School board candidates make their pitch to voters

NORWALK — Candidates for Norwalk's board of education squared off in a debate Wednesday evening, citing their various experiences as to why voters should pick them. In the debate Wednesday night were board members Eric Gonzales and Duane Moore along with challenger Kayla Burkett; candidate Shaun Taylor did not attend Wednesday night's debate. Gonzales said "serving is at my core" and he told the audience that he grew up in a home where neither of his parents graduated from high school and his father was sent to prison when he was in middle school. He said he stayed in school and is "deeply passionate about education." He also said he is an NHS graduate. Burkett said she has lived in Norwalk for 25 years and is an NHS graduate. She also said she currently works as a school psychologist for Sandusky City Schools. "I believe I have the experience, knowledge and skills to make a positive impact," Burkett told the audience. Moore touted his experience as an educator, saying he taught in Norwalk's schools for over 30 years. "Our board right now is very unified," Moore said. "I'm very proud to be a member of this board." Candidates were asked what their priorities would be if they are elected to serve on the board. Burkett said she would focus on data-driven decision making and said "We need to be smart with our resources." Moore said building a new school across the street from the high school is one of his goals. "That's been my goal for a long time," he said. He also said continuing to have a good working relationship with administration was another priority. Gonzales said he wanted to "create a district where students can become the best version of themselves they can be." Candidates were also asked what the most pressing issues the district faces are. Moore said school security is one issue. Gonazles said aging infrastructure. Burkett said communication between board members, teachers, and parents is a major issue. Candidates were asked about public funding for private schools. Burkett said she did not favor school vouchers and said public schools have enough to worry about with issues like homelessness, food insecurity, and others. Moore said he, too, is against vouchers. "I would like to see everybody come to the public schools," Moore said. Gonzales said his focus would be on making Norwalk schools the best they can be. "In Norwalk we are competing quite well," Gonzales said. The group was asked about how they would handle divisive issues such as critical race theory, sex education and book banning. Moore said people need to consider the role of the board member — hiring administration, administering policy. He said board members should rely on the administration to handle complex and divisive issues. Gonzales also said the board should be able to rely on staff for handling complex issues. Burkett said "we work for the community" adding it is important to get feedback on divisive issues from members of the community. She said committees could be formed to get additional perspective. The top two vote-getters will serve on the Norwalk City Schools Board of Education.