Several westside PTO's hosted a candidate forum Wednesday evening. The candidates discussed a wide variety of questions, including referendums, the budget process, strings, local education media coverage and differences with their opponents. Listen to the entire event (34.6MB mp3 audio file), or click on the links below to review specific questions & answers.
| Opening Statements Video | Q1: Referendums: Where do you stand? All four candidates Video |
| Q2: Do you agree with the proposed cuts? All four candidates Video | Q3: What can you do to protect TAG, arts and other programs due to the continuous funding changes? Bill Clingan & Carol Carstensen Video |
| Q4: How would you respond to a parent who said that they were leaving the Madison Schools because their child would have better AP, arts or sports opportunities in another district? (Larry Winkler & Lawrie Kobza) Video | Q5: For the incumbents: What specific initiatives have you taken to raise math scores particularily with low income & minority students? (Bill Clingan & Carol Carstensen) Video |
| Q6: For the challengers: What are the substantive differences between you and your opponent? (Lawrie Kobza & Larry Winkler) Video | Q7: Will you promise to evaluate the Superintendent annually, as his contract calls for? (Bill Clingan) Video |
| Q8: You said you would vote for a 3 year operating referendum at the recent MAFAAC Forum, now you say you won't. Why have you changed your mind? (Lawrie Kobza) Video | Q9: Does the Administration's budget document reflect School Board priorities? (Carol Carstensen) Video |
| Q10: Do you think we should be fund raising from corporations, and asking them for money? (Larry Winkler) Video | Q11: Do you feel the media covers school issues and how do you feel about the fact that there are no media representatives here tonight? (Bill Clingan) Video |
| Q12: Comment on the proposed reduction in Program Support Teachers? (Carol Carstensen) Video | Q13: How important do you think no-cut freshman sports are? (Lawrie Kobza) Video |
| Q14: How do you propose to address growth in extended parts of the Madison School District? (Larry Winkler) Video | Q15: Strings is part of the Board approved standards. Why is the Administration proposing to eliminate it? What are your views on this issue? (All 4 candidates) Video |
| Candidate Closing Statements (All 4 candidates) Video | |