A recent article in Rutherford A.M. gave the citizens of Rutherford Co. an inside look at the candidates for the Murfreesboro City School Borad election that will take place on April 15, the candidates also have shared their views at two forums and other appearances on multiple educational issues.
Among the issues they've talked about include socioeconomic balance vs. neighborhood schools and public participation at board meetings vs. policies requiring personal issues to be dealt with by educators outside the public events.
Now it is time to take an in depth look at each candidate:
Name: Nancy Youree Duggin
Address: 1627 Glenhaven Drive, Murfreesboro, 37130
Phone: 615-896-1527
Education: Attended Murfreesboro's Crichlow-Cox Grammar School, before graduating from Rutherford County's Central High School in 1970; earned bachelor's degree in elementary education from MTSU in 1974; added master's degree in early childhood education from MTSU in 1976, education specialist's degree in administration and supervision in 1991 and another education specialist degree in curriculum and instruction in 1996; became Tennessee's first teacher to earn National Board Certification in 1997; achieved graduate certificate in dyslexic studies from MTSU in 2004.
Career: Owns educational consulting business called ASK (Adaptation of Skills and Knowledge) Associates.
Family: Husband, Ivan Duggin, principal at county's Holloway High School; two adult children, Mark Duggin and Emily Duggin, both graduates of Riverdale High and Tennessee Tech.
What are your qualifications to serve on the Murfreesboro City School Board?
Over the past 30 years I've had the opportunity to work with both the State Board of Education of Tennessee and the State Department of Education, and numerous schools across the state, which has given me a very vast background. And I taught for 24 years for the Murfreesboro City Schools system. I've always been actively involved in the community and very interested in what goes on in the school system even though I have been out of the school system for nine years. I'm passionate about public education. Because I have a belief that every child has a worth and value, I will fight and speak for every child because all the seats are at-large. And I think another thing I bring to the table is I've had experience with educational policy. I'm willing to investigate issues. And I've been involved with a lot of things at the state level, as far as certification issues for teachers, curriculum issues and working with curriculum standards.
What kind of letter grade would you give Murfreesboro City Schools Director Marilyn Mathis for her job performance, and why do you feel she deserves this grade?
I think that Marilyn desires to see the school system do well. I would probably give her a B. I think our school system has the talent within the district to be truly cutting-edge and be known all across the state and even the nation for student performance and for achievement of teachers and even achievement of local administrators. We've been very blessed in this city that we've had good funding for our school system. I would like to see us take an even closer look at how we can use that money for the benefit of our students. We've done a good job. I think we can do an even better job.
What are key problems the city district faces, and what do you think should be done to resolve them?
I think one issue we're facing is the change in the student population. Some of the schools are becoming true inner-city schools, with many of the things that go along with being inner-city schools. Sometimes there's greater turnover (in teachers at schools with many children from low-income families). And I think we're seeing an increase in the English language learner populations.
I believe every single student has worth and value, and every child is deserving of a quality education. One way to resolve some of those issues is to make sure the teachers are equipped with the knowledge to work effectively with every student, that they are provided with the best professional development in order to know what the evidence says works. For the first time in education, we have a body of evidence to tell us what works. And I think we have to pay attention to the evidence in order to provide the best for every student.
Having a strong school system also ensures having a strong community, because you are going to attract business and more positives to your community than negatives. And I think that funding is also an issue that we'll have to be concerned about in the future. That's why we have to look closely at how money is spent and be wise in how money is spent. And we need to be able to recruit and maintain the best teachers in order to have the greatest student achievement.
Why are you seeking a four-year term to serve on the board?
I believe I have a lot to offer as a professional and as a life-long resident of Murfreesboro. I spent 24 good years in the Murfreesboro system, and I'd like the opportunity to give back and represent the citizens of this community, to listen to their voices, and to make good sound solid judgments. I always like a challenge, and I feel like this would be a challenge to move our system to greater heights.
Daniel W. Hayes, Realtor
The Daniel Hayes Team
Master Plan Realty
615.598.4236
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