THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, April 14, 1996 TAG: 9604120386
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 28 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Decision '96: Election Coverage 1996
May 7 Election: School Board
LENGTH: Long : 1439 lines
Over the next few weeks, the candidates for seven open seats on the Virginia Beach School Board will be asked dozens more issues-related questions by the media, the public and special interest groups. Today, we're offering the candidates a chance to tell you what they think is important.
We invited them to respond to two open-ended questions about what they want to accomplish and what qualifies them to deserve your vote. Their answers are limited only by the space on the next few pages. To be sure, several candidates got long winded on us and we had to shorten their responses. But for the most part, these represent their unedited comments.
The field of candidates began with 50 in early March, but five have dropped out of the races since then. Candidates in two of those races - Blackwater and Virginia Beach boroughs - are unopposed. That leaves voters to choose:
One of 14 candidates for the at-large, two-year term seat
Two of 22 candidates for the at-large, four-year term seats
One of four candidates for the Lynnhaven borough seat
One of three candidates for the Princess Anne borough seat.
Keep in mind that the borough designation limits only the residency of the candidate. All voters citywide cast ballots in each of the borough contests as well as the at-large races.
You'll be reading plenty more about these candidates over the final three weeks of the campaign, so don't fall behind. QUESTIONS: 1. What would you like to accomplish during your term on the school Board or the City Council ? 2. What special qualities or skilled do you possess that make you the best person for the job? AT LARGE, 2 YEAR TERM
GAIL BALL
Age: 53
Address: 500 block of Catalina Ave. (Malibu)
Occupation: Real Estate Agent, Hutcheson Realty Inc.
1. I have developed a five-point plan that I will pursue to rebuild confidence in the school board and make the Virginia Beach school division the best in Virginia. My agenda for accountability calls for the following:
Insist that the curriculum stresses basic subjects and offers students the opportunity to get the best education in Virginia. Implement a system of testing to ensure goals are met.
Consolidate the finance departments of the schools system under the city for fiscal responsibility, and consolidate with city departments all non-educational services.
Require that a realistic and workable budget be implemented by the school board.
For the safety of the children, begin implementation of the Safe Schools Task Force Committee recommendations.
Work with legislators to pass an immunity bill to protect teachers who act in good faith from frivolous lawsuits.
When implemented, these five items will improve the quality of education, protect the taxpayers from wasteful spending and protect the children while they are in school.
2. I appreciate the classroom situational needs of our system while understanding that financial accounts must balance. I am progressive in that I feel we need to modernize our schools and include more technology; however, I believe we need to bet back to basics and focus primarily on reading, writing, math, hard sciences, history and basic social studies courses.
DONALD BENNIS
Age: 44
Address: 2000 block of Thomas Bishop Lane (Meadowridge)
Occupation: Attorney
1. As a current School Board member, I would like to see the proposed School Board budget for the 1996-97 fiscal year approved and fully funded by City Council and then work to achieve a successful implementation of the programs set forth in the budget. I want to work with Council and the public to restore the trust and confidence in our school division and improve the financial accountability by consolidating city and school accounting, financial and purchasing departments. I would also like to see an enhanced academic curriculum that raises the expectations for achievement at all levels.
2. I was appointed to the board in April 1995 and am the only candidate with School Board experience and the only candidate who has participated in detailed workshops for the proposed school board budget. I can provide much needed continuity during this transitional time.
As past president of my civic league, member of the Chamber of Commerce Legislative Committee, and participation in many civic activities, I have the proven experience to bring about a much needed partnership with the city, the schools and the community that would best promote the needs and interests of the students, teachers, and the taxpayers while providing the highest quality education to all of our children.
PATRICIA BURNS
Age: 48
Address: 4100 block of Woodlake Court (Windsor Oaks West)
Occupation: Registered Nurse
This candidate did not respond to our questions.
CHARLES CLARK
Age: 59
Address: 4400 block of Paul Jones Lane (Pembroke Manor)
Occupation: owns Clark Realty Services
1. First of all, what I would like to accomplish is to rebuild confidence by the public in the school board itself. Some people may think that the budget is the number one issue, I believe it's the lack of confidence in the school board. I believe this can only be accomplished by voting in new blood rather than people previously appointed by city council. I'm not trying to knock anyone, that's just my thoughts.
My way of dealing with that is to first, always keep my word. Second, always realize that it's the peoples' views that are important, not necessarily my own. Third, I'd take a pro-active, vigilant approach to any and all matters that come before the board, ask hard questions, demand straight answers and always be available for input by the public.
2. I have an ability to analyze and to get to the truth of the matter rather quickly. This has been accomplished through many years of experience in business acting as a consultant for over 50 companies in which my job was to analyze their problems and offer suggestions for improvement to meet specific goals. This, along with the fact that I have lived in Virginia Beach since 1968 and have watched the city grow from about 87,000 people to somewhere around 400,000 today, and having raised four children all of whom graduated from the Virginia Beach School System, I believe this has given me a keen sense of where we've come from and a great vision of where we need to go.
I will commit my tenure on the school board to seeing to it that we place more emphasis on the children, dollars per student, and less on administration and recreational facilities or other material things.
DANIEL EDWARDS
Age: 48
Address: 1500 block of Beachview Drive (Lake Christopher)
Occupation: Accountant
1. I will use my experience in public finance to get our fiscal crisis behind us. Although the 1996-97 budget will be finalized, it must be tracked while it is being spent. It is critical to ensure the funds are being spent as budgeted. New requirements must be provided from contingency funds or by not funding lower priority items.
Consolidation of the city and school finance and purchasing functions will be another critical process to be directed by the board. If done right, it will save money while maintaining the board's fiscal autonomy. If done poorly, the unique requirements of the schools will be subrogated to those of the city and the board will lose its fiscal authority.
Budget process and communication between Board and City Council must be improved so arbitrary reductions to the Board's budget are not made.
2. I have a unique combination of professional education and public finance experience with a proven focus on our young people.
I have 10 years experience as the Budget Officer and Controller for the Atlantic Fleet and Norfolk Naval Base, displaying budget requirements with realistic impact of funding increases and reductions. This includes spending a budget the size of the school's while not spending more than appropriated.
I am a certified teacher with some classroom experience and participated in WHRO-TV's Class of 2000 identifying needs for our schools in the future. I have been a member of the Beach school's PTA/PTSA since 1984.
I have worked for and with our city's young people as a Boy Scout leader (Cubmaster, Troop Committee Chairperson, Merit Badge Counselor), Tidewater Strider Youth Development Director, soccer coach and basketball official. My two children attend Beach public schools.
I have an MBA from William and Mary and a BS in education from Northwestern.
JAMES GRACE
Age: 44
Address: 2300 block of Custom Circle (Great Neck Estates)
Occupation: Educational specialist with D.P. Associates Inc.
1. During my two-year term I want to install a coherent, written, educational philosophy and related set of priorities within the Virginia Beach public school system. Such a document should be the basis for all budgets and curriculum decisions. It should also provide the long term goals for the superintendent's professional staff regardless of transitions in an elected school board. Without such a guiding document you get meaningless, indefensible budgets for your taxes, haphazard curriculum decisions for your children, and a rudderless superintendent and staff. It is the responsibility of the school board, as the community representatives, to provide this rudder to Dr. Jenny and his staff. It would be my primary goal.
2. While other candidates address their leadership and fiscal capabilities, and how things will be while they are in office, I am more concerned with how things will be after I leave office. I have built organizational frameworks such as the one mentioned above in organizations with budgets exceeding that of the Virginia Beach Public School System before. It is a difficult, time consuming effort getting people to finally voice and put into print their real priorities. I expect that getting this basic document together as a draft suitable for the superintendent's use and public review would take the whole of my two-year term. The long term positive effects on the infrastructure supporting your children's education would be worth it. Others see personal leadership as the only tool for change. I see school board process improvement as an additional and far more potent tool. That is what separates me from the crowd, and makes me the best candidate.
