Candidates running for Columbia Public Schools Board of Education talked about issues in a forum hosted Thursday by the Columbia Board of Realtors.
Four candidates participated in the forum. There are two open seats on the board with Christine King seeking reelection. The other candidates are Ben Tilley, Susan Blackburn and Tyler Lero. The fifth candidate, Teresa Maledy, didn’t attend.
King said her prior experience working for the Columbia Montessori School was what equipped her for serving on the school board the past nine years.
“I said that we needed to restore some transparency processes and procedures that had been lacking and then we also talked about financial integrity,” said King.
Lero said he wants to focus on maximizing the efficiency of taxpayer dollars and be transparent with the budget.
“As someone who has been involved in public education my entire life as well as working at a teaching hospital,” said Lero. “I have a lot of unique perspectives that I would like to bring to this board.”
Blackburn talked about her 29 years as a teacher and how that will shape her goals on the board.
“My goals include ensuring that all students learn how to read, write and think critically… and engaging with and being available to the community,” said Blackburn.
Tilley said he believes his background in business and education brings a balanced perspective.
“I believe in accountability and action, accountability for student achievement and for financial resource for our district, said Tilley. “…I’m looking forward to hopefully bringing those broad perspectives with me as a board candidate this year.”
