Chris Canter

Agree

Strongly Agree

Strongly Agree

Strongly Disagree

I am a fierce advocate of government funding of a PK-12 education so that a free and appropriate education is provided students. I am not an advocate of free college for all students and institutions. If we would move in this direction, I would only support such if it provided free community college opportunities in high-needs fields already identified by the institutions so that communities experience the direct impacts, with stringent continuing eligibility guidelines. Instead of free college demands, however, more needs to be done to support high school students to achieve at high levels and to qualify for opportunities such as the Bright Futures Scholarship. This would increase academic outcomes at all levels.

Strongly Agree

Strongly Agree

Strongly Disagree

The primary duty of the local school board is to be the ear of constituents and to reach conclusions that abide by the prevailing will of the constituents who elected them, ensuring that funding is properly and consistently allocated using such a framework, and that policies and procedures follow the same prevailing will, while also ensuring that each and every child in the district is provided access to a free and appropriate public education.

This authority is provided to the school board by way of the authority the constituents give them in their vote. The school board should have the final say, although it is imperative that the established professionals (teachers, administrators, etc.) and parents have substantial input into those decisions. Options and processes for teachers to submit curriculum materials, etc., for approval should exist so that curriculum can be updated in a timely, living manner. At the same time, it is imperative upon school board members to understand the role of differentiated curricular materials: A choice of texts and materials should be made available so that parents and educators can both choose materials they see appropriate for their children. We must get past the days of having the entire class read the same book; we must offer parents, students, and educators choice and training on differentiated instruction so that we can do this properly. Ultimately, such an approach empowers teachers and parents alike.

I am not a fan of restricting parent voice in any fashion. While I do understand that many school boards enacted such measures to keep their meetings "timely" in their opinion, it alienated our key group of stakeholders: parents. The chief problem, in actuality, is not the number of parents desiring to speak at a board meeting, but the limited opportunities (if any) that have been provided to parents outside of a school board meeting. School Board members need to hold a robust series of meetings with constituents in their area (at least one monthly) to create the opportunities for dialogue with parents ahead of school board meetings so that the school board members can make informed decisions. I understand and accept the use of Roberts Rules of Order that allow for speakers on two sides of issues to speak alternatively until there one side no longer has speakers. I also understand the theory behind a limited listed of public speakers. That framework, however, stifles the democratic process. The public appearance of school board members should not be limited to just school board meetings, if we are to truly make ourselves available for parental input and feedback. The issues that arose with long lines of parents wishing to speak clearly show us two things: (1) Parents truly care about the education of their children and want to be a part of the process (for those who didn't recognize it before); (2) There are limited opportunities for parents to provide input -- that must be rectified. Restricted parents from engaging in school board meetings is not the answer; opening up channels of communication and visibility is.

Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, American History, Foreign Language, Information Technology, Physical Fitness, Art & Music, Personal Finances, Vocational Learning

Agree

This does not mean, however, that we do not address the dispossessed and marginalized (such as the unfortunate practice of slavery in our history). We need to take a "this AND that" approach: the aim has always been liberty and equality, and as a growing (and young) nation, we haven't always hit the mark...and we still have plenty room to grow. But, we don't focus the teaching only upon the negatives, either, but upon the nature of democracy -- always striving for the greater good.

Strongly Agree

Agree

The way that federal dollars are back-door enforced is detrimental for education; they change with each administration and cause much confusion and inconsistency. The challenge becomes that without federal dollars, it is nearly impossible to run a school district. We need better and innovatie fiscal approaches that free us from reliance upon federal funds.

Disagree

Such a focus skews (and fictionalizes, in fact) the intent of the founding Americans. However, slavery and its impacts, including racism deserve substantial consideration within the curriculum. Slavery and racism did not account for the founding of our country, but they have played a crucial role in our history and current society, and they do deserve proper attention in the full scheme of history, not as the single marker of history.

Strongly Agree

I am an Apostolic Pentecostal Christian. I am a member of a local church, The Pentecostals of Cooper City (Cooper City, FL). Our church is within the fellowship of the United Pentecostal Church, International. I believe that man in inherently sinful and that the only way to overcome sin is to repent (ask for forgiveness of the Lord), be baptized in Jesus' Name, and be filled with the Holy Spirit, which gives us the power to overcome sin, and to live an overcoming life. My faith is built upon the premise that, with God's help, people can change. At the same time, however, it is in my authority to condemn anyone to hell or to preach them into heaven; that judgment is reserved unto God. My job is to live my life in a Godly way to the best of my ability, to remain prayerful and faithful, and to walk with the Lord. I am called to love the people in the world, while despising the world itself. I am not saved by anything I have done myself. I am merely saved by the free gift of grace of our Lord. And, though I don't impose my faith upon others, I aim to allow my life to serve as a witness to the changing power of Christ, and what He can do when someone places their life in His hands. At the core, my faith is based upon hope...and that Hope is Jesus Christ.

Disagree

Depending upon a child's maturity through puberty, it is quite likely that a biologically-male child can have an unfair advantage over a biologically-female child due to testosterone development, yet (in this scenario) compete in the same class. This is not fair to the biologically female child. At the same time, there are a number of factors that contribute to a child's expressed identity. I don't wish to cause them any undue harm. We must consider alternatives such as a mixed class, etc.

Parents should hold the main responsibility and should take this duty of teaching as a vital and crucial one, ensuring that it is done over time and with consistency and care. Each child is different and is ready for different information at different times. However, the proper age for beginning teaching sexual education is around puberty...around 5th grade for learning about human growth and development and reproductive health around 7th grade. The schools should provide (in limited segments/time periods) formal education on these matters that supplement what parents are teaching at home.

Human anatomy/reproductive system; consent; abstinence; appropriate vs. inappropriate touch; contraceptive methods (including STD prevention); Physical and emotional health outcomes (with an emphasis upon HIV history and realities); stages of pregnancy and fetal development; abortion methods and side effects (based upon fact not bias); sexual orientation and gender identity (based upon fact and neutral in presentation, not bias).

Agree

Strongly Agree

Neutral

This depends on the parent wishes; if a parent is part of the transitioning plan and is supporting it and wants the school staff to use different pronouns, then I think they should follow the parent's wishes. I think that no school official should be involved in the sexual transitioning of a student without the parent's consent.

Disagree

Except in the case of provisional or absentee ballots

No.

Strongly Disagree

Moderate

Did not answer

Did not answer

Disagree

I don't see room for any weapons allowable on a school campus. It invites more trouble to occur.

When it does not violate a student's religion and when the required vaccines are a matter of state law, approved by the state legislature.

Disagree