Sue Keffer Answers Questions

Candidate for
Board Member; Mariemont City School District

The questions were prepared by the League of Women Voters of Hamilton County and asked of all candidates for this office.

Read the answers from all candidates.

Questions & Answers

1. What effect would the community (charter) schools have on the public schools in your district?

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.

2. Evaluate the adequacy of support services, beyond state standards, presently provided for special-needs students in your district.

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.

3. Has the use of proficiency tests in your school improved the education of students?

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.