THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, April 25, 1996 TAG: 9604240348
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 12 EDITION: FINAL
COLUMN: Decision '96
LENGTH: Long : 254 lines
In "community conversations" sponsored by The Virginian-Pilot, two groups of city residents identified several issues of importance to those who call Suffolk home.
School-related issues ranked near the top of the list.
Among the resident's key concerns: Enrollment growth, school safety and academic achievement levels.
The newspaper asked the six School Board candidates to share their views on some of the issues residents identified as important - and also to describe how they would tackle them if elected.
Their responses are published here today.
Suffolk's second School Board election is May 7. Three of the board's seats are up for grabs: those representing the Nansemond, Whaleyville and Sleepy Hole boroughs.
The Rev. Mark Croston, the Whaleyville incumbent, is running unopposed. NANSEMOND
John R. Riddick Sr.
Age: 68
Education: Attended Hampton Institute, now called Hampton University; served in the U.S. Air Force
Employment
Retired from the paint department of Newport News Shipbuilding
Personal
Suffolk native; married; three adult children
In the future, I can see a school district constantly expanding building- and curriculum-wise to meet the student enrollment here in Suffolk.
In this school construction program, I can see the construction of swimming pools in our high schools to offer safe swimming courses for our students; also in the future, training courses in the field of radio broadcasting and communication; pre-college courses for high school seniors who are looking forward to continuing their education.
Finally, since this is an age in which technology is continually expanding, all students - beginning with the elementary level - should be given a chance to work with computers. Communication skills, including speaking and writing, should be highly emphasized.
If penmanship needs to be taught, then use writing materials that can be utilized for this purpose. Prepare the non-college bound for other technical schools of higher learning so that they might be at the highest competitive scale in the world of employment.
Arthur D. Smith
Age: 51
Education: Bachelor's degree, Frederick College; master's in education/counseling, the College of William and Mary
Employment
1994-Present: Tidewater Community College, Associate Dean for Student Enrollment Services/College Registrar
Personal
Suffolk resident for 24 years. Married; two adult children.
My vision for the Suffolk Public School system is that ultimately we can offer a curriculum that provides all students with the opportunity to achieve to their maximum academic potential. As students progress through the grades, not only do they acquire cognitive skills, but they also learn problem-solving and critical-thinking tactics. As they develop into young adults, they learn the practical application of these skills in their roles as responsible, productive and contributing citizens. Each student should possess the essential abilities to either continue his/her education at the collegiate level, or to enter the world of employment, or both, as occurs for many today.
The success of any school division rests in its human resources, its teachers. They are the invaluable core of education. It's the responsibility of a School Board member to ensure that the most talented and devoted teachers are recruited and retained. To support the delivery of instruction, we must then provide our teaching core with the most up-to-date materials, the latest technology and continual opportunities for professional growth.
But, teachers can't do it all alone. The accomplishment of the vision must be supported by the community, the local government and, especially, parents. We must create the environment in which schools and education constitute ``us,'' not ``them.'' Only then will the students enter the learning environment with a true value for the personal relevancy of their education.
To fulfill the vision, a School Board member must bring tireless devotion equal to that which is expected of the school division's staff. By his actions, he must demonstrate that he is as accountable for achieving the mission of the school division as are they. A School Board member must rely upon the advice and recommendations of the division's administration, but also must depend on his knowledge and understanding of the school system in order to make decisions that are feasible, equitable and representative of the community.
Being on the School Board for four years and serving as its chairman for two, I've taken every opportunity to study and learn the intricacies of the business side of the operation of the school division, as well as the instructional side. My experience with budget, personnel, facility and policy management would facilitate the continued progress toward the accomplishment of our school division goals.
As a parent, I've participated in the public school educational process. As a 30-year college administrator, I've worked with the product as students pursue their post-secondary educational goals. This dual perspective allows me to bring a unique insight to the important tasks of shaping students, their lives and futures. SLEEPY HOLE
Bruce T. Benn
Age: 29
Education: Now enrolled in doctoral program in educational administration, Virginia Tech; master's degree in educational administration from Old Dominion University; bachelor's degree in political science/history, Tuskegee University.
Experience:
1995-Present - Assistant principal, Bayside High School in Virginia Beach; former teacher
Personal: Single
I believe it is essential to the management of the school division that those who are charged with the responsibility for directing its affairs understand the role of public attitudes and their effect on the education of children.
