Those citizens who fantasize about defying tyranny from within fortified compounds have never understood how liberty is actually threatened in a modern bureaucratic state: not by diktat and violence, but by the slow, demoralizing process of corruption and deceit. And the way that liberty must be defended is not with amateur firearms, but with an unwearying insistence upon the honesty, integrity, and professionalism of American institutions and those who lead them. David Frum, The Atlantic, “How to Build an Autocracy,” March 2017.

I open with this quote because it gives us these important words, “insistence upon the honesty, integrity, and professionalism of American institutions and those who lead them.” For example, an American institution like a local school board and the members elected to serve.

When I looked at school board candidates’ listed websites (some of which were only social media pages,) I found short bios and limited information about the candidate. What was missing were statements about policies and issues and where the candidates stood.

Neither were local media asking any questions about the pressing issues of the day. I decided it would be helpful for voters to ask a series of questions to give them this information, a much better basis upon which to base a vote than the dueling postcards that show up in the mailbox with hysterical statements about opponents.

My plan is to publish the responses as submitted without commentary, editorializing, or opining. I emailed the questions to all nine candidates in the four contested races on the ballot a month ago. Because of the length and complexity of what was asked, I suggested that they reply by July 8, which would give them three weeks to develop cogent answers.

Three candidates responded by saying they would send me a response by July 8. One followed up two days ago, asking if they could submit the next day. I was fine with that. The point is to get the information to the voters.

However, to date (July 10, 3:00 PM) I have received no response. That’s okay, this blog is not a major media outlet in the city. If the candidates decide to give it a pass, that is within their prerogative. But maybe, a major media outlet or two will pick this up.

After all, the taxpaying citizens, parents, and students of the school district deserve honesty, integrity, and professionalism from those who would serve on the school board. Here are the 15 questions:

General questions about being a school board member:

1. What is the role of a school board member and what skills do you have to make you successful in that role?
2. What do you believe is the optimal relationship between the school board and an appointed superintendent?
3. What affiliations with outside advocacy groups do you have and how will they influence your decisions as a board member?
4. Given the ever-increasing involvement of the legislature and Department of Education in the management of local school districts, how should school board members advocate for local control of their districts?

Hot issues in Jacksonville:

• The Master Facilities Plan. What are the core values that should shape the future of the school district, e.g. retaining small neighborhood schools within biking/walking distance of their students versus the economy of consolidating into larger centers that reduce operational and maintenance costs?
• If schools must be closed, what criteria would you use for making those decisions?
• How should Duval County Public Schools address declining enrollment in an era of competition with charter schools, private school vouchers, and home school vouchers?
• As the Superintendent and School Board grapple with closing operational budget gaps, what are your core values that the system should maintain above all else? E.g., small class sizes, elective offerings and elementary school specials, competitive compensation, etc.
• Describe your philosophy regarding school discipline. Do you support restorative practices alongside traditional punishments like suspension and alternative school placement?
• Should Duval County Public Schools embrace the Guardian program and place armed security personnel into all schools? Should they authorize teachers to carry weapons if they choose to do so and complete mandatory training?
• Given the budget challenges facing the school district (and these challenges are being faced by most school districts around the country,) would you vote for a general millage increase in school property taxes to close the gaps?

Overall issues in Florida:

1. Do you support availability of books in school libraries on an age-appropriate basis?
2. Do you have any concerns with the new Social Studies standards? As a school board member, how would you address those concerns?
3. Do you support the inclusion of all students in our schools, even if others disapprove of them, and will you adopt/maintain/advocate for policies to protect them? What should curriculums acknowledge or leave out regarding LGBTQ or religious minorities?  
4. Should schools allow chaplains as part of their counseling departments and what should their responsibilities and limitations be?