ON THE ISSUES

TEACHER SALARIES

Berger said he would like to make teacher salaries competitive “within

the fiscal restraints of our district budget.” The board held a study

session this month, he added, to “see where we stood with similar

districts and to raise our position. That is a priority.”

KOCE-TV: TO SELL OR DIGITIZE?

He is “unequivocally” in favor of retaining the station and completing

its conversion. “It is an integral part of our telecommunications course

offerings,” he said. “It is the most effective way our district can

fulfill its community college mission. It adds dimension and prestige to

our district.”

HOW CAN YOU KEEP OCC’S TRANSFER RATES UP?

Berger said the rate could be improved by concentrating attention on

OCC’s honors programs, through increased counseling and personal

attention, and “absolutely by increasing the instruction and equipment

available, the reference library resources and learning resources.”

SHOULD THE DISTRICT CONSIDER THE SALE OR LEASE OF SOME OF ITS

PROPERTY?

“I don’t see it happening,” Berger said.

The question of Lowe’s leasing out district property, which had some

community members concerned, was never really seriously considered, he

added.

“Someone from Lowe’s made contact with the district. It was discussed.

That’s all.”

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST ISSUE FACING THE DISTRICT?

After rattling off a list of various pressing issues, Berger managed

to narrow it to just a few.

“Finding independent fiscal resources that are not a part of state

funds,” was the initial response. Doing so could fund other issues, such

as finding ways to reach out to the various racial and ethic groups in

the community and increasing the district’s links to the local business

community, he said.