This is the final installment of a three-part series in which the Clanton Advertiser interviewed candidates for political offices with local implications. Below are responses from Jason Griffin, who is running for superintendent of education. Candidate passages are presented verbatim but may have been edited for length and clarity.

Why did you decide to enter education, and why are you running for superintendent of education?

The reason I’m running for superintendent of education is because I believe that I can do things, and run the school system, to better it for the students of Chilton County. My career goal has always been to become superintendent of education because I do truly believe I can make the system better. We have a good system now, but I would like to make it better.

The financial picture for all school systems in the state, not just this one, looks pretty tight. What ideas do you have that will help our system weather this economic downturn?

First, an explanation: Most of the funding of the local school system comes from the state level. There’s not a whole lot that can be done to improve that unless the economy improves. So, serious decisions are going to have to be made related to the financial situation of the education system here in the county. My first goal will be to make sure we maintain the highest level of education for each student while at the same time maintaining our fiscal responsibility, and by that I mean, we utilize the funds available to us to provide the best education we can.

Bullying has been a major concern in the county recently. What would you do specifically to address that in the school system?

Chilton County’s Board of Education adopted an anti-bullying policy. I will make sure that bullying policy is enforced, and I will personally take it upon myself to ensure no child has to fear coming to school. Bullying will always be addressed in a timely manner so that students are allowed to learn in a safe environment.

Test scores are always going to be a way to measure success. What are your thoughts on getting us to where we need to be?

First and foremost, the test scores for the Chilton County schools system—our schools do a good job teaching our students. I will, as superintendent, provide whatever resources and motivation necessary to help improve students’ scores, and I can ensure you the faculty, staff and administrators in our system are doing everything they can every day to make that happen, and I want to be the support person to continue that.

Other than what we’ve already touched on, what would say is a significant issue facing education in the county?

The biggest issue related to our system is growth. Our county is growing, specifically in the northern end of the county—Jemison, Thorsby and in Clanton. I think it’s imperative that we maintain and keep a system in place and a plan in place to address the growth so adequate facilities and faculty and staff are provided as the growth of Chilton County continues. Growth is a good thing, but we have to address it.

In the past, a lot of policy decisions—for example, cell phone use and uniforms—have been made on a school-by-school basis. What are your thoughts on that style of making policies?

My idea on that is schools should have the same policy as it relates to any issue, whether that be dress code, cell phones or attendance. Whatever the issue is, we need a consistent, system-wide policy that’s enforced by all the schools so we’re all on the same page, doing the same things.

Anything else?

It’s my belief that open communication is the key. There will always be an open door policy, and there will always be an explanation as to the decisions that are made.