Murray State Debate Team Ignites McKenzie Rotary with Insightful Discussion on Education Leadership

McKENZIE (April 21) — The McKenzie Rotary Club hosted an engaging session Tuesday featuring Dr. Ryan Goke, a distinguished coach and professor from Murray State University, alongside two of his national champion students, Samuel Harless and Caleb McCurren. The trio captivated the audience with a powerful exhibition debate and a compelling narrative on the transformative power of speech and debate.

Dr. Goke, coach of the West Kentucky–West Tennessee debate team, shared his personal journey, revealing how his initial aspirations of becoming an FBI agent evolved into a profound passion for coaching and teaching. He distilled five key lessons from his twelve years in speech and debate: the invaluable role of mentorship, the importance of seizing growth opportunities, the reality that plans can change, the necessity of not choosing a path based on fear, and the ultimate responsibility to “pay it forward” to the next generation. This commitment led him to establish a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to ensuring all students in West Kentucky and West Tennessee have access to speech and debate resources.

The highlight of the event was an exhibition debate on the timely resolution: “School superintendents should be elected rather than appointed.”

Affirming the resolution, Samuel Harless, an organizational communication and middle school education major, argued for increased accountability. He contended that electing superintendents would make them directly beholden to thousands of citizens rather than a small school board, leading to more careful decision-making. Harless cited examples from Fayette County, Kentucky, and Metro Nashville Public Schools, where superintendents remained in power despite public outcry over budget crises and discrimination lawsuits, illustrating a lack of direct public accountability under the appointment system. He also highlighted that elections would counter “insider control” of boards, ensuring superintendents campaign on platforms aligned with public interest.

Negating the resolution, Caleb McCurren, a senior psychology major, emphasized the need for “expertise over popularity.” He argued that the complex role of a superintendent, involving budgeting, curriculum, and labor negotiations, demands specialized expertise that elections, which often reward name recognition, might overlook. McCurren also warned against further “politicizing education,” suggesting that elected superintendents would be forced to take polarizing stances on issues like curriculum battles and book bans, diverting focus from student outcomes. He asserted that accountability already exists, as citizens can vote out school board members responsible for poor appointments, and superintendents are often removed by boards or public pressure when deemed incompetent.

Following the debate, Dr. Goke provided insights into the mechanics of debate competitions, including the limited preparation time (30 minutes for a topic and side assignment) and the use of old kitchen timers to prevent unauthorized information access. He also touched upon the evolving role of AI in debate, noting that while it can make some participants “lazier,” it also serves as a strategic tool for preparing counter-arguments.

Dr. Goke concluded by reiterating the profound impact of speech and debate on developing critical thinking, confidence, and communication skills, which are highly valued by employers and essential for success in various professional fields. He challenged the audience to “build the community you want to be a part of” and support initiatives that foster these crucial opportunities for young people.

Rotary Club of McKenzie meets on Tuesdays noon at Bethel University’s Vera Low Center.