Candidates for School Board – Full Interview

Canidate Response by Question

1. You are welcome to begin with a 30-second opening statement introducing yourself and indicating the office for which you are running.

|MarvKevea Campbell | Kenneth Coutee | Greg Powell | Susannah Poljak | Matt Shields | Karla McCulloch | Dana Fergins-Hawthorne | Cleveland Mouton | Jeri Bowen | Emma Shepard | Paige Hoffpauir | Kristin Parsons | Michael La’Fitte | Larry Wilson |

2. What in your background or experience best prepares you to serve our community as a member of the Caddo Parish School Board?

|MarvKevea Campbell | Kenneth Coutee | Greg Powell | Susannah Poljak | Matt Shields | Karla McCulloch | Dana Fergins-Hawthorne | Cleveland Mouton | Jeri Bowen | Emma Shepard | Paige Hoffpauir | Kristin Parsons | Michael La’Fitte | Larry Wilson |

3. In your own words, what are the responsibilities of a School Board member, and what are your top three priorities for the district during your first term?
| MarvKevea Campbell | Kenneth Coutee | Greg Powell | Susannah Poljak | Matt Shields | Karla McCulloch | Dana Fergins-Hawthorne | Cleveland Mouton | Jeri Bowen | Emma Shepard | Paige Hoffpauir | Kristin Parsons | Michael La’Fitte | Larry Wilson |

4. What specific measures would you use to evaluate whether Caddo Parish Public Schools are improving student outcomes, and how should the Board respond when schools or programs consistently fall short of expectations?
| MarvKevea Campbell | Kenneth Coutee | Greg Powell | Susannah Poljak | Matt Shields | Karla McCulloch | Dana Fergins-Hawthorne | Cleveland Mouton | Jeri Bowen | Emma Shepard | Paige Hoffpauir | Kristin Parsons | Michael La’Fitte | Larry Wilson |

5. How should the district balance investments in literacy, math, advanced coursework, special education, and student support services while maintaining clear expectations for academic achievement?
| MarvKevea Campbell | Kenneth Coutee | Greg Powell | Susannah Poljak | Matt Shields | Karla McCulloch | Dana Fergins-Hawthorne | Cleveland Mouton | Jeri Bowen | Emma Shepard | Paige Hoffpauir | Kristin Parsons | Michael La’Fitte | Larry Wilson |

6. Local employers continue to need a stronger pipeline of skilled workers. How should Caddo Parish Public Schools strengthen career and technical education and partnerships to better prepare students for college or the workforce?
|MarvKevea Campbell | Kenneth Coutee | Greg Powell | Susannah Poljak | Matt Shields | Karla McCulloch | Dana Fergins-Hawthorne | Cleveland Mouton | Jeri Bowen | Emma Shepard | Paige Hoffpauir | Kristin Parsons | Michael La’Fitte | Larry Wilson |

7. Enrollment patterns and the condition and utilization of school facilities can change over time. What principles should guide decisions about school consolidation, attendance zone changes, facility investments, and the use of district property?
| MarvKevea Campbell | Kenneth Coutee | Greg Powell | Susannah Poljak | Matt Shields | Karla McCulloch | Dana Fergins-Hawthorne | Cleveland Mouton | Jeri Bowen | Emma Shepard | Paige Hoffpauir | Kristin Parsons | Michael La’Fitte | Larry Wilson |

8. Recruiting and retaining effective teachers, school leaders, and support staff is essential to student success. What should the district do to remain competitive for talent while also holding employees and leadership accountable for performance?
| MarvKevea Campbell | Kenneth Coutee | Greg Powell | Susannah Poljak | Matt Shields | Karla McCulloch | Dana Fergins-Hawthorne | Cleveland Mouton | Jeri Bowen | Emma Shepard | Paige Hoffpauir | Kristin Parsons | Michael La’Fitte | Larry Wilson |

9.  Schools face evolving challenges involving campus safety, cybersecurity, student use of technology, and artificial intelligence. What policies or investments should the Board prioritize to protect students and staff while preparing students to use emerging technology responsibly and effectively?
| MarvKevea Campbell | Kenneth Coutee | Greg Powell | Susannah Poljak | Matt Shields | Karla McCulloch | Dana Fergins-Hawthorne | Cleveland Mouton | Jeri Bowen | Emma Shepard | Paige Hoffpauir | Kristin Parsons | Michael La’Fitte | Larry Wilson |

10.  As a school board member, you would represent both your district and the entire parish. How will you balance district priorities with parish-wide needs, and can you describe a situation where a parish-wide priority should take precedence over a district concern?
| MarvKevea Campbell | Kenneth Coutee | Greg Powell | Susannah Poljak | Matt Shields | Karla McCulloch | Dana Fergins-Hawthorne | Cleveland Mouton | Jeri Bowen | Emma Shepard | Paige Hoffpauir | Kristin Parsons | Michael La’Fitte | Larry Wilson |

11.  School board members are sometimes required to make difficult or unpopular decisions. How would you evaluate competing viewpoints, use reliable information, and communicate your decision to the public?
| MarvKevea Campbell | Kenneth Coutee | Greg Powell | Susannah Poljak | Matt Shields | Karla McCulloch | Dana Fergins-Hawthorne | Cleveland Mouton | Jeri Bowen | Emma Shepard | Paige Hoffpauir | Kristin Parsons | Michael La’Fitte | Larry Wilson |

12. This is your final question and an opportunity to offer your closing remarks. Is there anything else you would like Caddo Parish voters to know about you, your experience, or your vision for serving our community on the Caddo Parish School Board?
| MarvKevea Campbell | Kenneth Coutee | Greg Powell | Susannah Poljak | Matt Shields | Karla McCulloch | Dana Fergins-Hawthorne | Cleveland Mouton | Jeri Bowen | Emma Shepard | Paige Hoffpauir | Kristin Parsons | Michael La’Fitte | Larry Wilson |