Improving graduation rates, cutting ‘wasteful spending’ priority for Fort Smith School Board candidate Murray

Greg Murray is one of four non-incumbent candidates to enter the race for the Fort Smith School Board after one of the district’s most highly publicized – and controversial – years. Most of that controversy emanated from the Board’s decision to change the mascot of Southside High School from “Rebels” to “Mavericks” along with the elimination of “Dixie” as the school’s fight song.

The controversy began with a unanimous vote in favor of the change that was brought to the floor in July 2015 by incumbent Board member Susan McFerran. McFerran will face two challengers this year in candidates Marc Werschem and Brian Means. As for Murray, he will be vying for the At-Large Position 5 against Talicia Richardson. (Follow this link for a list of stories about the mascot change.)

Zone 2 voters will decide the fates of McFerran, Means, and Werschem, but all city voters will have the opportunity to choose between Murray and Richardson.

The election is set for Sept. 20, with early voting to begin Sept. 13. Early voting sites are at the Sebastian County Courthouse and Greenwood City Hall.

Talk Business and Politics recently spotlighted Richardson and this week had the opportunity to visit with Murray about his background and goals if elected as well as what he believes the Board’s first focus should be after the election, what the Board is doing well, and where it could improve. Murray also shared his thoughts on the Rebels issue. His responses are provided in full below.

TB&P: A bit on your background: what do you want voters to know about your work history, education and qualifications for the school board position?

Murray: I have lived in the Barling/Fort Smith area for over 40 years. I am a married father of two children who attend Barling Elementary and Chaffin Jr. High. I am proud to have graduated in 1992 from Southside High School. I was a part of the 1991 State championship football team. I went on and attended a few years of college at the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith (Westark). I have been in the retail industry for over two decades. During that time I also worked as a website administrator and broadcast personality for two local radio broadcasting companies. I have worked with the general public for most of my life. I hear and listen to their concerns and feedback on many issues on a daily basis. I believe that the public needs to be more involved with their local government and their government be more open and forthcoming with the public.

TB&P: If elected, would revisiting the Southside name change be a priority, or do you consider that issue finalized?

I do think the last issue was handled poorly. I was strongly for a compromise to keep the name. However, the issue was not only about the nickname of Southside. It was more about how the school board was and is still operating. I believe that the board acted in a questionable manner by not giving a proper or timely notice to the public. That issue has done more damage to the reputation of our school system than any other decision they have made in the last 20 years. The name change is not one of my priorities. We have other priorities that need a whole lot more attention. Graduation rates are down. The upcoming millage needs to be thoroughly looked through. The search for a new superintendent. The communication between the administration and all board members need to be improved.

TB&P: What are the top three issues you hope to address in your first term?

I am hoping that the current board will wait on hiring a new superintendent until after the election. I believe that the next school board needs to be the ones who hire the superintendent.

My first issue will be about getting the graduation rates back up. We have seen a decrease in the past few years. We need to find out what is causing this and address this issue as soon as possible. I want to look into what we as a board can do to raise the graduation rates.

My next issue will be about wasteful spending. I want to make sure that we are not going to be spending taxpayer money wastefully. We need every penny for our children’s education. Here is a good example. The State of Arkansas had waived the rule on school districts to hold board elections with the general election in November. By having the election in November, our district would have saved approximately $15,000. Our school board decided that it was already in the budget for September, so there is no need to have it in November. I will never vote to spend money just because it’s in the budget. We could have used that money for books, supplies, computer upgrades or other educational purposes.

The third issue I want to dive into is the openness of our school board and administration. I want to expand the usefulness of the FortSmithSchools.org website to include all committee meetings, regular school board meetings, along with times and agenda lists. This website should be a window by which the public can look into and see exactly what is happening in the Fort Smith Public Schools. I also would like to expand the website to include more details on budgets and other pertinent public information.

TB&P: What are some of your proudest accomplishments and how do you feel they will help you in serving as a school board member?

First and foremost my two greatest accomplishments are my children. They are the reason I am running. I want them and everyone to know that there is someone who will dedicate their time and energy to make sure that they have the best opportunities available. Whether they go on to college, go into the military or go right into the workforce. I want all of our children to have the best education for whatever they decide to do.

TB&P: What do you think the Board has done well? What are some areas for improvement?

This board has done a little better by being more open to the public. I believe more can and should be done. I want to commend Mr. Gilkey for his role in getting the committee meetings and regular board meetings published on the school district website. I believe the board needs to do a better job of overseeing the unnecessary spending of the taxpayers’ dollars.

TB&P: What should be the Board’s first focus after the new term begins?

Should the new superintendent not be hired then that would be the first focus. After that, I believe it needs to be the graduation rates.