MICHAEL MOORE
Age: 46
Address: 1300 block of Measure Drive (Green Run)
Occupation: Probation counselor
1. I want to see all of our students receive the A-plus education to which they are entitled. We must find resolution to the ``budget shortfall'' suspicions that have paralyzed the system. Integrity and fiscal responsibility must be in place as safeguards for our future. Education our children has to be the first consideration.
Standards of Learning must be realized. Students must be encouraged to perform at levels that challenge their minds and sense of understanding, no matter how they are classified in the alphabet soup of diversity. Make certain that the curriculum of the future meets the needs of the students as they prepare to enter post-secondary institutions or the vocational or technical world. Reduction of truancy and dropout rates. Zero tolerance of drugs, weapons and violence.
Develop assessments that measure student achievement.
2. Having invested the past 25 years working with children and their parents, as an educator, counselor, coach and advisor, I know that my experiences have provided me with insights into the needs of children that others may not possess. As a probation counselor, I make difficult decisions every day that affect the lives of others. I have trusted and on going relationships with teachers, counselors, administrators and support staff. In the performance of my profession, I have to maintain a certain awareness of the programs available and where educational needs are not being met. I have taught special needs students and students in typical educational settings.
As PTA President at Landstown Middle School, I lead one of the largest parent/student bodies in the division. As President, I oversaw the formulation of the budget and income and expenditures.
I am a public servant and represent no other special interest group than our students and their families.
MICHAEL P. NAGELIN
Age: 41
Address: 5300 block of Roves Court (Charlestown Forest)
Occupation: Mortgage banker
1. There are two things I would like to accomplish on the School Board.
The first would be reviving a spirit of fiscal responsibility among the members of the Board, realizing we cannot initiate new programs or expand existing ones without the ability to pay for them. There will always be more deserving programs than funds or facilities will support. It is, therefore, crucial that we continually judge programs and curriculum by their ability to support the schools' mission; and, make that the priority in deciding which programs should be funded and which must wait until funds can be found.
The second would be increased emphasis on basic education. Reading, writing and basic mathematics would be introduced at the earliest opportunity and emphasized at all grade levels. And, the number of students in the classroom would be reduced during the first few years, allowing more individual attention.
2. My educational background includes a bachelor's degree from the Naval Academy, a master's degree in operations and management; completion of the North Carolina Effective Teacher Training Program; nationally certified mediator.
I bring the following personal and professional qualities to this position:
Honesty
High standards of personal and professional ethics,
Sincere concern for the education and future of the students in our public schools (I have three children in the Virginia Beach City Schools.)
A strong belief in fiscal responsibility,
The ability to ask questions and follow up on the answers,
Recognition that few matters are as simple as they appear on the surface. There are at least two sides to every subject and all sides need to be heard and considered prior to making decisions which affect people's lives.
Accessibility,
A flexible work schedule.
RAYMOND NEWLON
Age: 43
Address: 1700 block of Rally Drive (Broad Bay Estates)
Occupation: District Manager, Hapag-Lloyd (America) Inc.
1. First and most important I will work with the appointed and newly elected members to gain the confidence of the citizens in Virginia Beach. We will not be able to do our jobs as effectively if we do not meet this goal.
Next I would like to see continued emphasis on accountability from all levels. As board members,we need to be accountable to those who elected or selected us, the school administration will be accountable to the board, the schools will be accountable to the administration, and the students will be accountable in their performance as well. I will work to make sure we have the tools and resources necessary for all to reach this needed obligation. Therefore, I would like to have ended my term by saying we took an excellent school system and made it better through the cooperation of all the stakeholders.
2. I feel a key quality I possess is an ability to listen. As a board member, one must listen to an individual whether representing a concerned group or just their own concerns. I will use what I have heard and that which I have learned to make decisions based on good common sense. My common sense approach is enhanced by lessons learned in early childhood and adult life, such as the Golden Rule and that of walking in another man's shoes. Furthermore, as a board member we represent all stakeholders and I will be responsible in this duty.
Another quality I possess is the ability to sometimes check my views at the door prior to entering the boardroom and I will do this when the need arises. One also needs to have a Solomon approach at times and I can and will demonstrate this ability as a board member.
Lastly, I have strong abilities in accounting and fiscal responsibility through schooling and through my position as a district manager that will assist in budget matters.
KENNETH SIGMON
Age: 43
Address: 2200 block of Cantwell Road (Princess Anne Crossing)
Occupation: Virginia Beach campus director of Commonwealth College
1. First, it is paramount that we establish fiscal integrity within our school system as quickly as possible so that our focus can return to educating our children. Fiscal integrity coupled with demonstrated accountability will earn back the trust our community once had in the school board.
Second, we need to find creative ways to provide every student with computer/technology skills. To be successful in the workplace of today and tomorrow, and to succeed in the pursuit of post-secondary education, computer/technology skills are essential. The teaching of these skills must be the shared responsibility of teachers of all disciplines. WE are living in the ``information age.'' It is not longer appropriate to simply require students to memorize and recite information, there is far too much of it available. Students need to know how to access, manage and apply information.
Third, our students must see real-world relevance to the curriculum. The curriculum must also be delivered with a strong academic focus combined with workplace competencies. If a student doesn't make the connection between what is being taught in the classroom and how it will impact them in the real-world, the student will not be engaged and will not learn. The teaching methodology and classroom facilitation skills of our teachers are the key. A strong emphasis on training and the professional development of our teachers will insure that our classroom facilitation is the best it can be.
2. I am the only candidate which has extensive experience in financial analysis combined with current academic administrative experience. I spent 10 years working for one of the largest and most successful commercial financial organizations in the United States. The last six years I have spent in career college administration, which provides me with a ``big picture'' perspective on educational issues.
LOUIS SOSCIA
Age: 74
Address: 2600 block of Sandy Valley Road (Chesopeian Colony)
Occupation: Retired insurance sales manager
1. I would like to accomplish a stronger review and supervision of the spending of the school division to avoid a repetition of the financial scandal which we have undergone during the past several years.
Also, I'd like to attain and maintain a high level of educational standards. Smaller classes and teachers with higher teaching credentials would be two very important factors in attaining higher teaching and learning goals.
2. I am a retired Metropolitan Life employee with 28 years in sales management. In the position of Sales Manager, I was also involved in setting up annual district budgets and in periodically reviewing the district expenditures.
Therefore, I have the time, the experience and the curiosity to ask pertinent questions concerning the expenditures and the curriculum.
I also have a Masters Degree in Education from George Washington University (D.C.).
GEORGE COKER
Age: 53
Address: 1700 block of Valhalla Arch (Linkhorn Cove)
Occupation: Computer analyst with the Development Group at Fleet Training Center at Dam Neck
1. I want to re-establish the credibility of the School Board. Together with the City Council, we must work together to reach consensus on educational priorities. We must have a balanced budget. Within that budget, I will work to increase safety programs in our schools, encourage more parental involvement and improve teacher morale. It is essential that the School Board regain the faith and confidence of the people of our city.
2. I am a retired Naval flight officer and former POW. This unique experience taught me leadership, cooperation, perseverence and the integrity to do the right thing under extreme duress.
I am an active member of MENSA an have a BS degree in political science, as well as a minor in mathematics. I was a substitute teacher and I understand the day to day problems which arise in the classroom.
I was a soccer coach for eight seasons and an assistant football and baseball coach for the last three years. I am the Scoutmaster of Troop 62, and I support the PTAs at three schools. I have also been very active in community organizations: former President of our neighborhood recreation center, current vice-president of our neighborhood recreation center, current vice-president of my civic league, and treasurer of the Great Neck Association of Civic Leagues representing 35 civic leagues.
I have learned to work with parents, teachers and children, to lead, persuade, encourage and build consensus and rapport. I have also learned to make tough decisions when required. Although I am a ``first time'' candidate for public office, I have been a working volunteer with over 14 years of experience, serving my community because it is the right thing to do.
