IPS Board discussion takes "speed-dating" approach

Whether you have done it yourself, or seen it in the movies, chances are you know what speed dating is all about.  Usually the goal is developing chemistry quickly with someone you'd like to spend more time with.  Wednesday, for the first time, it was all about getting to know someone who may soon be sitting on the Indianapolis Public School Board.

Three candidates, and three tables.  All three answered a barrage of questions from prospective voters.

Questions like:
"What role should an IPS school play in its surrounding community?"

"Why is kindergarten not mandatory?"

"What role do you think IPS should have in preschool or early childhood education?"

It was a speed-dating approach for candidates running for a spot on the IPS Board.

"I do not believe that the charter schools are our enemy," said District 4 Candidate Diane Arnold.

"We are talking about 15 or so elementary schools on the far east side of town that also need some attention," said District 2 Candidate Gayle Cosby.

"To make decisions on the most basic level of what goes on in the classroom day to day, that bothered me," said District 1 Candidate Caitlin Hannon.

For attendees, like Christina Lear, it was a time to take notes and get up close and personal with someone she may vote for.

"Sometimes you go to these forums and you have to write your question on a card and pass it in and hope it gets answered," said Lear.  "Here you are meeting people face-to-face."

Lear said she hopes this new form of round table discussion will become the norm.

"I think that is what school board people need to be doing, school board members need to be out in the community, talking directly to their constituents," said Lear.

Another speed-dating style session is set for Sept. 27 at 6 p.m. at 407 N. Fulton St. The event is organized by nonprofit Stand for Children.