THE FUTURE OF SC’S EDUCATION SOON TO BE IN NEW HANDS
October 26, 2010: The Rotary Club of Charleston had the privilege to host two candidates for Superintendant of Education, Mr. Frank Holleman and Mr. Mick Zais. In a facilitated forum, both candidates provided 5 minute introductory statements and answered questions supplied in advance by Rotary members. Following is a summary of their discussions:
Mr. Holleman, well educated in part at Harvard and the London School of Economics, articulated the support he has garnered from many recently named Teachers of the Year and several state media organizations. Mr. Zais methodically outlined his candidacy as based on his strong military career, beginning with his education at Westpoint, and his achievements as the president of Newberry College where he turned around the college onto a stronger path of success.
Q: What is your perspective of the voucher system?
Mr. Zais: “I support the voucher system. Each child has separate needs. We should consider tax credits for low income children and provide for private education options if needed.”
Mr. Holleman: “We need to provide a high quality education for all children and have systems that will give each child an equal chance at success.”
Q: In your view, how should teachers and administrators be evaluated?
Mr. Holleman: “Measurement is difficult without some form of numeric system. Teachers’ compensation and performance need to be tracked as we all know there are inequalities – there are highly compensated poor teachers and poorly compensated teachers and administrators who are exemplary.”
Mr. Zais: “Teachers should be evaluated based on the outcomes, on student scores. And while no system is perfect, we do need some form of measurement so we can advance the standards.”
Q: Public schools have suffered deep budget cuts. If elected, how would you seek to restore sufficient funding and strategies?
Mr. Zais: “The funding system does not work. Only 44% of every dollar reaches the classroom and we need to improve that cash flow. Dollars must fund the students and principals with the understanding that different environments have different needs.”
Mr. Holleman: “There are at least two main rules to follow. First, we should follow the Hippocratic Oath and be sure we do no harm. Second, we need to compete aggressively for all funds including those in the form of grants at all levels, private and public. But I need to point out that my opponent used a wrong statistic when he cited 44% of each dollar reaching the classrooms: in fact we have a state audit that demands 70% of every dollar reach the classroom.”
In closing, both candidates reiterated their strengths for consideration and our votes. Mr. Holleman asserted his interest to be the public servant of public education, which in his view is one of the most important aspects of America’s culture. Mr. Zais declared his strong foundation as a military officer and a successful college president, giving him the unique skills to lead our public education industry to new levels of success.
Rotary is grateful to both candidates for making time to share their views and perspectives with us, a block of the voting public. Good luck, gentlemen!
Submitted by Mark Danes, Keyway Committee