26 2020 ELECTION GUIDE
Messenger-Inquirer Wednesday, October 14, 2020
OWENSBORO PUBLIC SCHOOLS BOARD OF EDUCATION Editor’s note: Three of the five seats on the OPS board are open this election. Each seat is a nonpartisan elected position. Candidate profiles have been edited only for spelling, grammar and punctuation, and otherwise appear as submitted.
DATE OF BIRTH Feb. 19, 1967 ADDRESS 2742 Western Parkway, Owensboro, KY 42303 EDUCATION Bachelor of Arts, Western Kentucky University (1991) OCCUPATION Homemaker ELECTED OFFICES HELD Owensboro Public Schools Board of Education member (2017-present) SPOUSE/PARTNER & CHILDREN Husband Tony Decker; children Maddy Decker, Alistair Decker, Lucy Decker, and Reilly Decker (deceased)
MELISSA DECKER Do you support the decisions made on in-person classes vs. virtual learning during the COVID-19 pandemic? After considering the results, and attached comments, of surveys sent to OPS staff and families, and considering input from many other concerned community members, I think honoring Governor Beshear’s request was the right decision. What do you see as the most important function of the board of education as a whole, and what strengths will you bring individually to enhance the board’s effectiveness? School boards have legally set powers and duties, but I think our most important function is to listen to the ideas and concerns of all the members of our community and to consider those when making decisions that will best serve our students. What do you view as the greatest strength and biggest area of weakness in Owensboro Public Schools, and what will you do to enhance or improve upon these areas? Tradition, innovation and excellence are OPS’ greatest strengths, and I support them. Funding is an issue for any school system, and I will continue to petition our lawmakers to help find solutions for our schools. What do you view as the role of public education in a community? To provide children with the education and skills they need to grow into successful adults and become involved citizens of their communities.
LEIGH RHOADS DOYAL
Do you support the decisions made on in-person classes vs. virtual learning during the COVID-19 pandemic? I believe the board originally made the best decision possible with the information and guidance available. Including a virtual academy option was essential. Online learning isn’t ideal, especially for younger students. Safely opening schools requires creativity and collaboration — skills I could bring to the table. What do you see as the most important function of the board of education as a whole, and what strengths will you bring individually to enhance the board’s effectiveness? To provide fiscal accountability and set policies that benefit every student. I will ask tough questions required for financial accountability and to ensure that each student’s needs are equally considered. What do you view as the greatest strength and biggest area of weakness in Owensboro Public Schools, and what will you do to enhance or improve upon these areas? Some strengths are fine arts and investment in facilities. Rigor of academics, teacher development, and mental health resources are areas for improvement. My experience practicing law has shown me the need to keep improving our schools. What do you view as the role of public education in a community? To prepare students to become healthy and productive members of society who can compete in our interconnected world. For additional information, please visit my campaign Facebook page.
DATE OF BIRTH Aug. 17, 1978 ADDRESS 1562 Oak Park Drive, Owensboro, KY 42301 EDUCATION B.A. double major in political science and religion, magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa, Furman University (2000); University of Kentucky School of Law, cum laude (2005) OCCUPATION Attorney at Rhoads & Rhoads, P.S.C. ELECTED OFFICES HELD None SPOUSE/PARTNER & CHILDREN Husband Dustin Doyal; children Lucy, William and Adele
