There is only one race for the Wawasee Community School board. The two contestants for the Jefferson and Van Buren townships seat are Anthony W. "Tony" Ciriello, 42, North Creek Bend Lane, Milford, and Marion R. Acton, 73, North West Street, Milford.

They were asked the following five questions: 1.) What qualifications and/or experience do you have to make you the "best" person to serve on the school board? 2.) What is the biggest issue facing Wawasee Schools today and what's the best way the school board can address that issue? 3.) What is the Wawasee School Board doing right currently? What can the current school board do to improve and, if you are elected, how can you help the board improve? 4.) Does the Wawasee School Board communicate well with the public it serves? Why or why not? If elected, how can you help improve its communications with its patrons, if needed? 5.) Busing has been a recent issue at the Wawasee School Board meetings. What are your thoughts on the issue?

ACTON:

1. After 40 years of serving in the public schools throughout Indiana, 23 of which were spent in the Wawasee School Corp., I felt compelled to continue using the knowledge and expertise that I had obtained to better our community, schools and most importantly, our young people's education.

2. I believe with the state's severe financial condition at this time, the lack of funding for schools is one of the most pressing needs we will face. The present school board has been careful in how we raise and use any funds that the school corporation receives. In the past, our school district has gone through difficult financial times. I will continue to work within the means that our community and state can support, while at the same time endeavoring to offer the best education possible.

3. If elected, I will continue to do everything in my power to help the teachers, staff and administrators in their pursuit to give the necessary tools to our young people, preparing them for their future. Items that this school corporation should continue to have strong emphasis placed upon are the basic skills such as reading, writing and math. All levels of alternative education, trimester scheduling and vocational education should also be top priority. The future will make way for those who can utilize the changing technology that is reshaping the working world. It is because of this trend that each student should have the opportunity to use and learn about this technology.

4. Yes, the present board does communicate well with the public. At school board meetings, the public is encouraged to participate and give their input regarding school-related matters. Patron comments are welcome. During the last few years, we have undertaken and accomplished major renovations at Milford Elementary and Middle School, Syracuse Elementary School, Wawasee Middle School, Wawasee High School and a new elementary facility at North Webster. These accomplishments are the result of coming together in numerous meetings. The cooperation of our community has made all these accomplishments possible. My objective is to continue to communicate with staff and the community.

5. At a recent school board meeting, a patron asked about busing. The board is reviewing and studying to determine what busing policy would be best for the students involved and the community.

CIRIELLO:

1. I am seeking this position because I feel with my knowledge and background with State Government and budgeting I can make a contribution to the school board of this community. As a former DARE officer, I worked in the schools alongside the students and teachers and I learned first hand what it takes to make education work. Still working with students and being part of the Education Summit has sparked an interest within myself to provide something back to the students, educators and taxpayers of this school corporation.

2. I believe that one of the biggest hurdles facing the school corporation today is the reduction in funding from the state. One goal would be to study the entire budget, both income and expenses. This would be to see what could be done to meet all the requirements set forth by the state with the monies provided without a reduction in staff. The board has a responsibility to the taxpayers of our community, as well as the students and educators. Accomplishing this will not be an easy task and will not happen overnight. To reach this goal is something that will take the administrators and the school board working together to find a viable solution.

3. I feel that the school board currently is doing the best job possible given the recent constrains they face with the reduction in state monies. Any entity can improve themselves and the school board is no exception. I feel that if elected, my diverse knowledge, background and my knowledge of people in the community will offer a new breath to the school board.

4. I do feel the school board communicates fairly well with the public it serves. However, the public are the taxpayers and should be kept abreast to all decisions made by the board. Communication is the key in keeping the public apprised as to where their money is being spent, how their children are being educated and how the board is finding solutions to the problems that arise.

5. The issue of transportation has been on the front burner as of late within the corporation. This is something that effects most of the students and their families and there have been several complaints lately that need to be studied and resolutions found. This issue is one heard in the coffee shops, businesses, homes and schools, I believe the board needs to be involved in this matter as the school corporation is providing this service to the students of our community. I believe it is important to listen to all parties involved and make the best decision possible. [[In-content Ad]]