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Candidates at Kingston City School District forum emphasize literacy, budgets and transparency
Summary
At a Kingston City School District candidate forum, seven candidates stressed boosting literacy, protecting teachers and managing tight budgets. Several called for clearer community engagement and independent investigations for serious allegations.
At a candidate forum livestreamed by the Kingston City School District, seven candidates seeking school board seats outlined competing priorities, with repeated emphasis on improving literacy, protecting staff and students, tightening budget management and increasing transparency.
Candidates framed literacy as the foundational issue for academic recovery. "Literacy is the foundation," Rita Worthington said, urging priority for training, tutoring and early identification of struggling readers. Mike Detwiler called for preserving a dedicated reading department and ensuring teachers have the tools to deliver effective interventions. Suzanne Friedman Jordan said the district is returning to phonics and stressed that the board should ensure programs show measurable growth.
Budget pressures and fiscal sustainability were raised throughout the forum. One candidate, who opened the forum, said the district must "reimagine" how…
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