CLAUDE ``OKIE'' THOMPSON
Age: 68
Address: 1100 block of Rollingwood Arch (Bellamy Manor)
Occupation: Retired, Coast Guard officer
1. My efforts as a member of the School Board will be to build a team to manage efficiently and effectively one of the largest and most complex organizations in this region. This team must oversee the day to day operations of a school system with a diverse student body of some 76,000 students with differing languages, varied family support, separate physical ability or handicaps, wide range of learning capability and in some cases social or mental anxiety requiring specialized discipline. Each one of our students need individual attention and accountability for preparation to become productive members of a society entering the technology age of the 21st century. Our team must include school board superintendent and staff, City Council, parents and citizens - education is a community effort. Learning starts in the cradle and continues through life, but the early years have the greatest impact on the quality of our lives.
2. Starting my formal education in a one-room country school in Kansas and finishing with a graduate degree from MIT, I understand how a student can find interesting and long lasting challenges through a public school system. From my experience as an educator I know the challenges facing the classroom teacher, the counselor of students, the supervisor of faculty, the developer of budgets and the budget controller. From my 35 years in the Coast Guard and my 15 years in consulting I've been fortunate to have worked with local, state, national and international groups and have had an opportunity to be a part of technology growth. I welcome the challenge to prepare our students for the opportunities of the future. As a parent and a grandparent I believed and continue to believe in the public schools.
AL WALLACE III
Age: 51
Address: 4600 block of Chippendale Court (Haygood Point)
Occupation: Project engineer
1. Expected accomplishments if elected:
A. Better prepared high school graduates for college by expanding advanced placement (AP) and magnet courses.
B. Improved community involvement with shared decision making through volunteer mini school boards in each city borough.
C. Conduct ``bottom-up'' review of the school organizationto establish an effective and responsive organization reflecting the (true) needs of the students, teachers and programs.
D. Expanding technical, career educational programs and enhancing counseling programs.
E. Assistance to at-risk students by establishing an intensive intervention program.
F. Promote a professional and working relationship with the City Council.
G. Standardize the school bell. There are too many variations which include block schedule, modified block, eight bell day, and the standard seven bell day.
2. The skills I possess to make me the best candidate for the school board:
A. With a Masters degree in Engineering Management and the experience from naval active duty, I routinely conduct research, ferret out details and provide recommendations and solutions.
B. Directed and supervised projects including cost accounting and control.
C. Experienced with $100,000 plus budgets.
D. Participated in Planning Council at Bayside High School and Old Donations Center (ODC), Media Liaison Representative for Bayside High School and the Parent, Teacher, Student Association (PTSA) at Bayside, Virginia Beach City Public Schools Fine Arts Advisory Council (Founder and past Chair), ``Brilliance in Bayside'' committee, sponsored by the School System, and Community Networking Association (CNA) for Education Reform. AT LARGE, 4-YEAR TERM ( 2 VACANCIES)
ROBERT BEARDSLEY
Age: 40
Address: 3700 block of Surry Road (Ocean Park)
Occupation: Certified Public Accountant
1. During my term I hope to see: A) A major private sector supplemented expansion in curriculum for computers and technology. B) Regular proactive reviews of the school system administration by the School Board for the purpose of identifying and eliminating waste and bureaucratic obstacles to education. C) A regimented process for reviewing the preparation of budget worksheets, budget transfers, internal audits, and budget line source input from, for example, department heads. D) Monthly reviews of budgeted against actual month end and year to date revenue and expense figures by the School Board. Selecting line items with a variance of more than one-half percent for extended review with department heads. E) Annual independent audits of the above procedures and their effectiveness. F) A combined city and school system bookkeeping and payroll department.
2. I am the only Certified Public Accountant candidate and I have over 16 years of experience in budgeting, financial analysis, audits of Fortune 100 businesses and municipalities, and general management skills. My career experience taught me to ask questions until answers add up and not to spend money that does not exist. In addition to my professional skill, I have the required diversity of background and experience to be effective, including: U.S. Navy veteran, graduate (magna cum laude) of a Catholic college in New York City, father of three children in the school system (elementary, middle and high school), local business owner and taxpayer. I feel it is essential the School Board have members whose skills go beyond the area of education, and whose stand involves more than a simple desire to help the community. The taxpayers spend millions every year for education professionals who cannot function if they are second guessed by board members who are not focused on overseeing a half billion dollar enterprise.
RAYMOND BECK
Age: 51
Address: 2900 block of Lynnhaven Drive (Lynnhaven Colony)
Occupation: Semi-retired building contractor and former teacher
1. As a school board member I would advise parents via each school's newsletter of the opportunities in vocational education. Forums should be held for parents to hear the vocational school teachers explain their strengths and needs. We currently have a need for dental assistants, computer repair mechanics, machinists and an expansion of automotive trades. I would recommend that eighth grade students work with a vocational school student for a day. This could be done five times during the school year so that the student could work in several trade areas. We need to graduate a greater percentage of students with life-work skills.
A second objective would be to examine the administration for the purpose of consolidation. Do we need to fill the position of Deputy Superintendent? Do we need 61 instructional specialists? Do we need a public relations office? I would recommend use of the savings from administrative consolidation to be used to support the classroom teacher regarding preparation equipment and audio-visual teaching tools.
Bringing the School Board meetings to the neighborhoods would also be a major objective. I really want to avoid future debacles we must make it convenient for citizens to attend. We must begin and end meetings at reasonable times. I foresee adding one more meeting each month in order to allow more participation by the public.
2. My former experience as a teacher will be invaluable as a school board member. My overriding question regarding all decisions will be: ``How will this decision help the classroom teacher reach every student?'' I know where the basic essentials of education take place.
Being a small business owner, I would look at every budget expense as if it were a personal expense. Many areas of the current proposed budget could be cut without affecting classroom instruction.
SANDY BOWIE
Age: 46
Address: 1700 block of Oxen Court (Green Hill Farm)
Occupation: Adjunct professor at Old Dominion University
1. As an educator committed to maintaining a high level of excellence in instruction, I would like to accomplish the following:
The School Board should cooperatively establish aset of standards elevating highly effective and updated instructional strategies, to review inclusion as the least restrictive environment and share the best practices used in ``site-based'' management for more consistency and quality of education. I support the assessment of students, teachers and programs toward higher standards and goals.
Sound fiscal responsibility needs to be regained; a broadened base of communication between City Council, School Board and Constituents of Virginia Beach needs to be restored.
2. I am a graduate of Ursinus College in Collegeville, Penn., with a masters degree from Old Dominion University. I taught as a classroom teacher and physical education specialist, having been recognized as the Virginia State Teacher of the year, and as a supervisor of student teachers for Old Dominion University in the Hampton Roads area. I have aunique perspective on the workings of a public school system. As a small business owner/consultant, I understand how to successfully operate and manage finances.
Also, as a Board Member for the Virginia Beach City Union of the Kings Daughters, the Boys and Girls Clubs of South Hampton Roads and the John B. Dey Elementary School PTA, Planning Council, the Virginia Beach Swim League and as a Sunday school and bible teacher for Wycliffe Presbyterian Church, I have proven leadership skills and a commitment to civic endeavors. I have learned to use tact, good judgment and cooperation to achieve the goals of the organization. I have the support of my husband, ``Tuck,'' and my two children, Bryan, 12, a sixth grader at Great Neck Elementary School; and Katie, 10, a fourth grader at John B. Dey Elementary School.
DONALD BRADWAY
Age: 45
Address: 4800 block of Admiration Drive (Bellamy Manor Estates)
Occupation: Vice President Operations, IDAX Inc.
1. Based on the recent financial management crisis and the associated loss of credibility, the Virginia Beach School System is faced with a major challenge to restore confidence in the ability of the School Board and Administration to move positively forward in the education of our students. This can be accomplished when all parties involved - board members, administrators, teachers, parents and the citizens - have open and meaningful communication about the issues.
