Posted: Monday, March 15, 2010 1:24 pm

Ray Butrum

Name: Ray Butrum, 48
Occupation: Assistant Principal, Barfield Elementary School
Adjunct Professor, MTSU Department of Educational Leadership
Faculty Advisor, MTSU Blue Raider Bass Anglers
Campaign Web site: www.butfish.com

Why are you running?
I am running for my second term on the Murfreesboro City School Board because I believe I have the experience and knowledge to assist in the effective operation of the Murfreesboro City School System. I am also using my campaign to bring awareness too and promote the MTSU Blue Raider Bass Anglers (MTSU Fishing Team … yes, they have one!)

What is the most pressing issue facing city schools and your possible solution?
The most pressing issue for the MCS system presently is repairing and restructuring the climate, culture and reputation of the board and system. I believe this can and will be done through open communication and honesty displayed by our new Director of Schools Dr. Linda Gilbert. Once these things are properly implemented into the effective operation of the school system, many other things should fall into place. Having a director who is knowledgeable of elementary curriculum and instruction and one who puts children first is a major factor in accomplishing this goal.

What would you do to improve areas in which MCS failed to meet No Child Left Behind benchmarks?
To help in the areas of NCLB, where MCS failed to meet the standards, we must first look at the leadership that drives the initiative. An effective leader and research-based plan must be put in place and implemented for these specific areas. Getting proper input from stakeholders is key to the success since this is a collaborative process. Specific staff development should be researched and offered to the personnel in these areas of need. An effective instructional leader should be able to accomplish this with the support of the board.

What is your position on the consolidation of Murfreesboro City with Rutherford County Schools?
Consolidation should be considered for the school systems only if the two government entities have a need to merge. If not, the schools should be allowed to operate separately. MCS is unique due to the fact they are an elementary-only system. With the number of "children at risk" being identified by the federal government through socioeconomic status, the need to remain a separate school system is greater than ever. This will allow the system to address very specific needs during the students’ elementary experiences.