for the kids.

3. With budget cutbacks, how can you ensure every child's getting the best education?

Cline: We need to make sure the money is being spent efficiently. We need to use all our resources, like volunteers — people in the community with time and talent, who can help. If people give back to the community, it's positive for everyone.

Ehrnsberger: Hopefully, it will change over the next year or two. But we have to look at the efficiency, and getting the most for the money. We need to cut waste, and see if there are things that can be done to make the system more efficient.

Hicks: We can't build all the facilities and hire all the teachers we'd like. We just need to work to spend our dollars as wisely as possible.