I will ensure the emphasis of the curriculum is centered on communications (written, verbal, and visual), mathematics, science and social studies. I will strive to have computer and advanced technology education for all students. Combining the core curriculum with training in computers and advanced technology will give our students the foundation for higher education and future employment.
2. I am the vice president of operations for IDAX Inc., an application software and microprocessor equipment product company that implements information technology systems for machinery monitoring and diagnostic analysis of equipment conditions. In this position I am responsible for program and project administration, financial management, technical service support and general management. These managerial skills, specifically including decision making regarding personnel and finances, are mandatory whether operating a business or guiding a school system. Managing an innovative high technology company, I am aware of the skills we must provide students to be prepared for the 21st century.
I have extensive experience in both business and civic organizations in problem solving and consensus building to move all parties toward a common goal. This is accomplished through my ability to foster open communication, yet listen and react to the primary issues of the organization.
BOB BRICH
Age: 52
Address: 600 block of Oxford Circle (Kings Grant)
Occupation: Executive vice president of Management Systems Applications Inc.
1. My major objectives for accomplishment during my term on the School Board include:
A guarantee that our children's needs as students are always first.
To restore harmony within the school system so that it can reach its full potential.
To regain the image that Virginia Beach once enjoyed for having a top school system.
To use my skills, credentials and experience to provide the fiscal responsibility and sound decisions necessary for the future of our schools.
To work with teachers and interested parents to secure the best schools possible for our children and community.
2. I believe that I have a unique combination of skills, credentials and experience that separate me from the other candidates seeking election to the school board. First, I have the financial focus gained from my business background as executive vice president of a technology firm recently ranked number 13 of 50 fastest growing companies in Virginia. Second, I have the life discipline from my career and training as a fighter pilot to make the tough decisions that will face our school board. Third, I am a former school teacher who can identify with and understand the school system. My educational credentials include a bachelor of science in education, a master of business administration in finance, a current Virginia Teachers Certificate and I am in my dissertation phase for a Ph.D. at Old Dominion University. As a 24-plus year resident of the community, with three children who graduated from Virginia Beach public school programs, board member on the Tidewater Center for Technology Access, and past chairman of the ``Clean the Bay Day.'' I am committed to using these skills, credentials and experience in making a difference on our school board.
JOSHUA F. EDWARDS SR.
Age: 59
Address: 2100 block of Brush Hill Lane
Occupation: Education professor, Norfolk State University
1. As a School Board member I would like to continue:
A) To insure that the children of Virginia Beach receive the best education possible.
B) To insist that strategies be developed and employed that will permit each student to achieve to the highest possible level no matter where they live or physical/emotional disabilities that they may have.
C) To insure that the school system is physically well-managed and accountable to the taxpayers. To assist in and direct our school system in an approach to integrating Educational Technology into the process of instruction. The school systems need to personalize the unique needs of individual students.
There needs to be improved effectiveness of schools in meeting these needs at current, or perhaps reduce, levels of resources. These goals are obtainable if we restructure the ration of human and capital input in the schooling process and take advantage of existing information and communication technologies. These are some educational goals and objectives I would like to accomplish during my term on the Virginia Beach School Board using the Site-Based management approach.
2. I will bring to the Board a background of experience that includes teaching and administration at the elementary, secondary, community college, college and university levels, as well as having a wealth of experience gleaned from various boards and membership in many professional organizations. Presently I am on the Virginia Beach Human Rights Commission and was elected vice chairman Feb. 1 to a two-year term.
STEVEN EMMANUEL
Age: 36
Address: 500 block of Canterbury Road (Kings Grant)
Occupation: Philosophy professor, Virginia Wesleyan College
1. As we begin to work toward the current budget crisis, we must remember that an effective solution will require more than sound fiscal management. Fiscal rehabilitation must go hand in hand with the ongoing task of improving the quality of public education. This can be done by concentrating our efforts in two areas. The first is curricular reform. Our objective should be to create a system of basic schooling that is as good as any private education currently available. To achieve this goal will require a clearer definition of the aims of public education, and a firm commitment to focus our resources on what is essential to the academic mission of our schools. It will also require setting a higher standard of learning for all students - a standard that not only aims at ensuring proficiency in the core subjects, but also emphasizes the importance of the fine arts and foreign languages. By following the recommendations of some of our leading educational experts, this type of reform can be realized without placing additional strains on the school budget.
2. Secondly, we must make every effort to ensure that our children arrive at school prepared to learn. To achieve this goal, the School Board must work to enlighten the community about the goals of basic schooling, and to educate parents about what they can do to prepare their children to be productive learners. The School Board should also take a leadership role in encouraging community efforts to provide tutelage and nurture for preschoolers in the disadvantaged neighborhoods of our city.
As a father of children in the public school system, I am committed to making sure that every child receives the best education possible. As a professional educator, I have the knowledge and experience to provide effective leadership in this area.
ANN G. EWING
Age: 49
Address: 1500 block of Duke of Windsor Road (Alanton)
Occupation: Teacher and restaurant owner
1. During my term on the school board, I would like to see a solid working relationship between the board, city council and superintendent. There should be a compatible vision with a realistic budget to accomplish mutual goals. There should be a restoration of credibility through open dialogue with the community and a firm sense of accountability on all sides.
Specifically, I would like a budget that pays salaries to teachers' assistants and custodians that are well above the state average rather than well below. I would like to see a sizeable reduction in student-teacher ratios, an increase in spending per student, and an increase in the use of technology in the classroom. The curriculum should be more relevant to the real world and a watchful eye should be kept on the student population growth. I would like to see a cut on the administrative level with more emphasis on the needs of the individual classroom.
Every child should attend a school that is safe, clean and staffed with caring, motivated individuals who are committed to providing a positive learning experience every day.
2. Being a business owner and having been involved in every phase of education over the last 30 years and having participated on various curriculum and advisory committees, I have the exact qualifications to put the focus of the School Board where it belongs. . . on the needs of the children.
VERNON FIX
Age: 65
Address: 4800 block of Princess Anne Road
Occupation: Retired Navy lieutenant commander
1. One big reason that I am running is to oppose Goals 2000 and Outcome Based Education. We must stop this from ruining our schools. My promise would be to work for a better educational system, and financial responsibility. We need more academic courses and less social diversions. We need ``real'' grade promotions.
I believe that parents of all faiths should begin concentrating on teaching children from age 0 to 7 or 8 years in what is right and wrong. I believe that if you train the child during these years this child will be trained for life.
As for the decline in federal and state monies; if you don't have it you can't spend it. We need to look carefully for areas to cut. Painful as it is we must. I question the advisability of a tax increase.
One step to fiscal responsibility: I would have monthly readouts of the budget progress, insisting on spending within budget. At no time would I be more than one month away from balance.
2. I have lived in Virginia Beach this time for 24 years. Three of my four children graduated from local schools. I have a BSBA from Ohio State University. I served 21 years in the U.S. Navy, rising from seaman to LCDR before retiring to attend Ohio State. I have no previous political experience. I perform community work through the church. I attend Kempsville Presbyterian Church. I would not vote against my personal beliefs.
As a LCDR in the Navy, I ran a large school, the Gunnery School, for three years. We had many of the same problems being experienced here. Low budget, not enough instructors, and impossible deadlines. But we managed to get it done. In a larger sense, I believe that a school board member must be qualified in areas other than just accounting and management. The bigger problem now in schools is a social and moral decline at all levels. This must be stopped and I feel that I can make a difference.
STUART GORDON
Age: 58
Address: 1600 Barnards Cove Road (Thoroughgood)
Occupation: Attorney
1. As a member of the Virginia Beach School Board, I would seek to restore the trust and confidence that is necessary for healthy communication between the school board, school administration, city council and the public.
Because of the shortfall, there is an atmosphere of recrimination and finger pointing that must be put aside if Virginia Beach is to bring its educational system into the 21st century.
