The questions were prepared by the League of Women Voters of the Cincinnati Area and asked of all candidates for this office.

See below for questions on

Click on a name for other candidate information.

Answer from Ed Rothenberg:

Get parents more involved. Studies show that more parent involvement creates better attendance and performance. Sacramento, California, tried a pilot home visit program whereby teachers visited each child's parents' home once during the year. It was so successful that California is doing it statewide. Another way is training parents to become mentors and volunteers. I would have the Board view these ideas to see if we could do this here.

Answer from Roy L. McGrath:

Become school Inspector General and inspect/study all committees that are joing ones of voters/parents and set up new ones (or activate dormant ones - i.e.: School Decision Making Committee of each school/building/function and try to obtain input from past board members and past failed candidates so as to tap into their intellectual property/trade secrets and propriatary process for implimation the best-and-brightest of their efforts. And then "go for broke!!"

Answer from Sally Warner:

Much progress has been made at CPS in implementing the strategic plan. In order to advance this progress I will continue to push for and support reform efforts to hold schools accountable, to implement the teacher evaluation and compensation system and to put the control of resources at the local school. I pledge to work cooperatively with the superintendent, staff, board, parents, and community members to make Cincinnati Public Schools a system of high-performing, independent schools.

Answer from Melanie Bates:

Ongoing teacher training in innovative and proven methods is essential to ensure that every student has high quality teachers. Melanie is committed to increasing access for teachers to obtain continuing education and become expert in cutting-edge professional practices. Enacting policy that encourages flexible school scheduling to imbed time for professional development and negotiating affordable tuition rates with local colleges of education are two of her proposed initiatives.

Answer from Fredrick T. Suggs, Sr.:

Encourage parents and concerned citizens to monitor the program to ensure its implementation and success

Answer from Catherine Ingram:

First you must accept that gaps in achievement exist by willingly discussing racism, sexism, classism and ableism. The focus must be on what a child needs to be successful and whatever it takes to accomplish that. We must recognize that more money and change for the sake of change, no matter how bold and beautiful, must truly move our children toward academic success which will benefit current and future citizens of this region.

Answer from G. R. Schloemer:

The future of CPS depends on a successful reform. I will work to ensure the continued reform movement provides measurable results. Ongoing renovation of CPS school buildings is imperative. Parents and school personnel need to feel secure about children learning in safe and healthy environments. An ideal school is where parents, teachers and administrators work as a team in an environment of cooperation and trust. I will be instrumental in bridging gaps.

Answer from Harriet Russell:

Student achievement will be raised by redesigning/restructuring schools to provide smaller classes, teams of committed, highly qualified teachers who are supported by other staff, parents, and business/community partners. Cincinnati Public Schools have established standards in every grade and course. Teachers now trained in the standards, will cover the standards, measure students to the standards, and will be measured by their effectiveness in teaching the standards. I do and will support this process.

The order of the candidates is random and changes daily.