Four candidates file for three seats in Newton-Conover City Schools race

Newton district
Jim Stockner
City: Newton
Age: 65
Children: 1 grown child
Occupation: retired, but works part-time with Christian Tours
Terms on board: 2
1. Why did you file for election?
I wanted to serve another term. There are some people who are very dedicated to the school system. I’m one of them. I’ve spent 30 years of my life here. I want to see the new middle school through to completion.
2. Area school systems saved some stimulus money for this school year, but it must be used by the end of 2011-12 year. With a tight state budget and no stimulus money, how will you keep teachers and technology in schools next year?
It will be tough. It helps that we have a superintendent in place who is frugal. As people have retired, we haven’t replaced them. I hope the economy turns around.
3. Is there anything in the system that needs to be changed or improved?
I hope we keep improving on testing, although sometimes we put too much emphasis on it. I just want to continue to be a good school system.

Conover district
Jeanne C. Jarrett
City: Conover
Age: 55
Children: 2 grown children
Occupation: assistant financial director for Catawba County
Terms on board: 0
1. Why did you file for election?
I thought about it for a while and thought this would be a good time. Sometimes a new perspective is good. I have a long-term respect for the system. Me and my family went through it. It’s a good system. I’d like to contribute to maintaining excellence. I think my background in finances gives me some experience to tackle issues like the budget with limited funds.
2. Area school systems saved some stimulus money for this school year, but it must be used by the end of 2011-12 year. With a tight state budget and no stimulus money, how will you keep teachers and technology in schools next year?
I will rely on the administration, because they’re familiar with the existing budget. Other areas may have to be looked at. Our main focus should be on teachers and technology.
3. Is there anything in the system that needs to be changed or improved?
We have a good school board. Nothing needs to change, but change can be good. I bring a different perspective.

Scott Loudermelt
City: Conover
Age: 43
Children: 2; one is at Newton-Conover Middle and one is at Shuford Elementary
Occupation: executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Iredell County
Terms on board: 2, and has been chair for two years
1. Why did you file for election?
I know firsthand the impact a teacher can have on an education. Without great teacher, I’m not sure I would be here. As soon as my first child was in the school system I ran for election. As long as I feel useful I’ll continue to run.
2. Area school systems saved some stimulus money for this school year, but it must be used by the end of 2011-12 year. With a tight state budget and no stimulus money, how will you keep teachers and technology in schools next year?
Our No. 1 concern is in the classroom, because it’s where the rubber meets the road. The wind will be in our faces the next few years. Everyone needs to do more with less. We need to prioritize our needs and figure out where cuts can be made with the least impact in the classroom and go from there.
3. Is there anything in the system that needs to be changed or improved?
We are not perfect, but we have a good trajectory. In the last eight years, we have improved as a system with test scores, graduation rates and teacher morale. I’m not saying that has to do with me — we have a good staff in place. But we need to improve on the achievement gap and continue with graduation rate. But I’m excited to be opening a new (middle) school when others are closing them. We are one of the lowest wealth school systems in the state, but that’s not an excuse. There’s a lot more work to do.

Mark Murphy
City: Conover
Age: 54
Children: 2, both out of high school
Occupation: vice president of information systems for First National Bank
Terms on board: 1, and a two-year appointment for an unexpired term
1. Why did you file for election?
The board is very cohesive and I would like to see the board remain as-is. I think Jeanne Jarrett would serve well, but I would like to see the board remain as-is. I would like to redirect some of the issues that are not quite up-to-par.
2. Area school systems saved some stimulus money for this school year, but it must be used by the end of 2011-12 year. With a tight state budget and no stimulus money, how will you keep teachers and technology in schools next year?
It is paramount that we don’t cut that. There is always waste that can be cut, no matter what business you’re running. You’re limited to the money, but you must manage it. It’s unacceptable to cut classrooms. We’re here to educate children, not run a school system. We have to creatively preserve the classroom.
3. Is there anything in the system that needs to be changed or improved?
Better stewardship of our finances. We’re given an immense amount of money from the state. We need to be better stewards of it, as we are with our own money. We need to provide for the children of Newton-Conover City Schools the best education. They deserve it.