City Council must be convinced that the funds provided are being utilized in the most effective and efficient manner. In exchange, City Council must come to understand that the education of our children is not an expense but an investment which must be adequately funded.
Teachers, principals and administrators must be assured that we appreciate their effort and talent. Together, we can raise morale and recapture the pride and vision which was the hallmark of the Virginia Beach School System.
We must involve the community in our schools so they can enthusiastically support programs, policies and funding.
Once there has been a restoration of trust and confidence between all of the parties, we can aggressively engage in the education of our children.
2. I believe I can bring to the School Board my skills as a no nonsense lawyer and businessman and my vision of the opportunities an excellent public school education can provide.
As an innovator I founded a chain of legal clinics throughout Tidewater which brought affordable legal services to the community. As a businessman, I made it a success. I prepared budgets, monitored income and expenses and managed personnel. I have developed the skills of a communicator, mediator and advocate.
I am dedicated to the proposition that public education is the foundation of an informed and viable democracy.
ROBERT MANDIGO
Age: 43
Address: 100 block of Gallant Fox Road (Carolanne Farms)
Occupation: Auditor, U.S. General Accounting Office
1. Strengthen the curriculum with more emphasis on reading, reading comprehension, writing, and analytical problem-solving skills at all grade levels.
Further involve parents and community volunteers who are able to bring perspectives and experiences unavailable in the normal classroom for the students to understand better the import of their persistence in pursuing their education. These volunteers can show students how their daily courses of business meld the applications of math, communications, analysis, and history; often over-laid through computer technology, and always interacting with other people.
Upgrading computer systems. Providing staff and students training to best apply the technology, including the Internet.
Improve management and oversight of school system administration to ensure the best uses of our resources and to re-establish citizen trust in our stewardship.
2. Extensive experience in working on teams in setting and achieving goals. Work well with others and communicate ideas well. Able and willing to listen, learn, assess our progress, and act for the changes we must make to improve education, employee morale, and rebuild citizen confidence.
Twenty years of evaluating a broad range of federal programs, involving performance, management controls, budget formulation and execution, contract administration, health care, maintenance, and inventory management.
Experience in computer technology, including the Internet. Seven years as a trustee for a local recreation club, including President and Treasurer, making and implementing policies for club operations, conducting member relations, hiring employees, preparing and executing annual budgets.
Served on school planning councils and in numerous school activities.
JOHN MASON
Age: 37
Address: 5200 block of Lowery Downs (Stratford Chase)
Occupation: former Naval officer now a graduate student at Old Dominion University
1. I have two major goals while serving on the school board. The first, is a rigorous college preparatory program that would become the model for the state and nation.
To accomplish that goal will require high standards, beginning in elementary school and requiring the cooperation of parents and other citizens. I also favor an expansion of the adopt-a-school program to include college students of all disciplines.
The second area of emphasis, would be on the vocational education program. The future work force requires a solid foundation in English, math and science. An historical perspective of America and western civilization is also a necessity for our republic to continue to grow strong and remain free. Coupling the solid academics with specific skills that the child has an aptitude and an attitude will be instrumental in preparing the youth for the challenges of tomorrow.
2. I am the best person for the job because I have the tenacity to do what is right regardless of the popularity of the decision. With a master's degree (May '96) in education, I understand the pedagogy and can work with the superintendent, administrators, principals and teachers to establish budget priorities. As an economist, I understand the concept of limited resources and the necessity for trade-offs. I can establish the priorities to use those limited resources to effectively and efficiently lead the Virginia Beach school system into the 21st century.
GEORGE MELYNK
Age: 28
Address: 1800 block of Winter Wheat Court (Landstown Meadows)
Occupation: Project manager for Premier Millwork & Lumber Co.
1. As a member of the School Board, I will heed the call of the Public School's mission statement to ensure that each student is empowered with the knowledge and skills necessary to meet the challenges of the future. In an effort to accomplish this goal I will commit myself to attaining a challenging curriculum and quality education for all students within the confines of the budget. I am committed to a return to the basic fundamentals of education, a safe learning environment and parental accountability. I will also encourage parental involvement by being accessible to parents and students at weekend forums to address their concerns. Finally, I will strive to re-establish trust with the public and cooperation with the City Council in an effort to maintain a positive relationship with the Virginia Beach community.
2. I am a people person and a good listener who can turn thoughts and ideas into actions. I am employed in a small, family business where I have learned the importance of managing finances. I have common sense and am not afraid to question when I do not understand. I am a devoted husband and father and I am a man of integrity and principles based on morals and values. I am young, hard working and dedicated to the future of our educational system, children and community.
MIKE MITCHELL
Age: 47
Address: 5400 block of Angus Drive (Brigadoon Woods)
Occupation: Director of Contracts for Management Systems Applications Inc.
1. While serving on the School Board, I will work with school administrators, teachers, parents and the local business community to develop fiscally prudent, cooperative programs to reduce student-to-teacher ratios, provide after-school tutoring and SAT preparation programs, and emphasize a strong foundation in the basic precepts ofreading, writing and arithmetic in grades K-6, while improving our gifted, career development and special education programs. My goals are to increase the number of sixth graders passing all three components of the Literacy Passport Test, improve the percentage of ninth graders being promoted , improve the overall student performance on the Iowa Basic Skills Test and the Tests of Achievement & Proficiency by a minimum of 10 percent, and improve the percentage of All Beach athletes academically qualified for Division 1 scholarships to a minimum of 80 percent with my four-year term.
2. I have worked with Beach schools to ensure that my four daughters and custodial nephew graduated with the best possible education commensurate with their abilities. I volunteer four nights a week and frequent Saturdays with the Make A Difference Foundation to mentor/tutor middle and high school students seeking to improve their grades and be promoted to the next level and improve their SAT scores in order to qualify for college admission and for both academic and athletic scholarships. As a member of the Hampton Roads Sharks board of directors, I have been an advocate of their community and school involvement to promote drug-free, safe schools and the importance of education. I have an MBA from the University of Virginia and over 20 years of financial management experience within both the Navy and local business community.
JANE NOSONCHUK
Age: 36
Address: 1300 block of Northvale Drive (Rosemont Forest South)
Occupation: Pediatric nurse practitioner
1. During my term on the School Board, I would like to see a new era of communication in the city of Virginia Beach. As Dr. Timothy R. Jenney has made himself available to those of us who have called for a bit of his time and has patiently related his policies and rationales for his decisions, so should we all in public office. I am sure all the candidates have special areas of interest for the school system; however, our most important responsibility will be to provide an excellent example of respect and cooperation as we make some difficult decisions for all the children of Virginia Beach. We are role models for the children.
Other important projects I would like to have accomplished in my term would include a focus on improved early childhood educational foundations (preschool to G3) and continued programs for students of all skill levels and differing career interests. In addition, I expect to see an overall improvement in moral and support from and for school personnel from every part of the community as we draw together for the best school system in the state.
2. The best skill I can offer is my knowledge of children - older, younger, brilliant, challenges, ``at-risk,'' angry, frustrated, well-adjusted - all children. I know that no child is a lost cause. I advocate for children and their families professionally as well as personally having both gifted children and a special education child at home. I will keep our focus on your children.
JAMES POLK
Age: 38
Address: 4561 Genoa Circle (Columbus Loop)
Occupation: Clinical psychologist
1. Balancing the budget and insuring accurate fiscal accountability, while making sure funding is adequate to bring our school system up to national standards.
Create After-School Homework Centers, where the children of working parents can stay after to get their homework done under volunteer parental supervision.
Place modern computers in every classroom by the end of my term, and provide adequate training to staff and students. Computers are now a necessity, not a luxury.
Work to reduce truancy, ensure all graduates are literate and prepare for either work or college.
