Linda Rasberry Smith
Democrat | Louisiana
Candidate Profile
Moderate
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Linda Rasberry Smith
Party
Democrat
Election Year
2021
Election
Senate District 27 and Caddo Parish School Board Special Primary
Race
Caddo Parish School Board, Dist. 7
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
Bethune, Shreveport, Diploma, 1970
Southern University, ShreveportReligious political organizations you ha, BA in Elementary, 1974
WORK & MILITARY
(Candidate did not provide)
AFFILIATIONS
NAACP, Member of La Association of retired teacher
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
(Candidate did not provide)
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
(Candidate did not provide)
Race
OTHER INFORMATION
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
Human life begins at conception and deserves legal protection at every stage until natural death.
Agree
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not be a resource for instruction or services in the school.
Agree
ECONOMY
Taxpayer-funded public education should be guaranteed through college.
Neutral
Free enterprise and the right to private property are essential elements of a productive economic system.
Agree
School districts should be able to use taxpayer money for lobbying the state legislature.
Neutral
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
School districts should not discriminate against individuals, organizations or small businesses because of their belief that marriage is only a union of one man and one woman.
Neutral
At school, students should be able to speak freely and civilly about matters of conscience and faith, including Christianity.
Agree
Students should not be allowed to pray in school.
Disagree
EDUCATION
What is the function of the local school board?
The school board set the vision and goals for the district and hold the district accountable for the end results. An effective board is necessary in keeping each school on track setting the policies that directly affect children.
Who should have the authority to set curriculum and determine resources used in those curricula?
Various persons from within the community as parents, administrators, curriculum specialists, and teachers should collaborate in making decisions regarding the best resources to be used in the curriculum.
Please list in order the following priorities in relation to the role of a K-12 public school (omitting any that do not apply): Mathematics, Information Technology, Science, Political Activism, Personal Finances, Gender Identity, Physical Fitness, American History, Critical Race Theory, Language Arts, Art & Music, Vocational Learning, Sexuality, Foreign Language, Social Emotional Learning
1. Language Arts 2. Mathematics 3. Art 4. Foreign Language 5. American History 6. Social Emotional Learning 7. American History
Every state should mandate K-12 standardized tests and use of teaching software which aligns with Common Core standards.
Neutral
Schools should use Social Emotional Learning (SEL) curriculum and resources to teach emotions, values, and relationships.
No Answer
I support the teaching of the 1619 Project emphasizing slavery and racism as the foundation of American history.
Agree
When students are taught courses such as Comprehensive Sex Ed (CSE) or Social Emotional Learning (SEL), they must opt-in with written parental permission.
Agree
Parents are the ultimate authority in their child’s education and should be able to freely pursue whatever educational options they deem best for their child.
Agree
VALUES
No school official should be involved in the sexual transitioning of a student. All issues on this subject should be referred to the parents of the student.
Agree
Judeo-Christian values established a framework of morality that is necessary for our system of limited government.
Neutral
Teachers should not use alternative names and pronouns without parental permission.
Agree
Therapy to help children turn from unwanted same-sex attraction or gender dysphoria should be banned.
No Answer
I support allowing public high school students to participate in athletic competition based on the gender with which they identify instead of biological sex.
Neutral
No healthcare diagnosis or treatment, whether mental, reproductive, or otherwise, should be given to a child without first receiving written consent from the parent.
Agree
Who is responsible for teaching sexual education to children, and what is the appropriate age when it should be taught?
I do not support the teaching of sex education.
If you support the teaching of Sex Ed, please answer the following question: Sexual education should include these topics (list all that apply and add your own, if needed) -- Physical and emotional health outcomes; contraceptive methods; consent; abstinence; sexual orientation and gender identity; human anatomy/the reproductive system; abortion methods and side effects; stages of pregnancy and fetal development; sex acts and pleasures of sex
Did not answer
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I believe everyone has the right to choose and express his spiritual beliefs.
ABOUT YOU
Why are you running for this office?
I am running as a candidate for Caddo Parish School Board to represent the citizens of District 7 so that I can make a difference in the quality of education for all students. I want to be the voice for the students and the community. As a member of Caddo Parish Board, I wish to set my vision and goals that directly affect students in a positive way and with a positive outcome.
A candidate's personal moral values should not be relevant when considering a candidacy for elective office.
Disagree
What books have had the most profound impact on your view of life?
“Dreams Of My Father” by Barack Obama
What education or experience qualifies you to hold the office for which you seek election?
I will bring to the Caddo School Board my experiences as a classroom teacher and school librarian. I have also worked with every school level at the elementary level, middle school level, and the high school level.
Considering all issues (social, economic, national security, etc.), which of these best describes you?
Conservative
Please defend your answer to the previous question by referencing your publicly available track record.
I have very conservative views regarding my political views.
Have you ever been convicted of a felony or been penalized for sexual misconduct? If so, please explain.
No.
Is there anything else you would like voters to know about you?
I want the voters to know that am an experienced professional educator of 38 years. I have served on various committees, community services, and a member of many service organizations. I have received more than several civic and community awards. I am a lifelong resident of District 7 and Shreveport Louisiana. I am an educator providing quality education through elementary, middle, high school, and college. I am committed to a quality education for all students.
2ND AMENDMENT
Teachers who are licensed to carry should be allowed to carry guns at school.
No Answer
OTHER IMPORTANT ISSUES
Do you support mandatory vaccinations for children attending public school?
Yes I do support mandatory vaccinations of children in our public schools. The goal of all public schools is to keep children safe.
