There are four candidates seeking the two School Board seats up for election in August in District 3. David Hyatt is not running for re-election, so there will be at least one new face at the table after the election. Candidates were asked what they feel is the primary responsibility of the Board, why they are running, what their top priorities are, and whether they would like to see any changes.

Carlton Deal, 45, Copperhill. Graduate of Copper Basin High School, retired from Honeywell UAW. Currently the longest-serving Board member, having been first elected in 1994.

I’d say the kids’ education is the primary responsibility for the School board.

I’m running because I have nieces, nephews and grandkids and want to see the school system improved. We have done a lot building-wise and education-wise. I want to stay on the board to continue improvements.

Education is the top priority, to see that each kid gets the best we can give them.

I don’t want to see any major changes, just keep making improvements, not to be separated. The Board is working closer together, not separated by east and west, just trying to do what’s right for the  kids.

L.W. Smith, 59, Postelle. Graduate of CBHS, vocational training in Athens, teacher training at UT. Retired after 32 years as auto mechanics teacher.

Putting the students’ needs first is the main responsibility of the School Board, combined with meeting the needs that teachers have in trying to meet student’s needs. I feel I have some insight into that. Another responsibility now is figuring out how to use the available money in the best direction.

I prayed about it and feel I have the background to help. There is a need for people who are interested in the school system to get involved. I have grandchildren coming into the system and my son is a teacher.

My top priority is the vocational area, which I feel is important for students. There is a need for vocational programs to move into the computer age. I would like to use the experience I have to help plan for classes that meet student needs, to provide the equipment and material needed. I also think we need to do more to try to get grants for state and federal money to help as other school systems are getting.

I would like to go back to the block schedule. I feel it was good vocational-wise and for the system rather than a six-period day. That would be the top priority and make small improvements here and there.

Stoney Standridge, 43, Ducktown. Graduate of Copper Basin High School. Works as a service technician.

The main responsibility is to make decisions, help the superintendent make decisions on school business, help him work out problems.

I want to be on the Board because somebody needs to give the kids a voice. There is so much conflict but nobody speaks up for the kids. They make a lot of decisions that affect the kids, but sometimes it seems like nobody takes in what might be best for them.

My top priority would be to get block scheduling for the high schools. It would help the students get more credits, which will help when they are going to college. It needs to be done. I would also like to see the cafeteria at Copper Basin High School and Copper Basin Elementary be comparable to the one at Polk County High School, where they have a salad bar and choices. I understand there are a lot more kids at Polk, but the cafeterias should still be the same.

Block scheduling would be the major change I would like to see. For the most part, there is a good administration at Basin. They should involve some of the kids when making decisions, such as about proms and dances, especially when they are going to make changes. High schoolers especially should be treated like they’re grown up. That’s something that needs to be thought of. They are not far from being out on their own, and some are on their own. They need to have a little say in some of the things, to be more involved.

I am looking forward to being on the Board. I have been involved with the ball teams, go to school functions, and know the teachers and most of the kids. Maybe I can help. I would like to give it a shot.

Mark Stone, 49, Turtletown, EDS in administration and supervision, former teacher/coach, currently working for Ducktown Housing Authority.

The primary responsibility of the School Board is to be a voice for the community and to the community on the goings-on of the school system. I don’t think the people of Polk County are being informed in any way on what the school system is doing. They are kind of left out in the cold.

I see a lot of things that are going on. I was very disappointed when the Board’s lawyer got up in the courtroom and admitted that the open meetings law had been violated. I’ve been to meetings at which issues are not being discussed. I have talked to the State Department of Education and the Board has more responsibilities to the people than what our Board members are telling the community. I have written evidence of things that go on that the School board does not do.

I’ve been in education for 24 years. That is something I can bring to the table to help create a better school system for our kids. That side of the educational process is something I have become interested in over the past couple of years.

A top priority would be graduation rate. I hate to see 7th and 8th grade classes with 75-100 students in them and only 35-40 graduate. That would be a priority for me.

As for changes, That's something I would have to look into. My priority would to be a better voice to the people. I've talked to so many people that are not informed of the issues of the school system.