2. I am the only candidate with all the needed educational, legislative, financial and teacher experience. I am the only candidate with a doctoral degree in a field specifically designed to understand child development, design and monitor programs and to understand human behavior. My bachelor's is from Michigan State University in psychology, my master's is from Penn State University in individual and family studies and my doctorate in clinical psychology is from Florida Tech. I am the only candidate with extensive legislative experience in our State Legislature. This past year I served as the Chair for the Legislative Committee for the Virginia Academy of Clinical Psychology and was in Richmond at least once a week working with lobbyists and legislators during the session. I have teaching experience with the students of Regent University, Old Dominion University, the College of William and Mary and EVMS. I have financial and business experience from running my own practice, from graduate level coursework, and from being the budget officer of my clinic when I was in the Air Force. I am an active PTA member and have children at Trantwood.
MICHAEL PROKOPCHAK
Age: 43
Address: 5100 block of Stratford Chase Drive (Stratford Chase)
Occupation: Schoolteacher/Science Department chairman, Norfolk Public Schools
1. We are all too well aware of the recent budget problems and deficit. Eventually, through sound and thoughtful fiscal decisions, I am confident the system willregain its financial integrity. But there still remains the task of sustaining, guiding, and nurturing the educational system for our children. There are two areas I feel are of most concern to teachers, students and parents.
Curriculum in all area needs to be evaluated and restructured to incorporate new technology and instructional strategies. These strategies will enhance teacher instruction and assessment of student understanding.
Safe schools are necessary for quality education in the classroom. The teacher's role is to instruct students. In order to achieve this goal, disruptions in the classroom should not be tolerated. Many problems are a result of conflicts between students who do not have education as a priority. A program is needed to help students put conflicts aside. Those students who are uncooperative should not jeopardize the educational environment of others and should be placed in an alternative school.
The changes in both curriculum and school safety will help to improve test scores and student success in the classroom. But administrators and teachers cannot achieve these goals alone. Parents need to emphasize the importance of their child's educational success also.
2. I am an experienced educator of 18 years and currently teach in a public school system. I have first-hand knowledge of student, parent, teacher and administrator concerns.. I have served on curriculum committees at the high school and middle school levels. I have participated in leadership workshops. I am aware of the importance of keeping our children competitive in the real world.
PEDRO RODRIGUEZ
Age: 67
Address: 2100 block of Wolfsnare Road (Hilltop)
Occupation: Veterinarian and retired army colonel and retired civil service
1. If elected, I would view my performance from two perspectives: short and long term.
A. Since there is a deficit that must be balanced, I see two solutions: taxation and bonds; perhaps a combination of both. Taxes would provide an immediate relief while bonds would provide delayed relief.
B. Our teaching staff salaries must be upgraded in order to insure retention and recruitment of the best qualified teachers. I would oppose cuts of teaching staff, classes or programs.
C. I would pursue a program with other city departments to provide infallible safety measures in our schools. Safety of our student body, teaching staff and other school employees is paramount and cannot be relegated to less than top priority.
D. Promote community participation in school affairs and activities. I would nominate committees to study ways and means for the benefit of our school system with participation of parents, teachers and community representatives.
E. Promote public forums to explore public opinion about potential projects to benefit our public school system.
2. I am a professional leader by education and training. I have dedicated my life to studying and teaching. I have completed two careers with the federal government civil service and as a colonel for the U.S. Army, totaling 43 years of service. I have obtained several university diplomas including two doctorates. I have taught school (grades kindergarten to high school) for the last 15 years and have been a tutor of students for an equal number of years in several disciplines.
I was a chairman of the Puerto Rico National Guard Menu Board for three years and have been five times president of civic organizations and advisor or counselor to many others, including SPCA, Boy Scouts, 4-H Clubs and Homeowners and Community Associations.
NEIL L. ROSE
Age: 36
Address: 1300 block of Harris Road (Little Neck)
Occupation: Tax and business attorney
1. To make certain that all children in our community, regardless of their faith, race or economic background, have the opportunity to receive an excellent education. We need to work on:
A. Accountability for students, teachers and administrators. Everyone should understand their role, have measurable goals, be recognized for good work and be accountable for problems.
B. Smaller classes. Beginning with the younger students.
C. Challenging curriculum. For all students, we must provide the tools they need to compete, including appropriate technology and foreign languages at a younger age.
D. Careful budget review. We must review budgets as they are prepared and implemented.
E. Support for our educators. Our teachers must be properly compensated and we need to provide the tools and supplies they need to be effective.
F. Promoting community involvement. We need to work with businesses to bring technology and business applications to our students.
2. I attended Virginia Public Schools and earned my B.S. in finance and law degree from U.Va., a master's in taxation from Georgetown, and graduated from the Chamber's Leadership Hampton Roads Program. My training, business and tax law practice and community service have developed the skills needed in a strong board member. With three young sons in the Virginia Beach schools, I understand the needs of families.
I have served on many boards, and now serve as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Leadership Hampton Roads; my congregation, Beth El, as a director and officer; on the Board of my Kiwanis Club; and as President of the Hampton Roads Tax Forum.
I view my common sense as my strongest attribute. I can't know everything, but I do know when to ask questions.
FRANK ROUGH
Age: 49
Address: 3200 Clubhouse Road (Princess Anne Plaza)
Occupation: Student at Norfolk State University's Graduate School and a substitute teacher for gifted and special education
1. If elected to the Virginia Beach School Board, I will strive to maintain an open forum with the citizens of Virginia Beach either through radio, the press, a newsletter or through personal communications. One issue that seems to gather an inordinate amount of attention is that of financial stability. In spite of mistakes made by the previous school administration, I am confident that both the city and the school system are sound and have positive and productive futures ahead. I will, however, steadfastly seek out answers to budget questions that could adversely affect the smooth operation of our schools. Special education is another area in which I have a personal interest. I sincerely believe the Virginia Beach City Public School System can be adequately funded, properly operated, and reasonably expanded by simply following sound management and oversight practices.
2. The qualities I can bring to a four-year at-large seat on the Virginia Beach School Board are based on my career as a Navy educator and having studied the past eight years in business, government and special education. I am currently a graduate student at Norfolk State University, pursuing an MAT degree, and state teaching certification in special education, both gifted and emotionally disturbed/learning disabled. I coach three creative problem-solving teams at Kemps Landing Magnet School and work part time as a substitute teacher at the Center for Effective Learning, the Literacy Center, Old Donation Center and Kemps Landing Magnet School. I hold a bachelor of arts degree in business administration from Saint Leo College (1992) and a master's degree in public administration from Troy State University (1994). I am married and have a daughter, Rebecca Rose Rough, age 11, who attends Kemps Landing.
SONJA WATTS
Age: 41
Address: 4800 block of Princess Anne Road (Kempsville)
Occupation: Teacher at Norfolk Preparatory High School and Providence Bible College
1. As a candidate for a four-year at-large seat for the Virginia Beach School Board (a 1994 candidate for the Kempsville Borough), I envision a call for a ``Renaissance'' in our school system.. With this in mind, I plan to accomplish this task inthe following ways: (1) ensure more tangible evidence of our tax dollars for new high academic standards, (2) maintain accountability in education with money not being thrown ``at education'' but ``into education,'' (3) provide insight into the Standards of Learning (SOL's) and the Standards of Quality (SOQ's), (4) propose adequate curriculum revisions where applicable to increase SAT scores, (5) Involve parents in their children's education, (6) restore and maintain adequate and stable funding, (7) propose giving teachers better training for professional development, and (8) prepare our children to become ``lifelong learners.''2.My credentials and leadership services are exemplary of my proficiency in serving as a School Board member. Along with my Bachelor's Degree in English, I have also earned a Master's Degree in Education with an emphasis in Administration, Supervision and Human Relations. I have served on councils and boards working on city-wide curriculum development, overseeing proper implementation of Site-Based Management (SBM), serving as a liaison between school building and the Superintendent through the Superintendent's Professional Senate,, serving as a member of a college Academic Board, functioning as Dean of Women at a college, establishing budgeting and operational procedures of one of Norfolk's fastest growingchurches. My experiences as a community leader and pioneer prove my community involvement: director of a tutorial program, founder of Restorer of Hope International, publisher and editor of its newsletter, and founder of A Chosen Generation, a rehabilitative outreach program.
