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| Affiliation | Democratic |
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| Name | Carol L. Perkins |
| Address | 1580 Melrose Ave.
Columbus, Ohio , United States |
| Email | None |
| Website | [Link] |
| Born |
00, 1951
(73 years)
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| Contributor | Thomas Walker |
| Last Modifed | Thomas Walker
Oct 09, 2007 12:33am |
| Tags |
Married - Baptist -
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| Info | Carol L. Perkins, 1580 Melrose Ave., a director of mobility services for the Central Ohio Transit Authority.
Age: 56
Residence: 1580 Melrose Ave., Columbus
Web site: whycarolcares.com
Occupation: director of mobility services; Central Ohio Transit Authority
Education: attended Ohio State University and DeVry University
Experience: school-board member since being appointed in February; board member, Columbus Urban League, Columbus Works and South Central Ohio Minority Business Council
Family: married, two children who are Columbus graduates
Religion: Baptist
Why she's running
I come from a long line of educators. My mother-in-law is a retired CPS teacher. I have aunts, uncles and cousins who have all taught and served in the CPS system. In addition, I am married to a college professor. As the newest member of the Columbus (school board), I have had the opportunity to experience the magnitude and complexity of the district. I want to continue to be an advocate for all students and to champion positive changes that will ensure student success.
Have you run for public office before? When?
I have not run for public office.
What are the three biggest issues?
As indicated earlier, the district is large and complex. There are many issues the board of education must deal with. Student achievement is a critical issue and the district must continue to work to close the achievement gap by improving literacy, passage of all proficiency testing, and increased graduation rates. The district must also find a way to decrease the number of students moving to charter schools and other school districts. Lastly, maintaining a safe learning environment is also critical for student success.
What makes you the best candidate to address those issues?
I have approximately 25 years of operations experience in the public sector. During my tenure at COTA, I have gained knowledge and experience in human resources, risk management, finance, compliance and operations. These are skills that I can use to assist the board and the district. I have also served on other boards and committees in the community.
What do you hope to accomplish?
My focus is and will continue to be on the following areas:
• to provide equal access for all students of the district to enhance student achievement and success;
• to provide a safe learning environment from home, to the bus stop and the return home;
• to increase graduation rates by providing more nontraditional and vocational education for students who do not want to go to college;
• to ensure fiduciary and fiscal responsibility by increased operational efficiencies.
Financial issues
Should the Columbus school district continue to hold spending increases to 3 percent a year?
It is important for any organization to stay within budget. There have been many challenges keeping this promise due to unexpected and unanticipated fuel costs for transportation, rising health care costs and food services. The district has prevailed and has been successful in holding spending within the 3 percent. In the future, if a cap is necessary, we must all continue to work together to achieve whatever is necessary to educate our students.
In what areas should the district reduce spending? In what areas should it invest more money?
I believe in exploring operational efficiencies as a method of reducing costs. We should focus on restoring the length of our school day and making sure we have qualified teachers to teach.
The district might ask taxpayers to approve an operating levy and a bond issue in the next couple of years. Should the district seek these and should they be on the same ballot?
A decision must be made in the best interest of our students and what is the best option to ensure student achievement and success. In terms of the information that has been presented to the board recently, we are going to have to ask voters for more financial support, particularly if we want to do the third phase of the capital projects. In regards to building more schools, updating our schools, that will be necessary. (In terms of asking for a levy next year), the information that we are getting is that is probably the direction we are going.
Did the district close the right number of schools, too many or too few? Should closed schools be sold or should the district keep those properties for future use?
I feel communities where school closures occurred, should be involved and given the opportunity to provide feedback regarding next steps. Communities should be able to help with the school planning processes. If there are safety issues related to keeping the building open that would pose as a potential threat to the community then the property should not be maintained. It is my understanding that some of the reasons why (school closings) happened is a lot of students left the (Linden) area and parents moved to other areas. In addition, some students moved to charter schools. If you don't have the attendance, it is very difficult to keep the doors open. I understood that from working here at COTA when we had to cut back our service and it's a very tough decision to tell people they don't have rides. So I understand from the community's perspective the dismay at schools closing in their area.
Should nonclassroom operations, such as food services and busing, be privatized?
The board should review and analyze all areas of cost savings and efficiencies before making any decisions in these areas.
Climate/Competitive issues
How can the district improve student discipline? Would uniforms help, and should they be mandated?
This is an area that is complex. Student assaults of other students and teachers can not be tolerated. This requires swift and immediate action from principals. Parents need to be involved immediately when problems arise with students. Parents should also be held accountable for their children as well. Teachers must have the necessary tools and resources to deal with a diverse student population.
How can the district better compete with charter schools?
The district should continue to focus on ensuring all of our schools provide academic excellence and are considered as the school of choice. In addition, we should try to develop partnerships and work with high-performing charter schools to learn their best practices for student learning.
Should the district create more alternative programs and/or charter schools? What kind?
All students may not want to attend college. Vocational programs could be expanded to provide other learning alternatives. These programs will help to prepare them for the future.
Do residents trust Columbus City Schools? What should the district do to improve its public image?
During my time on the board, I have talked to many parents, community leaders and business owners. I am pleased to report many people value our education system, are proud graduates of (the district) and provide words of encouragement. All know there is still much to do. As a member of the board, I want to continue to advocate for the district and our students.
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