Falls Church School Board candidates answer questions during Tuesday’s debate. Most questions were submitted ahead of time by Mason students, but students were additionally given the opportunity to write-in questions during the debate.

On Tuesday, October 21, the Lasso hosted a debate for the current candidates for the School Board. The debate allow students to hear the candidates opinions on issues important to them (the students,) by allowing them to submit the questions that were asked. Additionally, students were given the opportunity to write-in questions for the candidates. Not all questions were answered, and they are as follows. As these questions are undoubtedly important to the student population, we encourage the candidates to go ahead and answer them.

Questions for all candidates:

• What ideas will you bring to GM and how will you make these changes happen?
• How would students benefit from having you elected?
• If you are elected, what would be the first thing you would change or do that directly affects us (the students?)
• Do you think our language program needs improving? How would you improve it?
• Would you change our school’s food program and if so, how?
• What do you think of the Human (healthy) Vending Machines?
• What is the benefit of having a new school?
• What are the problems with this building (or reasons for building a new one?)
• What is the estimated cost of a new school?
• What do you think about the current system of counseling?
• Do you agree with the group of Fairfax County citizens who oppose the new Mount Daniel development?
• How do you feel about web filtering (e.g., barracuda?)
• Why are you more concerned with new technologies (e.g. Makerspace) when we don’t have enough critical resources (calculators, working bathrooms, ceilings). What will you do to solve these problems?
• Personal views and policies are insignificant when the school board cannot work together. Can you work well with other members even if you dislike their views?

Questions for specific candidates:

Radcliff: Considering you’ve only lived in Falls Church City for ten months, do you think that could be a possible detriment to knowing the dynamic of the school compared to campaigners who have had twenty-plus years of experience?

Kutchma: You said the budget is a large reason why you are running, what were your thoughts on the budget decision on the purchase of the Apple watches?

Gil: Why do you feel we need a new school built?

Sharpe: Would a year-round school year eliminate summer vacation? What does year-round school look like and how would you make it a reality?

We are thankful for the candidates’ participation in the debate, and again encourage them to answer these questions.