There's more than the proverbial dime's worth of difference between the two Republican candidates for the Post 6 seat on the Cobb school board, now held by John Crooks, who decided he did not want to risk any more constituent "circuses" over a cell tower or other issue.

GOP candidates Jim Snell and Scott Sweeney gave their positions on issues in a Q&A with the MDJ recently (June 15, Pages 5A and 8A).

On the hot-button question of whether to junk the 3-2-1 grading fad for primary students, Sweeney said: "Yes. I will vote to return to the A-B-C type report card for primary grades" - based on input from young parents concerning the resulting confusion.

Snell said: "I would not pledge a vote to change the current grading system without first listening to all sides in the capacity of 'board member.'"

The candidates were asked if they favored raising the school tax to the 20-mill limit. "It is another issue that has to be 'on the table' for consideration," Snell said. Sweeney said: "No. We must realize that the purse strings are tighter than ever and will remain so for the foreseeable future. The board must manage the budget accordingly."

However, neither candidate supported tax increases instead of budget cuts to balance the school district budget in the future.

Another issue of major concern to citizens is the current board's policy of allowing only two to three minutes per person for public comment at board meetings. Both candidates said they favor more time for speakers.

Snell said, "more effective and transparent communication from the board would go a long way toward helping the public feel that they were being heard." He also called for "regular meetings with constituents between board meetings."

Sweeney said he also supports "more dialogue between the board and public comment speakers." He said he had attended numerous board meetings. "It's troubling that some board members frequently appear disinterested and then approve motions inconsistent with all they just heard." He hit the nail squarely with this: "The Board of Education works for citizens, not the other way around."

Does the current board do a good job of setting policy and if not, how or what would the candidates change?

Snell said he sees "probably more of an issue with the board following policy than setting it." He suggested "additional training and/or time dedicated to studying the existing policies" and considering revision of policies when needed.

Sweeney said: "Too many times it appears new policy is presented to the board without full review." He advocates "the creation of a new advisory board whose purpose will be to review recommended policy changes before any are presented to the board. This would involve more citizens in the decision-making and enable new policies to be more completely vetted."

Voters, know where the candidates stand on the issues - and then vote accordingly in the July 20 primary. It's about the future of Cobb schools.

dmckee9613@aol.com