League of Women Voters of the Cincinnati Area Education Fund
Hamilton County, OH November 8, 2011 Election
	Danette Michele (Clark) Wells Answers Questions Candidate for Board Member; Three Rivers Local School District

The questions were prepared by the League of Women Voters of the Cincinnati Area and asked of all candidates for this office.
Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

Questions & Answers

1. What are your qualifications for office?

I believe that as a School Board Member, I will offer practical, common sense solutions and perspective when addressing issues or creating policy. I feel that the Three Rivers School District will benefit from my determination to focus on getting a job done properly and my ability to think outside of the box. As a mom, I have a vested interest in the Three Rivers School District, and a deep seeded desire to see all of the children in the Three Rivers Community grow, bloom, and blossom as they reach their full potentials.

2. What would you do to advance the concept of "equity in education" in your district?

To advance "equity in education," I would apply the Value-Added Assessment Model. This model determines the impact that such factors as race, family income, and parent status and education have on student scores in the statewide standardized tests, which in Ohio, is the Ohio Achievement Assessments (OAA). Once the variables have been analyzed and correlations have been made, the Three Rivers School District will be able to better distribute resources based on student needs, while fostering high academic expectations for all students in the Three Rivers Community.

3. How would you use your students' state test results to improve education in your district?

I would use the students' state test results to improve education in the Three Rivers School District by promptly addressing underperforming academic areas. To do this, I would again apply the Value-Added Assessment Model, which slices and dices standardized test scores by extracting more meaning from them. In addition to tracking the progress of individual students from year to year, the model can show how the Three Rivers schools are performing relative to other schools. For example, if educators in a particular school are having a high level of success teaching low income students to read, the Three Rivers School District can study what they're doing and attempt to replicate their formula. By applying the value-added model, The Three Rivers School District can direct the district's resources in more appropriate ways, which will benefit and improve the performance of all students.

4. What will you do to build consensus in the community in support of public schools?

To build consensus in the community in support of public schools, I will:

• Make the community aware of the school buildings, facilities, programs, and activities available to all students in the Three Rivers School District.

• Ensure that all schools in the Three Rivers Community consistently achieve an Excellent rating.

• Communicate the Ohio Achievement Assessment (OAA) scores of the Three Rivers Schools to the community.

• Convey the direct correlation between increasing property values and a superior public education system.

• Ensure that The Three Rivers School District is a viable option for all students in the school district.

5. What are your budget priorities?

I realize that fiscal responsibility is a basic duty of the School Board. My budget priorities include:

• Exploring outsourcing consortium and sub-contracting opportunities to save money.

• Evaluating open positions prior to filling them.

• Investigating alternative funding options and opportunities.

• Proactively work with State of Ohio Legislators to fix the current school funding crisis.

• Continue work of the Finance Commission to reduce district expenses.

• Explore the possibility of self-sufficient extracurricular programs.

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Created from information supplied by the candidate: September 23, 2011 07:46
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