BY JOHN KREROWICZ
jkrerowicz@kenoshanews.com

Boosting student scores on standardized tests will require:

a) Doing more test-taking and preparation.

b) Removing certain students from classes and testing.

c) Helping teachers have more fun so pupils have more fun.

d) Having adults show youngsters how exciting learning can be.

These are the views of the four candidates for two Kenosha Unified School Board seats to be filled at the April 6 general election. The candidates made the comments during a Thursday morning forum sponsored by the Kenosha Area Business Alliance at the Kenosha Country Club.

Answer “a” came from incumbent Dave Fountain, who said he didn’t like the idea of presenting facts just to match what’s on tests but noted the emphasis on scores requires it.

Campaign newcomer David Gallo said answer “b” might be necessary. “We can’t force students to learn,” he said. “Maybe there are some kids out there who shouldn’t be in these classrooms.”

Newcomer Robert Nuzzo said he recalls learning best when having fun, thus his answer “c.” He said: “We have to teach kids to think and be problem solvers, not teach to the test.”

Free and reduced-cost breakfasts help children perform better, said incumbent Rebecca Stevens, in addition to her “d” comment. She also said tests are beneficial because they help identify problems.

The candidates were asked about a KABA study showing Kenosha ranking last in education level and second to last in household median income among several similar counties. The study indicated better educated residents are paid more.

Stevens said Kenosha has a large poor population that includes low levels of education among parents.

Parenting classes and creating a climate of success would help change that, she said.

Nuzzo said passionate teachers with the right educational tools are the only way to change that. “We’re not motivating teachers now,” he said.

Support at home might be what’s needed, said Gallo. “We have to find a way to hold parents accountable for what’s going on with their children,” he said.

Fountain said the district has been working on ways to encourage able but poor students.

Other comments included:

n Nuzzo said health insurance shouldn’t be with a company tied to the teacher’s union. He advocated saving money by switching companies and using half the difference to lower the tax levy and half to motivate teachers.n Gallo wondered whether there was “a way to get rid of teachers who aren’t qualified or shouldn’t have been there in the first place?”n Stevens said the district benefits when it creates ways for students to be involved in sports, fine arts and clubs in order to build lifelong learners.n Fountain said the district needs to offer a good salary package and benefits such as time-sharing and allowing teachers to return after maternity leave or a long illness.