ROSEMARY WILSON
Age: 45
Address: 900 block of Windsor Road (Bay Colony)
Occupation: Former teacher and small business owner
1. The board needs to re-establish fiscal responsibility. The internal auditor must report directly to the board, monthly reports to the board must compare actual revenues and expenditures with the budget and explain significant variances.
The board needs to restore trust among the citizens, City Council and school personnel. I would like to appoint more citizens to School Board subcommittees.
In cooperation with the superintendent, school personnel, parents, students and community representatives, the board needs to develop a vision. We need to expand our technology and alternative education programs so we can reach all students. We need to emphasize for all students the fundamentals: reading, writing and mathematics.
We need to ensure that our schools are safe and our students are disciplined.
2. Being a lifelong resident of this area, I bring to the School Board, a consistency with a historical perspective. I graduated from Bayside High School. I have a bachelor's in education, summa cum laude, Old Dominion University. I am a former Virginia Beach teacher, a wife for over 20 years, and the mother of two successful public school students. I operate a small business, however, there has not been a week in the last five years, that I was not in a Virginia Beach Public School. I helped develop and implement the Virginia Beach Middle School strategic plan.
School Board members should:
Be genuinely interested in and devoted to improving schools.
Possess good people skills, be independent thinkers, and look at issues from all sides.
Be open minded, willing to listen, and be influenced by facts rather than by emotion.
Be courageous, willing to take responsibility, and stand by statements and decisions.
Be in good standing with the community, have integrity.
I believe I have these qualities. PRINCESS ANNE
FRANKLAND BABONIS
Age: 44
Address: 1200 block of Culver Lane (Ocean Lakes)
Occupation: Owner, F and M Environmental Technology
1.I would strongly enhance the continuing development of Magnet centers, but my main goalwould be working for the 70 percent of students who would come out of high school with just a diploma, having very few skills. NOT EVERY STUDENT WILL ATTEND OR EVEN COMPLETE COLLEGE. We should lay the foundation for a highly skilled work force with education as the key to competitiveness. We need to teach our students to understand not MEMORIZATION. I will work for school-to-work programs that prepare students for careers, but along these guidelines is a strong academics background.
I develop a strong partnership with business, labor, industry, parents, City Council, and school personnel. This is important for all levels of education.
I will work with City Council to develop a credible plan for fiscal balance and implement more realistic budgetary and expenditure controls.
Education strives for more education, it's a life-long learning process.
2. I feel that my background with the military and the development of my own company has provided me with the insight needed to be a School Board member. I can work with the teachers, parents, school personnel, City Council, but also deal with a full spectrum - commercial, military, construction, manufacturing, and governmental agencies. As owner of a new company I have developed it from the beginning so I have the experience in accounting, administration, able to prepare in-depth operation analysis reports for the company. I am familiar with the environmental issues that are in the schools because my company deals with this daily.
My agenda to the parents, the children, the teachers and citizens of Virginia Beach is that I will be accountable and responsible to return the credibility and financial stability to this school system.
ARCHIE DeBAUN
Age: 32
Address: 800 block of Park Place Drive (Park Place)
Occupation: Accountant
1. While on the School Board, the first accomplishment I would like to achieve is the balancing of the School Board budget. As described in the bylaws of the School Board, ``regular auditing of all accounts'' is considered among one of the most important duties and responsibilities. With a budget that is properly implemented, it insures that all programs receive the appropriate funding so with the City Council to help increase school funding and assure them that a budget crisis is not in the making. Increasing communications with the City Council will, hopefully, help them understand the need for increased funding for the School Board.
2. I am the best person for this job because as an accountant I have the experience and knowledge in budgeting and financial management necessary to effectively implement the School Board budget and make sure that it does not wander from its goal. I have ten years of experience in performing independent audits which will be helpful in reviewing the School Board audit of accounts. Also, my experience in civic organizations has given me this understanding of working as a team to accomplish the goals of the group.
"LES'' POWELL
Age: 41
Address: 2000 block of Hedgelawn Way (Red Mill Farm)
Occupation: Trooper, Virginia State Police
1. I will work to improve the academic and technological skills of the students graduating from our schools. This will involve both updating equipment in the schools and training the teachers who will teach the skills. I will explore the possibility of receiving grant money from federal and state governments and from the private sector. Teachers should be prepared with the skills and knowledge necessary to prepare our children for the future. Because the world is changing so rapidly, teacher training should be an on-going process. This training will enable teachers to provide an atmosphere which encourages learning and provides the best education possible.
I will work to provide all school employees with channels to communicate concerns and suggest ways to improve our school system without fear of retaliation. Two concerns that have already been expressed to me are class size, and safety and discipline in the schools.
2. I feel I have developed the qualities of effective leadership through my profession as a Virginia State Trooper, through my charity work, and as a volunteer in the Virginia Beach school system. I am able to listen and understand the viewpoint of others. I have the ability to ask the questions to get the information necessary to make appropriate decisions in any situation.
Through my volunteer work with schools I have developed an understanding of the daily activity that occurs in schools at all levels. I have a child in both middle and high school. I can relate to the parents of children enrolled in our school system. An effective leader must be able to communicate with parents, teachers and students in our school system. I am already communicating with them on a daily basis. LYNNHAVEN
MIGUEL RSUAGA
Age: 51
Address: 500 block of Surfside Ave. (Croatan Beach)
Occupation: Retired from Navy
1. I would like to conduct a zero-based review of each job position in the School's Administrative Division, in order to verify: (a) What it is supposed to be doing; (b) If it is performing that task; and (c) Most important, is that task still essential? Then I would recommend an appropriate level of downsizing. Over the past 30 years, we have created layer upon layer of bureaucracy in our school's administrative division until now the organization is both monolithic and difficult to understand. I question whether all that staffing and funding is needed, especially when there are so many classroom and student needs. Two such needs come to mind: teaching assistants and adequate locker space. In summary, I believe that our administrative overhead is too high and should be cut.
2. As Executive Officer of a Submarine Tender for three years, I encountered many of the same types of ``bureaucratic cliques'' within the 1,200 person crew of my command that exists within the School's Administrative Divisions today. As budget and manning cuts were placed on my ship from above, it was important to get more productivity from a smaller crew, which went from 1,200 upon my arrival to 1,030 by the end of my tenure. I was so successful that Vice Admiral B.M. Kauderer, Commander Submarine Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, (COMSUBLANT), named me the most successful Submarine Tender Executive Officer of the decade of the 1980's.
In my next job as Assistant Chief of Staff for Personnel and Manning at COMSUBLANT Headquarters, I planned and ran the Submarine Force Travel and Training budget of $2 million.
NANCY GUY
Age: 38
Address: 2400 block of Haversham Close (Chelsea)
Occupation: Former attorney
1. I want to help restore confidence in our school system. To accomplish this, the board must first achieve financial stability. We must implement the measures called for in the Special Grand Jury report, including consolidation of certain City and School financial functions and provide competent financial oversight.
I would also like to return the focus of the board to educational policy, and the focus of the school system to instruction in the classroom. We need to implement standards, especially in curriculum and discipline, that result in consistency throughout all 83 schools in the system.
I want to help craft programs that meaningfully involve parents in their children's education.
I would like to resolve the tension between City officials and the School Board, so that once again we are all working together to achieve the same goal: a quality education for every student in Virginia Beach.
2. I offer a broad perspective. I was a successful student in this school system and am now an involved parent with two children enrolled in it. I am a former commercial litigation attorney capable of providing the necessary level of fiscal oversight. However, my professional experience is balanced by my years as a full-time mother and civic volunteer. I am a Girl Scout leader, room mother, PTA board member and volunteer assistant in both regular and special education classes. I, therefore, have seen first hand the challenges faced in the classroom.
