Mrs. Connie Baugh is running for a school board position with Floyd Co. Schools, IN.

Connie can be reached through email at: conniebaughschoolboard@gmail.com

(For more detail on the exact questions asked, see the Survey Guide)

TOPIC ESSAY ANSWER MOTIVATION:  After witnessing years of decline in moral values and declining test scores in our educational system, I decided I’ve had enough and want to take action to stop the backwards mentality that our current school board represent.  I believe that values are taught at home and that children should not be forced to accept values and traditions that go against the norm. I believe we should teach our children the fundamental aspects of education that emphasizes standard math (not common core), strong reading and writing skills and financial skills to  better prepare our children for the future.  I am a strong advocate for children with special needs and will fight to make sure all children are provided the necessary tools they need to be successful in the classroom. ROLE OF EDUCATION:  I believe both public and private schools should serve as the backbone for preparing our children for the future by educating our children how to be successful in the classroom by focusing on standard math, good reading and writing skills (bring back cursive-writing) and financial skills so that our children will be better prepared to face the work-force.  I do not believe that it is the school’s responsibility to impose values and beliefs that may go against the traditional norm and that values and beliefs are taught at home. CURRENT DISTRICT ASSESSMENT:  I believe our current school board as well as the current school system lack transparency and do not have our children’s best interest at heart.  I believe the current system is more concerned with being “Politically Correct” rather that doing what’s best for our children.   ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE:  I believe we should focus more on standard math (everyday traditional math, not common core math).  I believe we should focus more on reading and developing good writing skills.  Overall test scores have been declining for years due to the complex and confusing methods that are currently being used.  As a board member, I will strongly advocate that we bring back the traditional methods of education that has proven to be successful in the past. TAXING & SPENDING:  I strongly believe that the school system should work within their budgets and not freely waste valuable tax dollars.  I believe tax payers should have a voice on large expenditures and I am against raising taxes.  By continuous raising taxes, we are simply allowing our school system to spend irresponsibly.  Families are required to live on a budget and I believe our school system should also live on a budget. CHARTER SCHOOLS:  I believe it should be up to the parent to decide what is best for their child (public or charter). SEL & DEI:  I am against this new concept of pushing values that are not education related.  I believe all values are taught at home and I do not support imposing values and beliefs on our children.   RESOURCE ALLOCATION:  I strongly believe all children should be provided all the necessary tools that are required to be successful.  I was the first to have New Albany, Floyd County school system allow service dogs into their schools.  I have advocated for children with hearing loss and have been vocal on making sure the school system provide interpreters. STUDENT DISCIPLINE:  I believe we should emphasize that bullying is not tolerated in our school system.  I believe we should a a fair and equitable discipline system in place in all schools. COVID:  I strongly disagree with the actions of the current school board on their handling of the Covid situation.  I am against forcing masks and believe it should be left up to the individual child and parent to decide if they want to wear a mask.   ANY ILLICIT PERSONAL CONDUCT:  I have never been convicted of a felony.  I have never resigned or been forced to resign from a position.   OTHER THINGS VOTERS SHOULD KNOW:  I have been a life long resident of Floyd County and have been happily married for 27 years and have raised 6 kids and all attended Floyd County schools.