THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, March 10, 1996 TAG: 9603090134
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 20 EDITION: FINAL
SERIES: Cover Story: May 7 Election
LENGTH: Long : 185 lines
Donald R. Bradway
Age: 45
Address: 4800 block of Admiration Drive (Bellamy Manor Estates)
Occupation: Vice president of operations, IDAX Inc., computer
company offering products for machinery monitoring and diagnostic
analysis.
Previous elected post: none
Why are you running? I think they need some business people to
make some hard decisions, which are starting to rise within the
school district. There is not enough money for everything that
people want to do; that's now pretty obvious. I have two sons in the
school system. I have been active with youth. I'm going to make the
time for the job, even though I'm not sure I have it.
What can you contribute? They got in a trap of not reading the
right things. There has got to be some trust in the administration.
We have to support those people, but with an oversight of what they
are doing. I have been involved with the Parent Teacher Student
Association at Kempsville High School, active with the Kings Grant
Presbyterian Church and I am the past president of the Larkspur Swim
and Racquet Club.
Children in school? Two at Kempsville High School
Raymond D. Beck
Age: 51
Address: 2900 block of Lynnhaven Drive (Lynnhaven Colony)
Occupation: Semi-retired building contractor and former teacher
Previous elected post: none
Why are you running: I would like to see the board meetings
rotated to the high schools or recreation centers so the community
can participate. I would like to see an equal amount of attention to
the non-college-bound students. I know the administration has to be
more accountable in several areas, particularly travel expenses. We
need a better accounting of their time.
What can you contribute? Initially, I'd like to accomplish those
three items.
Children in school? One son at Cox.
Sandra ``Sandy'' C. Bowie
Age: 46
Address: 1700 block of Oxen Court (Green Hill Farm)
Occupation: Adjunct professor at Old Dominion University, where
she teaches education classes and supervises student teachers
throughout Hampton Roads
Previous elected post: none
Why are you running? I'm a concerned parent of two children in
public school, a concerned citizen and a professional educator. I've
had a lifelong dedication to quality education. . . . I am
determined to be part of a team and I realize that there needs to be
open communication between City Council, the School Board, parents
and the schools.
What can you contribute? In the past 24 years, I have taught
infants through college-age students, I have run my own business and
I understand how a business runs. . . . There needs to be a . . .
system where we have a monthly review of the financial statements
provided to the School Board and we need to make sure that external
and internal audits match. I feel that accountability needs to be in
the forefront of all of this.
Children in school? A fourth-grader at John B. Dey Elementary and
a sixth-grader at Great Neck Middle School.
Robert E. Beardsley Jr.
Age: 40
Address: 3700 block of Surry Road (Ocean Park)
Occupation: Certified Public Accountant
Previous elected post: none
Why are you running?: The whole thing screamed to me that they
needed an accountant in there. I've got three kids in the school
system, that's another reason. And I think one way you give back to
the community is by serving on the School Board.
What can you contribute?: I have over 16 years of experience
working with budgets and financials. Typically, School Board
members are lacking in the ability to read balance sheets and
financials. I don't lack that. I'm going to ask the questions that
need to be asked and make sure I get answers that make sense, that
mean something.
Children in school? Three
Ann G. Ewing
Age: 49
Occupation: Teacher and restaurant owner
Address: 1500 block of Duke of Windsor Road (Alanton)
Previous elected post: none
Why are you running? She is running to help make sure money is
spent where it's needed most - in the classrooms and individual
schools.
What can you contribute? She would like for the emphasis to
change from the school system as a construction company back to the
system as a provider of quality education.
Children in school? Children: One child graduated from First
Colonial High School and now attends Cornell University and one
child at Lynnhaven Middle School.
Steven M. Emmanuel
Age: 36
Address: 500 block of Canterbury Road (Kings Grant)
Occupation: Philosophy professor at Virginia Wesleyan College
Previous elected post: none
Why are you running? I have a vested interest in the future of
public school education for two reasons. First, because I am a
father of three. Two of my children attend public school and a third
child will be there in a few years. Second, because as a college
professor, I've dedicated my professional life to the mission of
creating a better society through education. . . .
What can you contribute? It's important that there be some
members of the board who are well versed in the area of finance and
who are competent to do a critical review of a budget proposal. It's
equally important that there be professional educators on the board.
These would be members who have a first-hand knowledge and
understanding of the educational process itself. It's a perspective
I would bring . . .
Children in school? Children: Two at Kings Grant Elementary.
Joshua F. Edwards Sr.
Age: 59
Address: 2100 block of Brush Hill Lane (Bellwood Estates)
Occupation: Education professor, Norfolk State University
Previous elected post: Ran unsuccessfully for the board in 1994.
Why are you running? Declined to be interviewed.
What can you contribute? Declined to be interviewed.
Children in school? Three, all of whom have attended or are
attending Virginia Beach public schools.
A. Michele DeVinney Killian
Age: 30
Address: 1000 block Lord Dunmore Drive (Fairfield)
Occupation: Manager of carpet service company
Previous elected post: none
Why are you running? I thought I could make a difference in
helping keep it organized and keep it together. I don't think the
77,000 children in our city should have to suffer and I feel for
them.
What can you contribute? I think we need to go in and re-evaluate
the needs and the expectations of the school system. I think a
major change is needed, a makeover of the school system. I can help
with my management ability, my empathy for the children and my human
resource experience.''
Children in school? None
Vernon H. Fix
Age: 65
Address: 4800 block of Princess Anne Road (Kempsville)
Occupation: Retired Navy lieutenant commander
Previous elected post: none
Why are you running? I have been following the education scene
for about two years. I got interested after watching a video of
Goals 2000. . . . I bring a set of values. I would like to go back
to the basics, more conservative values. We should not be teaching
Family Life Education but abstinence. We should teach basic courses
possibly at the expense of some social courses, although I'm not
against music and arts. We have to strike a balance.
What can you contribute? While in the Navy, I ran a school; the
equivalent of being a superintendent. It was a gunnery school, so
I'm not without a little experience. I'm not familiar with the
budget process of the school system.
Children in school? Four grown children with one grandchild in
the first grade at Creeds Elementary.
Robert J. Brich
Age: 52
Address: 600 block of Oxford Circle (Kings Grant)
Occupation: Executive vice president of Management Systems
Applications Inc.
Previous elected post: none
Why are you running? I have the skills necessary to do the work
on the board. I can make a difference and I believe I have a
contribution to make to the community.
What can you contribute? I can contribute the knowledge and
ability to behave in a fiscally sound manner, make informed
decisions and be an asset to the board.
Children in school? Three adult children.
by CNB