Lourdes kept her smile on her face as she waited for her next question. This time it was asked by one of Gavin's employees, International Cooperation's Charles Taylor. Lourdes listened attentively to the man as he asked and waited for the candidates' response to it. It, indeed, was a very good question, if Lourdes must say. However, it didn't really take a lot of time for her to think of her answer. It was more of... following her instincts kind of thing. The woman stood up, still with a smile, and walked to the front of the stage. She was ready for her turn, to answer the second question.

Ahem. "I would say, like all my other fellow candidates, that it would depend on the situation. If it was about a student, a professor, or a staff member lost or probably in a horrible situation, I would attend to this first. But if it was something about an unexpected loss of my family member, I would attend there instead. I know the it is the responsibility of a possible member of the Board of Governors to make it a priority to help and serve the students and members of the Hogwarts community, but there will be times where you will unexpectedly be in a situation where you feel deep sadness about losing an important person in your life." Like, one, she lost her husband. "I have gone through a lot of experiences in life wherein I was placed in this situation. I could say that I know what I should and must do when I am to face it again." Lourdes nodded and then smiled at the crowd. That was her answer, everyone. "Thank you." she said and made her way back to her seat.

Cassandra listened with great interest as the candidates spoke. Some were awfully reticent and were losing her interest, but for all those who were willing to step to the front of the stage and share their passions, Cassandra could envision them as part of the Board of Governors with varying degrees of success.

All too soon, it was her turn to ask questions of the candidates, and Cassandra took a moment to finish her notes and gather her questions before rising again. "Thank you all so much for your thoughtful answers so far. I can tell we have a lot of interest in seeing our school be the best it can be in the years to come. I have some individual questions now, so please bear with me and answer only the question presented to you."

She glanced briefly at her cards before continuing. "This next question is for Ms. Schirmer. You've been very clear that one of your interests is in making broader career options, especially through higher education, available to the students at Hogwarts. Can you outline how would you make higher level Wizarding Education an option for more students?"

Thea got a nod before Cassandra turned her attention to Roxanne. "My next question is for Ms. Carter. We continue to hear that safety is a platform many candidates support. If selected as a Governor, what are some specific ways you would suggest Hogwarts is made safer?"

And now to the gentlemen. "And my question for Mr. Higareda is next. As the new Head of the Department of International Cooperation, you’ll be required to travel. What makes you certain that this won’t interfere with your active participation in the undertakings of the Board?"

She cleared her throat and shuffled her cards. "My last question is for Mr. Cope and it comes from a concerned parent. If the lives of students were endangered in any way, what steps would you put into place to balance they not only receive the education promised to them but that they returned home safely at the end of the term?"

OOC:For clarity, please pay close attention to what questions you have already answered.

For Althea Schirmer: Can you outline how would you make higher level Wizarding Education an option for more students?

For Roxanne Carter: If selected as a Governor, what are some specific ways you would suggest Hogwarts is made safer?

For Gavin Higareda: As the new Head of the Department of International Cooperation, you’ll be required to travel. What makes you certain that this won’t interfere with your active participation in the undertakings of the Board?

For Cooper Cope: If the lives of students were endangered in any way, what steps would you put into place to balance they not only receive the education promised to them but that they returned home safely at the end of the term?

For Sherman Clark, Erik Vinteren, Nolan Reynolds, Andrew Rose: Would you consider to be important for a School Governor to be in contact with the students in any way? Why or why not?

For Ivy Knox: Do you feel it is important as a board member to work along side of the professors and keep them in the know of everything going on or do you feel the board should be separate?

For Carter Phillips, Lourdes Black: If you were to be elected onto the board, what would you ensure becomes a priority as far as the long term plans of the Board are concerned?

For Atticus Aldredge, Corineus Vanderbilt: If a personal or professional situation arose at the same time as an equally important situation arose in the school, which would you deem more important to attend to first, and why?

For everyone else: Why do you feel you are more qualified for this position than the other candidates?

Ahhh, so there were more personal questions, as well. Ones that are directed to specific candidates. Fantastic! What a great way to find out more about the candidates in depth! He was hoping for these kinds of questions, ones that weren't just what everyone had to answer.

Nodding as he listened to the question Branxton put towards him "Over the last year I have done quite a bit of travelling for my department and the ministry, but I haven't done it all alone, I have found that many in my team in IMC are very reliable and I can depend on them, and not worry about what will happen if I need to be away for any period. As well as having to send one or two of them on an assignment, rather than going myself."

Clearing his throat he looked around those seated in the chairs as well as his fellow candidates "I do not feel this will be much of an issue, I have full confidence in my team in the ministry. There's always the possibility that something might come up, but I will deal with the problem as it comes. Sometimes we need to designate those assignments out even if it is one that I would rather handle myself."

