McMillan attempted to agitate Mullins in very pointedly stating that Mullins is better suited as Superintendent than as a board member. McMillan also stated that Mullins was inconsistent in his position on the Carter school by accepting a plan that supported renovation and not a new school. Mullins stated that the decision was made by the board and not him. Mullins stated that he had concerns during his last stint as Interim Superintendent but was told by the Board Chair, not to worry about it, that they could wait till the new Superintendent is hired and see if he/she had the same concern, since he was just temporary.
McMillan challenged Mullins for a perceived lack of action and asked if it was because he was afraid. Mullins made the bold statement that considering current challenges and economic climate he might support tax increases to fund schools. McMillan stated that he would not support any tax increases.
Both candidates said that they feel the school system as a whole teaches to the test. Both candidates support term limits for school board members. Neither candidate feels that year round school will benefit the budget. Both candidates do not support giving the school board taxing authority.
Cortney Piper was the moderator. Near the conclusion of the debate she stipulated that this would be a lighting round in which a yes or no answer was all that was required and then she asked who represents Holston Middle School. An obvious question that would not be adequately answered with a yes or no. Piper then stated that she would read the questions before reading the instructions for answering them.
While we appreciate our correspondent filing in for Brian’s Blog. Shopper News had two reporters present. That is an interesting allocation of an existing snails crew.
Roy Mullins will be the guest this evening on One on One with Hubert Smith on Community Television of Knoxville, Comcast Channel 12 at 7:30 p.m.