As evidenced by my education and professional experience, I have the ability to synthesize a great deal of information from diverse sources. I am open minded, and not connected to any one constituency which seeks to limit my vision. Unlike many other candidates, I have the time to commit the 30 hours a week necessary to do this job effectively.
BEN KRAUSE
Age: 53
Address: 1400 block of Five Hill Trail (Sea Breeze Farms)
Occupation: Investment executive
1. I have a five-point plan that I want to accomplish during my term on the School Board.
A. I will work to develop a realistic and practical budget and implement it correctly. Actual expenditures will be tracked and evaluated, month by month with comparisons to budgeted figures. The internal auditor will be used more effectively and we will work closely and in conjunction with the city council. I will consummate consolidation of the personnel, purchasing, accounting and publishing functions of the city and school system.
B. I will work with the city and the Virginia Beach Police Department to improve school safety, including prioritizing the 79 safe school initiatives and ensure that this is an on-going cooperative effort.
C. Standards of Learning will be implemented with tests to measure whether a student should progress or need more schooling at a given level. I will stress putting he ``rigor'' back into the curriculum.
D. I will work with parents, teachers and principals to make the schools the best in Virginia. Successful school initiatives will be recognized and shared, discipline will be improved, business participation increased, teachers paid a fair wage, technology applied, town hall meetings held and citizens advisory committees implemented.
E. I will develop a fair and workable plan to measure each schools's and the staff's performance and reward excellence. especially teachers.
2. I have a well-rounded background with experience in financial and personnel management, policy and regulation development, facility construction and maintenance, over three years of classroom teaching experience and a Masters in Business Administration. I have developed and implemented annual budgets of over $250 million. I have supervised internal auditors and attorneys and negotiated union contracts. I have consistently made weak operations into strong ones.
GAIL SCHWARTZER
Age: 49
Address: 1800 block of Timberwood Lane (Forest Park)
Occupation: Homemaker and school volunteer
1. A. For two purposes, to see where we've been and where we are headed, and for quick retrieval and informed decisions, create a database reaching back at least 10 years, which will allow one to draw graphs of the Virginia Beach School System showing the trends over the past 10 yeas in vital areas (e.g. student increase, military decrease/increase, school budget, amount spent per student, buses, etc.).
B. This information would be available to school board, administration, principals, and on disk.
C. Begin a yearly assessment program of each school to determine the ``trends'' per school in vital areas using this database.
D. ``Wire the Board, principals, and superintendent.'' Everyone would have a computer and access to above information and Internet.
E. Activate various ``advisory groups'' to the Board which exist - both from legislation and via Board decision. For example, the Medical Advisory Board.
F. Get every school on the Internet. Explore possibilities for technological expansion - per school and for the system as a whole.
G. Explore possibility of implementing the program the State of Virginia recommended in 1992 re: HIV/AIDS for K-12.
H. Re-examine ``step-increases'' with teachers.
I. Once data is compiled, work to raise awareness of the city of its responsibility to the schools and its budget.
2. I have no political interest in this race. I'm running because of my concern and desire to upgrade the public school system. I graduated from Princess Anne High School (1964) and Ohio State University (1968). I'm well versed in several areas that challenge this school system.
I realize you can't come up with the correct answers if you are not asking the right questions. You can't begin to ask the correct questions unless you have the complete information. BLACKWATER
DELCENO MILES
Age: 35
Address: 3600 block of Head River Road (Blackwater)
Occupation: President of The Miles Agency
1. I want to establish a solid working relationship with my fellow board members and the City Council. Just as important is establishing a good working relationship with staff and employees from the bus driver to the superintendent. If the team is not working well together, it will be very difficult to set and meet our goals and objectives. Just as important is open communication among all stake holders - staff, administration, educators, students, parents, city council and their staff, tax payers in general and the media. If we have clearly defined goals and objectives by a motivated team, then communication should come easy. With communication and realistic goals and objectives, we can start to restore the trust and image of Virginia Beach Public Schools. The budget issue is temporary and will be resolved. We must move on to the next challenge - preventing the problem from recurring and continuing to guide the school district back to prominence and excellence.
2. My strong leadership and communication skills will be helpful regardless of who my colleagues will be after the election. I am in the communications business and I believe open and honest communication will be crucial to restoring trust in our board again. Additionally, I am a product of Virginia Beach Public Schools. It is with a sense of home town pride that I want our school district to be the premier district in the Commonwealth. I am very active in the community and I visit the schools regularly. I have gone into the classrooms, cafeterias and offices to learn what our education community's concerns are. Only by listening to their concerns will I have a realistic perspective of what is going on. That will certainly aid me during my term on the school board. I will ask plenty of questions and try to answer a few as well. If I don't know the answer, I will find out. The taxpayers and all other stakeholders deserve that kind of effort. VIRGINIA BEACH
ARTHUR TATE
Age: 29
Address: 900 block of Indian Circle (Indian Circle Townhomes)
Occupation: Environmental Engineer, Navy Public Works Center
1. I will work to balance the school board budget without causing changes to the students' quality of education. I believe the most important issue is the education of the students, and that will always be the main focus. I will make sure the elementary schools teach the basic reading, writing and arithmetic so that the secondary schools can build upon these basic skills instead of starting over. I feel that the other priority is restoring the public confidence in the school system and the school board. We need to build a better working relation with city council to ensure that proper funding is given to the school system. More funding is not necessarily the answer, but to use more wisely the money we do have.
2. Being an engineer, I am a good analytical thinker. This skill will help in the budget analysis and review of building specifications. I have spent most of my professional career in the federal government, so I know how the government works and sometimes does not work. My experience from work dealing with program management gives me the necessary experience to execute suggestions from citizens instead of just generating more studies. One person cannot change the system by themselves, it will take the whole group working together. I have the skills needed to work with the superintendent and city council on issues facing the school system. MEMO: School Board candidate forums
The South Hampton Roads League of Women Voters, Virginia Beach
Division of the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce, the Virginia Beach
Council of Civic Organizations and the Virginia Beach Council of PTAs
are co-sponsoring a series of forums at 6:30 p.m. in City Council
chambers at City Hall:
Monday - Half the candidates for the School Board will answer
questions.
Wednesday - The other School Board candidates will answer
questions.
A Virginia Beach City Republican Caucus will be held at 6:45 p.m.
Tuesday in the Virginia Beach Central Library auditorium. Virginia
Beach Republicans desiring to participate for the purpose of endorsing
candidates for the School Board and the City Council are invited to
attend. The public, regardless of party affiliation, is invited to hear
the candidates speak at the meeting.
The Virginian-Pilot will sponsor a series of forums at the Kempsville
Recreation Center:
Thursday - 5:30 to 7 p.m. All candidates for the borough seats on
the School Board will answer questions.
Friday - 5:30 to 7 p.m. Twelve of the 23 candidates for the two
at-large seats (four-year terms) on the School Board will answer
questions. From 7:30 to 9 p.m., the other 11 candidates for those two
seats will answer questions.
Saturday - 9:30 to 11 a.m. Eight of the candidates for the at-large
seat (two-year term) on the School Board will answer questions. From
noon to 1:30 p.m., the other seven candidates will answer questions.
The Lake Edward Civic League and Neighborhood Advisory Council will
hold a series of forums from 7 to 9 p.m. at Good Samaritan Church, 848
Baker Road:
Friday - Candidates for the at-large seat (two-year term) on the
School Board will answer questions.
April 26 - Candidates for the two at-large seats (four-year terms) on
the School Board will answer questions.
The Christian Coalition will sponsor a forum from 7 to 9 p.m. April
30 in the Library Auditorium at Regent University for all School Board
candidates.
The Virginia Beach Association for the Gifted and Talented will
sponsor a single forum from 7 to 8:30 p.m. May 1 at Larkspur Middle
School for all School Board candidates.
ILLUSTRATION: Photos
[Photos of all of the candidates]
KEYWORDS: PUBLIC JOURNALISM COMMUNITY CONVERSATION VIRGINIA SCHOOL BOARD
CANDIDATE ELECTION by CNB