The second forum presented by the Alliance for Good Government to select a candidate for endorsement for the school board elections to be held Oct. 2 saw all candidates present Thursday night.

The four candidates, two each from District 10 and District 15, gave a two-minute personal introduction, followed by a questions and answer session by Alliance board members, a two-minute closing speech on their reasons for seeking the office and then the Alliance executive board members deliberated and announced their endorsements.

President John Wells announced that any of the four would be an excellent choice for the School Board and told those not selected not to give up. Endorsements went to the incumbents, Ron Bettencourtt of District 10 and Mary Kay Bellisario of District 15. In the question phase of the interviews, all four candidates were asked pointed questions about the budget and revenue.

Ron Bettancourtt was asked about the “revolving door” at the alternative schools. He replied that Operation Jumpstart was necessary and the return to the program is only about 15 percent. “They don’t want to go back,” he said.

His opponent, Sean Mickal, was asked about the adequacy of the Individual Education Plan and 504 programs for special needs students. He replied that the process was too long and he personally felt as though the decision had been before the interview took place.

In a later question, Mickal said that he agreed with the board’s decision to not pursue funding in the Race to the Top program and said, “We should stay as far away from federal programs as possible.”

Mickal also said he did not agree with unfunded mandates from the state or the federal government and would work with the legislature to close loopholes that allow such mandates.

In closing speeches, Mickal said he would be more conservative with tax dollars and call for more transparency concerning the budget and construction spending.

Bettencourtt stated that the school board is doing what it is supposed to do in using public funds responsibly and the system is a high quality nationally recognized system.

In District 15, candidate Elaine Mott, a 20-year teacher and 18-year administrator for the school system is challenging incumbent Mary K. Bellisario, who has held the seat for the past years.

In her introduction, Motte said the school system is great, but there some changes that are needed. She said that her experience in the schools as a classroom teacher and administrator gives her an informed view of the system.

Incumbent Bellisario said during her tenure on the board she does a lot of research and detailed reviewing of issues and trends throughout the country.

During the interview, Motte was asked her opinion of the teacher accountability program. She said she believes the administrator knows his/her teachers and do a good job of evaluating them. “It takes a long time for a teacher to become acclaimed to the classroom,” said Motte.

Bellisario was asked her opinion of the current districting in the parish whereby some schools are much more crowded than others. “Districting is a mess – the entire parish needs to be redistricted,” she said. “I’m sorry but we really need to take this up as a board.”

In her closing remarks, Motte said, “We are educating less children with more money...I have the experience and we do need some changes.”

Bellisario reiterated her role of researcher and communicator for the school board, her experience and her 16 years of experience and preparation.