"Thank you."

Okay. Now the questions were getting more difficult. And Carter seriously felt like a broken record. He really had one thing in mind. He just wanted the students to be better prepared when they left Hogwarts. And sure, he specifically wanted to help the muggleborns with the transition, but he knew those weren't the only ones that needed the extra guidance.

"I think there needs to be a bigger emphasis on the world outside of Hogwarts. When kids are in school, they focus on school. Which is brilliant. I support kids in school to learn. But, I don't think enough emphasis is placed on preparation for post-graduation." Which... he was pretty sure he mentioned before.

"When I was in school, there was a job fair. One. And by the time I graduated I think everyone was still in the mindset that there was either quidditch or the ministry. Which, has a wide variety of positions available. I think the students need to be aware of their options and not left to haphazardly apply to the Ministry and hope they get a career they enjoy." Hopefully that didn't offend anyone.

"So... I guess my main plan of attack would be having more periodic job fairs, possibly collaborating with the Ministry to do just a general tour of what departments they had, maybe even opening up additional internships. Anything really to get the students thinking about their futures."

Quote:

Do you feel it is important as a board member to work along side of the professors and keep them in the know of everything going on or do you feel the board should be separate?

This question was a tad trickier, so Ivy had to think about it for a minute as she listened to the answers the other candidates gave. Then, she walked back up stage. "Yes and no," she said simply. "The professors are here to teach, and the governors are here to govern and I think it is really as simple as that. There is a fine line between the two of them. However... I do think it is important that we, as potential future-governors, hear the thoughts and opinions of the professors and really take them into consideration. And whatever final decisions the Board makes will reach all of the professors in due time, at the same time." Short and sweet. Ivy clasped her hands and returned to her seat.

The third question was another good question, Lourdes was impressed by all of them. It was asked by an employee from Isobel's Department of Mysteries, Gavin Isaacs. Lourdes thought of her answer while the others were in front and responding to the questions. Once she had her answer, Lourdes stood up and went in front of the stage. Her turn, again. She reminded herself not to let go of her smile, as the audience might be taking note of her every action and movement. Ahem, that meant everyone listens. It was rude to have a conversation while someone else was having a 'moment' in front. So everyone... listen up.

"There are a lot of things I ensure would become a priority if I were to be elected onto the Board of Governors, the first thing we should take in mind is the safety of the students currently studying in Hogwarts. There should not be anything that will interfere with the education they receive. Nothing should get in there way from receiving proper education in Hogwarts. You see, a lot of things are connected to safety and security. I trust very well that the professors and staff members are doing well in providing their share to the way Hogwarts is running. I also know that the Reference section in the Hogwarts library had been set on fire and the Fundraiser was a very intelligent way in restoring it back to its original beauty." There was a lot she had to say. She needed to pause first, to let her first answer sink in.

And the next part. "I would also like the emphasize about the paths the students would take once they leave Hogwarts. As Mr. Phillips said, they either choose a path between quidditch and the ministry. Besides those, there are other paths they could choose. Some might even become the future professors, Hogwarts governors, and staff members of Hogwarts, a few years after graduation. If elected, I would ensure that there would be a way for the students to wisely choose their path after graduation. It could be based on their test results, and also taken in consideration, their personal interests and preferences."

She didn't want to keep the people listening. She didn't want to bore them. Lourdes simply smiled and nodded. "Thank you." She walked back to her previous place and took her seat, back straight.

A relaxed, but smug expression appeared on Charles' face at Gavin's response. Of course he knew they could run the department on their own, they did that anyway. He just sat in his office like Mr. High and Mighty. He knew nothing of Gavin's personal life being that he liked to remain as professional as possible, but he could see that the words were practically forcing themselves from Gavin's mouth. An eyebrow raised when he said the board would come first no matter what. So why was he a department head if he didn't put his job first? They did important work!

While all this was running through his head, Gavin had stepped back and Roxanne had stepped forward. He caught the look she gave to Gavin while mentioning lies and had to fight to keep his face neutral. He was amused, in agreement and also not pleased with the woman for showing up the face of their department in front of everyone. Playing dirty was not nice. The woman's response to his question (when she finally gave it after eyeing Gavin) was not what he'd been trying to get at. She'd obviously misunderstood the equally important part of that question.

Unimpressed by Roxanne's answer, his eyes turned to Althea. He gave her a polite nod when she gave him appreciative smile, but wasn't fooled at all by her. He knew she was very confident in herself and believed that she would be elected no matter what, though he appreciated that she was so sure of herself, he found it a little big headed too. Yes, Althea Schirmer was coming across as big headed to a man who hadn't even corrected the person who'd called him 'Sir Charles Taylor'. He respect that the woman did her best to compartmentalise and he realised that was another thing they had in common. He gave her another polite nod once she was finished and turned his attention back to the other answers people were giving.

Reynold's answer to his question was confident and very logical. It seemed like the more he listened to these candidates, the more respect he gained for some of them. He couldn't be sure it wasn't all political talk though, so he refrained from giving any of his thoughts away via his expression. Vinteren's answer just screamed politics to Charles. Merlin, were there going to be any REAL answers to these questions? He gave the man a nod out of politeness and watched as loud shirt guy Cope stepped up.

Now THAT was an answer! The man was honest and said he basically didn't know what he'd do, but he'd do his best to do the right thing. This man had the respect of Charles Taylor. Though maybe he should have aimed for Charles' impeccable dress sense.

Ivy Knox, now, what could he say about Ms. Knox? He could definitely say that she didn't seem like she had a heart. When he'd been doing his research for his questions, most people were very clear about the fact that Ivy would do anything to get ahead professionally and that personal relationships were of no value to her. Therefore, he wasn't surprised when she said 'when' instead of 'if'. Yes, she came across as big headed too, but he expected it from her, whereas he'd expected some humility from Althea.

The old man who wheeled himself forward to answer a second question caught Charles by surprise. Firstly, how was the man still talking sense? He was insanely old! People started saying strange things when they got to that almost impossible to reach age, didn't they? Secondly, he seemed pretty sure where the line was and that he would toe it carefully. Was it really that obvious and easy?

Andrew Rose got an unmistakably disapproving look from Charles. He'd missed parts of this process and that didn't sit well with him at all. The man gained some points back with his answers, but he was still on the list of people he would not be voting for.

The rest of the answers from the candidates either gained a raised eyebrow of disbelief, a nod of politeness or agreement, or a stony face devoid of any emotion from Charles as he listened.

As they got to the more personal questions, he started to get a little more excited. This was where he could really start being mean. A smirk played over his lips as Gavin once again mentioned IMC and said they were reliable. Of course they were, they did everything for him anyway!

His eyes travelled to those who were still lagging. Maybe they needed some encouragement. Or poking with a big pointy stick. "I would like to point out to those of you who've said nothing yet that while taking your time to think of an answer is advisable, actually answering a question would be in your best interests. People may think you're avoiding answering because you just don't know what you'd do. Indecisiveness isn't a good impression to put across when you're running for a board who are going to be making decisions for the next generation of people who will be running the country."

Since the others were still behind and Gavin was the only one who'd answered his question, Charles looked straight at his boss. "Mr. Higareda, do you believe that speaking several languages will make your job, should you get it," His eyes travelled over to Althea and Ivy as he put emphasis on those four words "On the board easier or harder? Please explain why."

OOC:For clarity, please pay close attention to what questions you have already answered.

For Althea Schirmer: Can you outline how would you make higher level Wizarding Education an option for more students?

For Roxanne Carter: If selected as a Governor, what are some specific ways you would suggest Hogwarts is made safer?

For Gavin Higareda: Do you believe that speaking several languages will make your job, should you get it, on the board easier or harder? If easier, explain why.

For Cooper Cope: If the lives of students were endangered in any way, what steps would you put into place to balance they not only receive the education promised to them but that they returned home safely at the end of the term?

For Sherman Clark, Erik Vinteren, Nolan Reynolds, Andrew Rose, Ivy Knox: Would you consider to be important for a School Governor to be in contact with the students in any way? Why or why not?

For Carter Phillips, Lourdes Black: Do you feel it is important as a board member to work along side of the professors and keep them in the know of everything going on or do you feel the board should be separate?

For ____: If you were to be elected onto the board, what would you ensure becomes a priority as far as the long term plans of the Board are concerned?

For Atticus Aldredge, Corineus Vanderbilt: If a personal or professional situation arose at the same time as an equally important situation arose in the school, which would you deem more important to attend to first, and why?

For everyone else: Why do you feel you are more qualified for this position than the other candidates?

Listening as the other candidates continued answering their questions, Gavin turned his attention back to Charles as he said his name. He liked how he worded that answer. If he got the position on the board. Not when, and he definitely noted the look he gave to a few of the candidates as well. Some of the candidates were acting as if they already had the position on the board and to him that was just plain amusing. Very sure that they were already on the board, they were making comments as if they were.

Thinking on the question he'd been given, Gavin wasn't too sure on what they meant by that but had an idea so didn't question it. "I don't believe it will make it either to be honest. If we meet with those who speak other languages it may benefit the board, that it might be a language that I speak. But then it might not be as well. I pick up languages easily however, but it don't necessarily mean that I'll immediately understand what the person or being is saying." Yes, being, they might need to contact a goblin or even merpeople for reasons unbeknownst at the moment to him!

"Being harder for the job, I do not believe will occur however. I speak English fluently, it being my first language. Most of us here I believe it is our first language, though there are a few exceptions." Pausing for just a moment his gaze fell again on Charles, studying him trying to determine his reactions to what Gavin was saying. "So no, I don't believe that speaking a number of languages will make it easier nor hinder my job if elected as one of the board. Thank you."

Next question. Great Odin's Raven, was this thing over yet? Erik took a breath and once again moved to the front of the stage, doing his best to appear bright and cheerful as he answered this one. Unfortunately, his accent was starting to grow more pronounced the longer this thing dragged on.

He would try being brief.

"Yes," he said simply, "I vould consider it very important for a Governor to be in contact vith vhe students." As he had done already. "Students are vhe heartbeat of vhe school. Vhey're vhe ones vhe Governors vork for, to ensure vhat vhey are receiving a safe and thorough education. Students should feel able to contact the School Governors if a problem arises in vhe school or if something makes vhem wary or uncomfortable of their professors. And vice versa, vhe Governors should be able to get students' perspectives on issues vhat directly affect vhem vithout feeling vhat vhe professors are coaching vhem to respond in a vay vhat makes vhem look good. Vhank you."

He sat down again. All this getting up and sitting down...good thing he was in shape. He couldn't imagine how that old dog Cooper Cope felt.

There were really cut and dry questions, weren't they? And Carter didn't believe in either extreme. He was beginning to wonder if some of these questions were made purposefully so people looked either extreme or wishy-washy.

And Carter was actually quite proud of himself for having such a mature thought.

So much so that he smiled when he answered his question. "I don't believe in either extreme." he said confidently. "The purpose of the Board is to work for the betterment of the school. And I believe this is impossible without working alongside the Professors, to an extent of course. The Board is the higher authority. So there needs to be that level of respect. So I think their engagement level should be... similar to that of a boss and a self-sufficient employee."

That made sense right? He just meant that the Board wouldn't and shouldn't have to share everything, but they also shouldn't be leaning over the shoulders of the school pressuring the Professors.

"Unless, of course, there's an actual emergency and the Board deems it necessary to step in completely." But... that wasn't something Carter wanted to go into details with. He hoped there would never be a time when the Board had to step in in such a dramatic way.

"Just like the previous question, I think it all depends on the situation. Of course we don't want to keep the students in the dark about anything important, but if it would be in their BENEFIT to NOT say anything, then that would be the route we'd take," Nolan explained. Telling kids, in his opinion, about huge matters could...sometimes make the matter worse.

"However, there are only a few extreme issues that I feel would not be appropriate to discuss with students. For example, if an employee were to be laid off to new hiring would be taking place. One thing that is important, however, is that we, the board, communicate with students about what they want to see. Feedback is always needed and encouraged when it comes to what students what to see. It is THEIR education, after all, we SHOULD be asking them and communicating with them what they want to see us put in place or what they think is needed in the school."

There, another fabulous answer. Nolan was starting to get antsy. Ok when would they learn who was WINNING hmmm?

A pretty basic and simple question. Did whoever had chosen these questions make the classic mistake of thinking that just because she was blonde, she was dumb? And couldn't handle harder questions? Despite her job? It was hard work, but Roxanne managed to keep her face neutral as she stepped up to answer this horribly unimaginative question. "If I am elected to the Board," Note the use and emphasis on if there. None of them had this in the bag yet! "I plan to fight for tighter restrictions on what can go into Hogwarts. Now, before everyone freaks out, this does not mean you won't be able to send your children care packages and the like. This will basically be for the types of things that could pose a danger to students. Things like plants and the like." Because, after dealing with the whole plant caused zombie drama, she really wasn't so fond of plants anymore. "I would also fight for tighter restrictions on who exactly can come into the school. Because it seems right now, that people can just go in and out willy nilly with no questions asked. To me, this seems really dangerous, for obvious reasons." Hello, that leaves the school open to kidnappers! She really couldn't see that ending well. And no one was saying a word. Until now anyway.

She was done with her answer now, and walked back to her seat. She may have looked at her watch once she was seated, though she wasn't really trying to be rude. She was just ready for this thing to be over with.

Corin angled his head thoughtfully. It was a very valid question. He had a short answer to that—but was rather limiting in scope to just relate to his duties as Director and his abilities as a Wizard, so he continued to mull the question over...

When it was his turn he stood “You know, there actually was a time when a situation happening at Hogwarts demanded my attention…. it was trickier than usual for me because it was at the same time my nephew was there.” It was Vickers’ second term at Hogwarts, his second year away from home for that long “I am very close to my nephew, and naturally as one who raised him my first instinct was to check on him.” Specially the reason he was brought in was due to circumstances any concerned parent would pull their children out had they known “But I had to remind myself of the reason why I was at Hogwarts in the first place—that although I am concerned for the safety and welfare of my nephew, the reason why I was there involved everybody that lived in Hogwarts—other students, the Faculty and other staff that keeps the school running. So yes… I had to set my priorities—and attended to Hogwarts matters first.”

He paused. “Before anyone would deem my actions callous for the welfare of my family, I had to make quick decisions on weighing the pros and cons of the situation. Clearly, taking care of the Hogwarts issue would benefit everybody, including my nephew.” So you know, he wasn’t some workaholic, irresponsible guardian. “But to bring this discussion to the present, my nephew has since graduated, and much to my pleasant surprise and a credit to Hogwarts’ training, he is now living independently. My mother is a hardy woman…” heck she's even healthier than him in all truthfulness “… there really isn’t anything I have to worry about her. So in manner of speaking I seem to find myself at the stage of my life where my familial duty doesn’t take up too much of my time anymore.” A second wind to continue his life's pursuits as it were.

HE MADE IT. He made it to his seat before they asked the next question! Did anyone else notice this great accomplishment of Sherman's?! He beamed proudly as he made his way to the center of the stage. "It is necessary for a member of the Board to be approachable and available to students," he stated slowly, still gathering his thoughts. "As I've said before," like a MILLION times in the previous debate, wasn't anyone bored of him yet? They should have been. "I consider it the duty of School Governor to support Hogwarts and its students in every way they can, and I believe that the children can be better assisted by us if they contact us when issues arise. We should be able to get their opinions on the Board's activities and ideas. This could only work if we maintain a healthy relationships with students."

With a grin for the audience, the elderly man wheeled around and returned to his seat for the umpteenth time.

Hm... Atticus took a few moments to think about this question as well. There were a number of factors to consider about such situations, and there was hardly a single right answer no matter what because of all the different possibilities and aspects of personal, professional, and Hogwarts-related situations. Again, though, the wording caught his attention.

Equally important.

"While each situation often varies, making it difficult to give a one-time, always-guaranteed answer, I can honestly say that I will endeavor to attend to a Hogwarts matter first before other important matters if possible. Events that affect Hogwarts in turn affect a greater number of people than most personal and even professional matters do, and particularly if the event or situation is a negative one, it can cause an extreme amount of damage if not attended to as soon as possible."

Hm...short answer this time, he decided, but that was fine. There wasn't anything wrong with a straight and to the point answer, no? Much better than long rambling answers like the ones he'd given at the Hogsmeade debate.

It was good to see that more of them were starting to keep up. Did it mean there was now hope? Not likely. They were still the same people from just now who, to him, had that whole deer caught in the head lights thing going for them. Needless to say he was still not impressed. Although...if he was going to be honest, they weren't all hopeless cases...

No...

There were those who were genuine and he could appreciate that. There was no point in running for a job that involved children if you weren't going to be genuine about it, because even when no one else could tell, they could. His nieces taught him that.

As he sat there, his eyes flickered from one candidate to the other. They were onto the personal questions not all...some of them and this was the part he was most interested in. General questions were fine, but they weren't meant for the person specifically.

His first question went to Mr. Reynolds. He made correct eye contact with the man and sat a bit straighter in his seat. This question wasn't too bad. It was almost disappointing actually. "Mr. Reynolds, if a student had an interest in a particular subject that Hogwarts doesn't cover, how would you suggest getting that student the teaching they so desperately want?" Did he get that? Gavin wasn't about to repeat.

His next question went to the big shot from the MLE; the one who thought her answers were better than anyone else. "Ms. Carter, what sparked your interest in this position?" Heh, would you look at that, it turned out to be the perfect question. What were your motives woman? Think about it.

His indifferent gaze fell next on Mr. Higareda. This man was either really good or really fake. "Mr. Higareda, how do you feel you will bring change to the school?" Other than being Mother Theresa, of course, because that position was taken.

And what did we have here? This looked like a question for Mr. Clark. Yet another appropriate one. He looked over at the wheelchair bound man and almost smiled, almost, but not because of anything sentimental. Let's not get carried away now. "Mr. Clark, is it possible that you're too out of touch with the youth of today's generation to be able to understand some of their situations?"

And now it was Vinteren's time to receive a question of his own. He could think of a few things to ask but he would start with this one. "Mr. Vinteren, how would you like to see Hogwarts 'invest' in the students?" He bet he would have some kind of elaborate idea too. It would be so typical.

For the rest, well, nothing really. They all got the same look of indifference.

OOC: As of this post you're ALL allowed to post multiple response, you'll just have to label them appropriately. Also please put the number to the questions you are responding to at the top of your post. Thanks.

Questions:
For Althea Schirmer: Can you outline how would you make higher level Wizarding Education an option for more students?

For Cooper Cope: If the lives of students were endangered in any way, what steps would you put into place to balance they not only receive the education promised to them but that they returned home safely at the end of the term?

Andrew Rose, Ivy Knox, Carter Phillips: Would you consider to be important for a School Governor to be in contact with the students in any way? Why or why not?

For Lourdes Black: Do you feel it is important as a board member to work along side of the professors and keep them in the know of everything going on or do you feel the board should be separate?

For Atticus Aldredge, Corineus Vanderbilt: If you were to be elected onto the board, what would you ensure becomes a priority as far as the long term plans of the Board are concerned?

For_____: If a personal or professional situation arose at the same time as an equally important situation arose in the school, which would you deem more important to attend to first, and why?

For everyone else: Why do you feel you are more qualified for this position than the other candidates?

Wow, okay talk about a loaded question. Letting others take a chance and answer their questions, Gavin sat back thinking on his answer. What could he do that the others hadn't already brought up. Maybe he should go back to encouraging students about his department and learning to work with other's not just people, but creatures as well, and learning languages. Revert to some of the things he'd said back at the Hogsmeade debate. There was so much he could say about this but he didn't want to put it across wrong either. He wanted to be accurate and make sense all at the same time. This question could very well sway a person between wanting to vote for him or not!

Taking a deep breath he rose to his feet when it was his turn to answer his question. "The first thing that I would ensure if I'm elected as a governor will be to ensure the safety within the school. I don't want to see the safety breached again and want to ensure that that safety is no longer compromised. The safety of the students and staff within the school is the most important thing that any of us could do as a governor. Making that a priority I believe is where we need to start."

"The next thing I would do is to go over every evaluation that has been done this term by the candidates as well as the current board of governors on each class and staff that is in the school. To see how the current staff are teaching the students. Go over it and ensure that the students are getting the best education that we can currently provide. From there I would go over the curriculum and classes and see what we can do to improve them. There is no class that can't be improved upon, even with the best professor in the world, there can always be an improvement put upon them."

Last I would look into what additional classes and seminars we can add to the current class list. These students as I've said a few times are our future, we need to ensure that each of them will become witches and wizards that will do well outside Hogwarts. That they can move on and become healers, ambassadors, law enforcement, and so much else. There is no reason a single student shouldn't leave the school without the knowledge that they can go forward and reach for that goal that they want to acquire. I want to make sure that those goals are not impossible for the students to reach, but to help them reach those goals."

Taking a deep breath he nodded to Gavin and those in the seats "Thank you."

When Sherman wheeled back to the center of the stage for his sixth question, he received one. Obviously. But it was one that he wasn't expecting. Did.. did they just.. what? He stared at the man who had asked the question for a moment, his eyes blinking quickly in surprise. Had the man just called him old? Because.. well.. he was old. But it was kind of rude to point that out, right? He wasn't out of touch with the generation. He was just a bit wrinkly and his skin texture slightly resembled that of a prune. THATWASIT.

"Um. No?" he half-stated, half-asked blankly, composing an hopefully reasonable answer in his as quickly as he could. "With all due respect, sir, just because I am slightly more.. AGED than the other candidates does not mean I cannot understand the problems the students of Hogwarts may face. I was a child once, and I remember my experiences as clearly as I recall what I had for breakfast this morning." WAFFLES. So THERE. "I'm not so elderly that I can't fathom the issues that burden the inhabitants of the school." 'Cause he could. Really, he'd pinky promise on it. "Not only this, but I wouldn't exactly say that I am 'out of touch'. I have a granddaughter, you know, who attends Hogwarts. I would think she keeps me up to date on the youthful happenings of this generation."

Really, what did they think he kept Alice around for?

Carter now was thoroughly convinced that these questions were made to have the candidates look extreme or indecisive. And... or course, Carter was once again stuck in the middle of no man's land.

"I think it's important that a School Govenor is in contact with the students. Not necessarily on a personal level, but they do need to be aware of general student opinions. The Governor's won't be of any use if they're completely out of touch."

... wasn't that... kind of... ... commonsense? Carter was now kind of worried that he was doing something wrong.

"Of course, this does require some... restrictions. As, contact with the students shouldn't be to the point where you show favoritism." Which, had been in a problem in the past. Carter had done his research there. "The point of the Board is to work for the betterment of the school," in general, "and not for any personal powerplay."

Nolan perked up when they asked him his question. OOOOH this was a good one! This was exactly down his alley! This was the WHOLE REASON HE'D STARTED RUNNING!

"Well, that's a very good question and one that really hits home for me personally, to be honest. While my area of expertise, Divination, was offered at school, it wasn't implimented on the grand level it is today," he said that JUST in case the Divination...lady was in the crowd, "and I wasn't able to get that training I desperately wanted. That is why I want to be sure that doesn't happen to anyone ever again," he explained. There, tie in the personal experience, show them your passion!

"For students who are interested in subjects or careers that aren't offered or emphasized in the current Hogwarts curriculum--healing, for example--I want to be sure that we have a Ministry employee on our end who is willing to step in and help that student down the right track. While we may not have enough personel to staff an ENTIRE healing class, we can at least get one or two healers to come talk to students, maybe let them shadow them at St. Mungos for a few days, help the students set up a Future Healers of Great Britain club--all in all, I want to get the community involved in that aspect. I know for a FACT we have hundreds of witches and wizards who would love to share their knowledge with kids!"

"To get this started, the kids need to know that they simply need to ask and we will work to, hopefully, set up something to help them. Kids need to know that the staff and the board are there to help them find their true passion and we are willing to help them seek that out in the community. If staff or the board are not willing to do that--well, they shouldn't be running or hold their positions, in my opinion," he said. Pause again for dramatic effect. To add to the effect, he sighed and looked sadly at the ground. "Essentially, I would work to make sure that all students know that there ARE resources for them in the community, and they need not be afraid at all to ask for us to help them find them. Ask and you shall receive. Thank you."

Oh, would you look at that? Mr. Issacs obviously thought he was being oh so clever with his question. One that any idiot with his ear to the ground and listening could figure out. She would normally tell the man just what an idiot he was being, but that wouldn't do here. So she bit back her irritation at being asked such a stupid question, kept her eyes still in their sockets, and walked to the front. She couldn't entirely hide the irritation, however, as anyone who knew her well would recognize the slight tightening of her jaw and wrinkling around her eyes. The one that said 'I really hope you realize how stupid you're being right now before I have to embarrass both of us by telling you. Loudly.' "What sparked my interest in this position is very simple. My niece is a student at Hogwarts." Roxanne spoke slowly, just so everyone could catch that. And she wouldn't have to constantly explain it. "So, you could say I have an invested interest. After the events of last term, and the term before, I decided that enough was enough. That something had to be done so those type of things would not happen again. When the Board of Governors election was announced, it seemed like the perfect platform to fight for the changes that I think would prevent any dangers from entering Hogwarts." Take that, Mr. Issacs and whoever had posed the question in the first place! To recap, not a whim, invested interest. And if anyone didn't understand that, well that was tough. She went back to her seat with a small smirk playing across her face. If anyone doubted her intentions after this, well then the egg would be all over their face, not hers.

Hmm, this was decent question. Nice change of pace there, and Erik noted how they were appealing to the supposed 'businessman' side of him by using the word invest. Clever. He took his time getting to centre stage this round, as he was thinking of the many, many things he'd like to see Hogwarts do to 'invest' in the students.

"Vell," he said thoughtfully, both hands tucked loosely into his pockets, "I vink there are a number of vhings Hogwarts and the Board of Governors could do to invest in the students." His eyes took on a sort of sparkly look as he continued speaking passionately, and honestly.

"I for one vould like to see a study abroad or student exchange option made available to vhe students, to increase their worldliness and vheir options post-graduation. How best to know vhat is out vhere vhan by exploring it yourself? I vould also like to set up a mentor program with prominent, contributing adults in the community, or even vith willing professors and Governors, who vould be able to provide career advice and general guidance and perspective vhen students need it."

The teenagers he had seen could certainly use some perspective. "Other vays to invest in the students vould be to show them vhat we care.. .vith our time and our money. Governors should take vhe time to be present at school events like Quidditch matches, and should set up a scholarship fund to help students continue vheir educational goals beyond Hogwarts." He certainly wouldn't have been where he was today without a little financial aid.

"Finally," Erik needed to wrap up this answer, as he was getting thirsty, "I vould like to see Hogwarts invest in the students by taking a vested interest in vhe changes the students and their parents vould like to see in the school. An open board meeting over vhe summer vould be a great way to get feedback from the community on the school. Perhaps vith a support system of people who care about Hogwarts' success as a school and as a place to grow up, Hogwarts vill once again be a safe place to learn."

He tilted his head in something of a half-shrug and, still smiling at the audience, turned his smile on the Mr. Isaacs who had asked the question. "Vhank you sir." He resumed his seat.

Quote:

Would you consider to be important for a School Governor to be in contact with the students in any way? Why or why not?

At this point, Ivy was only pretending to pay attention to the other candidates. She was tired and couldn't care less. But when the next question was asked, she payed attention and went up again to answer. "Again, I say... yes and no." Pause... "I do believe that as Governors, we should be aware of the students' needs and desires and what they feel would help them improve in their schoolwork. However, I do think there is a line that should not be crossed. The decisions of the Board of Governors do not need to be discussed with the students by any means. I think we should listen to their input and opinions and take them into account, but the students should not be any more involved than that. After all, the students are here to learn, and the Governors are here to govern." And it was really that simple. Ivy nodded and returned to her seat.

Mhm. Her next question was another good one. Lourdes could tell that the debate team have been doing a lot of preparing for this event. They had a lot of nice questions, very interesting too. And whatever questions were thrown at them, they had to answer and give their best. Plus Lourdes knew every action was being watched. When she felt she was ready (like she always was), Lourdes walked to the front of the stage for her time to speak. She gave the audience a smile. A genuine smile. She won't smile if it was fake anyway? Why hide the true feeling?

Now everyone, listen.

"Well, I do think it is important for the members of the Board of Governors to maintain close ties and to be able to communicate with the professors teaching in Hogwarts. However, there must be limitations. I believe that the governors could still work along side with the professors, but there are things that are exclusive and only the Board should know. It may not be everything the professors know, because there are always confidential things only the Board knows and I guess this right should be respected. But I agree that we should keep the professors updated with some things that they need to know." Yes, need. What's the use of telling the professors things they DON'T necessarily need. They're there to teach and help students. The Board is just another branch of it. "Thank you."



And then another question. The debate was going real fast, don't you think? However the speed of the debate didn't really make Lourdes nervous. It didn't. She was in front of the Ministry, her people, and the ones that know her. Who knows maybe even her manager was there, watching her answer and keeping a keen eye to her every action? Mariel was watching her from the seating area, she knew that. The two women have talked before Iam Amoroso called all the candidates onto the stage. Once again, the question was a good one. The questions all were, however this one didn't seem as brain-racking as the rest of the questions. But of course, she was still being watched.

Lourdes made her way onto the front of the stage. Proper posture, and cue the smile for the audience... that's it. Now that she was in front again, everyone was going to listen. Lourdes did not tolerate the rude people, to be completely honest. "That is a really nice question. In fact, all the questions for this debate are good." Lourdes nodded at Victoria. That was her employee, everyone! Lourdes was really proud of her employee to be chosen for this debate. Way to represent Games & Sports. "But anyway, yes I do believe that the Board of Governors should be in contact with the students because the Board is there for the students in the first place. One of the main goals the Board was is to make sure that the students have and receive proper and adequate education while they are studying at Hogwarts. Through the students, the Board can find ways on how to improve the school with the help of their opinions. I believe that the Board should always be open for the students if they want to raise their concerns about certain things, like problems they are facing at school. The members of the Board of Governors should always welcome the suggestions of the students, as well. And as Mr. Clark says, the board members should maintain a healthy relationship with the Hogwarts students." There was a smile on Lourdes' face after speaking. She was definitely pleased with her response.

"Thank you," Lourdes nodded and went back to her seat.

OOOHHHHHHHHH. Super good question! And from a parent too! He respected that, he did, he did.

Striding to the front of the stage, arms by his side, he gave the audience a contemplative expression.
"I think one of the advantages that life has to offer, is that we learn through experience. So while safety is of utmost importance, I feel that students could also learn a lot about protection, defence, as well as of methods to identify dangers and ways in which they should react to them. Of course, there is a stark difference between those dangers being controlled and constructed purely for the purpose of education, and those dangers which put students in the line of harm, or put their lives at risk."

And now this was where he was going to make his impact... perhaps...

"Hogwarts needs to develop stronger channels of communication, have action plans and evacuation sites for various dangers. Alternatively, a start would be to ensure students are always within a safe, but not intrusive, distance from an adult figure. Secondly, stronger channels of communication such as Protean charmed coins, should be accessible and used in appropriate ways. From staff to staff, and from staff to student and vice versa." That was safer yes? Like... BAM! Instant info of dangers and instructions!

"Thank you."
And with a bow, he returned to his seat.

There were more questions, yes? Cause he was having a BLAST! Rockin audience for sure!