Fort Smith School Board Zone 4: Q&A with candidate Maria Martinez

Maria Martinez and Dan Williams are candidates in the Zone 4 race for the Fort Smith Public School District Board of Education. The election is set for May 13. Early voting begins May 6 and ends May 12.

Seats up for election in the annual school board elections include the At-Large Position VI held by Matt Blaylock and the At-Large Position VII held by Davin Chitwood. Blaylock and Chitwood did not seek re-election.

Following are responses submitted by Martinez. Williams did not submit a response by the deadline. The responses have not been edited.

Q: What would be your top priority if elected?
Martinez: If elected, my top priority would be a commitment to every student’s success by addressing academic as well as emotional barriers that can affect learning by fostering a collaborative environment with both teachers and parents. I believe that community engagement and involvement can provide resources and a larger support network for better student outcomes.

Q: What experience do you think would be an asset to the school board if elected?
Martinez: I have experience working with children and adolescents with behavioral and mental health issues as well as substance use. I recognize their educational success has always been a foundation for stability, well-being and development.

Q: What is your stance on the recently-concluded process to hire a superintendent?
Martinez: It appears that they have chosen a very qualified superintendent that has 30 years within the Fort Smith School System. I look forward to working with with Mr. Mahan.

Q: What should school administration do to ensure and/or promote transparency with the community and media?
Martinez: The school administration should ensure transparency by giving a timely statement with the understanding and acknowledgment from the media that certain policies must be followed to ensure child privacy to the public. However, school administration must refer to policy if a statement or information can not be released.

Q: Arkansas’ education system is now more open to public-enrollment charter schools. What should the Fort Smith Public School District do to best compete with the rise in such charter schools?
Martinez: Through specialized programs in middle school such as the Health Sciences Academy at Darby, as well as the new initiative for a Computer Science Academy for Chaffin. I believe it can attract students as well as equip them for career readiness. And enhance extracurricular activities such as music programs as well as partnering with local non-profit organizations for completion of volunteer hours for high school students.

Q: The Arkansas Legislature recently passed Senate Bill 433, which requires display of the 10 Commandments and “In God We Trust” in public school classrooms and other public spaces. What do you think of the new law?
Martinez: Now that the Arkansas Legislature has passed Senate Bill 433 we must focus on assisting schools on navigating this requirement and an open discussion with students and parents on it’s implementation. Lastly, many churches support our schools through the Partners of Education which truly represents values into action.