The students at Star Lane Center want to know how the candidates for the Natrona County school board plan to improve the dropout rate.

In a set of forums on Tuesday, candidates were grilled by the students on the dropout rate and other issues, including the value of smaller class sizes, teen pregnancy and budget priorities. Each set of candidates responded to different questions.

"I liked that we got to ask the questions," said Serenity Lamb, a ninth-grader. "Normally, it's the adults asking us questions."

Candidates Josh Carnahan and Steve Degenfelder were unable to attend either of the forums.

Students spent several weeks researching the school board and its role in the district. Their questions came from their findings and their own curiosity about issues.

The dropout rate was an especially important issue for students at Star Lane, who noted that they all know someone who has either dropped out or has considered dropping out.

Drenton Engberg said he personally doesn't understand why someone would leave school to do nothing at all.

"I don't get why students drop out so much," he said.

Drenton noted he liked what candidates Todd Ingram and Jim Starrs had to say during the forum. Starrs in particular struck a chord with the 10th-grader.

"I like how he pointed out that school district isn't very good," Drenton said. "He said it sucked."

Other students didn't have favorite candidates.

"I liked all of them pretty well," said ninth-grader Katie Kiever. "I felt their opinions were all good and would benefit the school system."

Reach education reporter Jasa Santos at (307) 266-0593 or at Jasa.Santos@trib.com. Read her blog at my.trib.com/jasasantos

On the improving the dropout rate

Miles Dahlby: Offer a variety of choices so students can find a niche and realize they are working toward something important.

Conney Edmondson: Teachers should have the freedom to teach across the board without stress over No Child Left Behind benchmarks, and the problem needs to be addressed at the elementary level.

Elizabeth Horsch: Better align curriculum so students are learning new things every year, and staying engaged in education.

Donn McCall: The district has made some progress, but it can do more. Student engagement is a key factor.

Tandi Rinker: School must be made relevant for students, and students need to be asked why they're leaving.

Doug Tunison: Dropping out is a personal decision. The district should monitor the progress of all students and find the reasons for why kids stay in school.

On budget priorities

Audrey Cotherman: High salaries for teachers, maintenance of schools and making sure the budget is cost effective and efficient.

Todd Ingram: Setting aside money in the district reserve fund, providing teachers with resources they need and funding for technology.

Jim Starrs: Decreasing student-to-staff ratios, school maintenance and budgeting so construction projects are done right the first time.

Rita Walsh: Funding for technology, evaluating programs in Natrona County and high-quality professional development for teachers.