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Candidates Answer Questions on the Issues
See below for questions on
charter schools,
special needs students,
proficiency tests
Click on a name for other candidate information.
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1. What effect would the community (charter) schools have on the public schools in your district?
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Answer from Rick Koehler:
None whatsoever
Answer from Marie C. Huenefeld:
I do not think that community schools will have a major impact on the Mariemont City School District. Our outstanding curriculum, quality staff and small classes make our district a good choice for families. In addition, Mariemont has once again been declared an "Effective" school district by the state of Ohio.
Answer from Sue Keffer:
Mariemont City Schools tend to be one of the leaders in education. We look at our successes and repeat them while continually striving for excellence within our own district. The Mariemont educational system consistently scores in the highest level and is regarded as an exemplary school system. Whereas a charter school might provide an educational experience unique to a particular individual, I don't believe its overall effect on our school system would be significant.
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2. Evaluate the adequacy of support services, beyond state standards, presently provided for special-needs students in your district.
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Answer from Rick Koehler:
The Mariemont School district excels in this area. We have three resource centers at the elementary, junior high and high school levels for tutoring of our L.D. students. We have provided physical therapy, school psychology and speech therapy, all beyond minimum state standards.
Answer from Sue Keffer:
Currently our school system meets and exceeds state standards regarding special needs students. Individual concerns are addressed in a confidential manner with the child's parents and educational team. It is the child's parents and educators who are qualified to evaluate the adequacy of the services received.
Answer from Marie C. Huenefeld:
Mariemont schools meet the needs of every child by providing an appropriate and excellent education for all students. Mariemont, a small school district, offers a full continuum of support services, grades K through 12, including language, speech, occupational and physical therapy. Classes for developmentally handicapped children and children with learning disabilities are provided within the district. We also aggressively pursued a Hamilton County pre-school special education program which is located in one of our elementary schools. This offering enhances our services and is convenient for our students.
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3. Has the use of proficiency tests in your school improved the education of students?
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Answer from Sue Keffer:
Proficiency tests should not be the sole factor by which our students or school system are judged. Mariemont City Schools has had a long history of academic excellence prior to the introduction of proficiency tests. These tests are one measure by which teachers and students are held accountable for the objectives of that particular grade level with the results providing an additional opportunity for intervention when needed.
Answer from Rick Koehler:
Yes, quite definitely. Mariemont students now rank in the top 15 schools out of 611 districts in the State of Ohio.
Answer from Marie C. Huenefeld:
Proficiency testing has had an impact on the education of Mariemont's students. Some curriculum changes and additions have been made to meet testing challenges. Due to the quality of the educational experience at Mariemont, our students have always scored at the top of the state tests. Proficiency tests also provide accountability.
Responses to questions asked of each candidate
are reproduced as submitted to the League, but formatted for Web display.
The order of the candidates is random and changes daily.
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LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS
