Q. What are your to three priorities for the next four years, if elected?

Academic Achievement/Curriculum (Student/Teacher Ratio), Parental Involvement, and Fiscal Management/Responsibility

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Q. How would you rate the performance of the current school board: excellent, good, fair or poor? Why?

Fair: The school board has been ineffective in its ability to successfully reach out to communities, school administrators, parents, and students.

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Q. How would you rate the performance of Superintendent Dr. Kevin M. Maxwell : excellent, good, fair or poor? Why?

Fair: While Dr. Maxwell has supported programs and initiatives which were previously in place before his assignment, it would be premature to measure his performance if it were solely based upon the success of those programs. I do believe that stability in the position of Superintendent is a crucial component for academic achievement in our school system.

Q. What is your assessment of the current state of the school system?

While there has been some progress, there needs to be identification of specific areas that will increase academic growth for students due to the elimination of qualified staff.

Q. Is county funding for schools too much, about right or too little? If too little, where would you find additional money?

Too little: Identifying funding sources that could support some of the programs could help to alleviate some of the financial burden.

Q. Do you think the current system for renovating and building schools is adequate or does it need changing?

The process of renovating and building schools should be studied closely to ensure that the process will be implemented fairly before a decision to make changes are put in place.

Q. What programs, if any, do you think are needed in the school system, and how would you pay for them?

Foreign language programs for all elementary students (not just specialty school). If the program is infused in the curriculum, it would be paid out of state funding.

Q. What are your thoughts on the school board's relationship with the community? What changes would you make, if any?

There is a dire need for the school board to foster positive relationship throughout the entire school community. It is incumbent upon the school board members to visit schools and community organizations. There needs to be more visibility and transparency. Once elected, I will be my goal to visit every school and community organizations in my district.

Q. Does the County Council have too much, too little or not enough oversight of the school system? Explain.

Whether it is too much or too little, the County Council's oversight of the School System is a very critical element for funding decisions, however, both parties must work together to support programs that will help our students achieve the level of academic achievement in order to compete globally.

Q. What are your thoughts on school safety? How would you address challenges, if any?

Safety within the schools is a concern for staff, parents, students and communities. The current use of investigative counselors, sheriff deputies, and security personnel is a sound approach. However, a more comprehensive application of all resources should be explored. Any assistance from county and municipal police would be totally reactive. I would hope that this would change. The system would be better served if all local partners would be involved to prevent incidents.