The board cannot be an expert on all matters, but should possess practical insight and understanding of what public attitudes and opinions mean and why people think and feel as they do.
I hope to provide a safe school environment for our students and faculty, continue and maintain academic excellence and make sure that any funding approved by the board is assessed strictly to the needs of our students.
I hope to see a day(time) alternative program initiated to allow students to participate in a normal academic environment.
I would also like to see an ROTC program implemented and employee salaries increased to meet the norm of our surrounding school divisions.
I hope my youth and experience in education will provide a backdrop for our push toward continued progress in Suffolk through the year 2000.
In identifying my personal attributes and leadership capabilities, I find myself structured as a people-person and leading with my strengths.
I consider my strengths to be an ability to express friendship, mutual trust and respect; and the ability to generate warmth within a group.
I believe my experience in the community and public school system could help our school system continue to grow and help our children be the leaders of tomorrow.
Robert M. Brooks Jr.
Age: 42
Education: Attended Christopher Newport College; law enforcement certificate, Paul D. Camp Community College; A.A.S. degree in public service technology
Experience: Assistant special agent in charge - Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control's Bureau of Law Enforcement in the Hampton Roads area
Personal: Married; two boys, both enrolled in district schools.
I would like to see a school system that continues to keep student achievement as a top priority, and continues to educate all students. . . (so they will) become productive and successful citizens.
Also, the above goes hand-in-hand with lowering the number of over-age (repeat) students at the fourth- and eighth-grade levels; and also lowering the teacher/pupil ratio in all grade levels, and especially the elementary grades K-5;. . . and (implementing) more early start, pre-K programs for 4-year-olds - and to perhaps house them in one school where the needs can be met.
I would anticipate that to achieve these goals all citizens will have to become involved, and this includes all our business partners, to push for funding for the capital improvements needed to build more schools, including elementary and middle schools.
This will help to lower the pupil/teacher ratio and will allow the teacher to become more involved with the students and to try to push the middle-of-the-road students who might otherwise become slow learners or be held back due to the lack of motivation.
(He also would) help to push for funding for modern textbooks, and to push for more classes for the college-bound students and to push for more utilization of the vocational classes.
I have two boys, ages 12 and 8, who are in public schools, and feel this gives me the advantage to have access to the teachers and problems, if any, in the classroom. I am active in the schools and have been involved with the PTA.
James E. Perkinson Jr.
Age: 51
Education: Bachelor's degree, East Carolina University; master's in education, Old Dominion University
Employment: Building manager at Tidewater Community College.
Personal: Suffolk resident for 25 years. Married with three adult children.
My vision for the school district can be grouped into three areas: 1) an improved quality of education; 2) an increased responsibility for education; and 3) an evolving long-term plan.
The quality of education can be improved through instruction, support and facilities. Instructional quality can be improved by becoming more competitive in the recruitment and retention of teachers. We need competitive salaries for our school personnel. Support for teachers and programs is required. Instructional support such as books, equipment, computers, materials and supplies is needed. A long-range building program is required to provide the buildings and facilities needed to meet the demands of the projected enrollment growth in the school system.
The second area of my vision is an increased responsibility for education from the city, students, parents, community and school system. The city must carefully allocate tax dollars to be able to provide the needed school funding and support. Students must be held accountable for their actions and behaviors. Strict observance of conduct rules must be enforced. School advisory committees using parents and community representatives can study problems and concerns and recommend solutions. The school system must provide relevant curriculum and courses. Surveys and committees can help determine the needs for business, industry and advanced education.
The third area of my vision is the development/enhancement of a plan to guide the district into the next century. Better communication between the community and the system can be achieved through PTSAs, discussions with community organizations and civic leagues, community forums, and by being available to the community. The results of the standardized tests must be analyzed and appropriate changes to the curriculum made - based on these findings. Greater opportunity for advanced educational placement must be provided. Advanced-placement courses, dual enrollment involvement, and joint educational ventures with other school systems and colleges must be increased. Curriculum must be revised to provide for employability in today's global economy. Businesses, parents and the community must have input in curriculum development. Greater emphasis must be placed on reading and more challenging courses in math, science and foreign languages.
My educational background, work experience, community involvement and school involvement have prepared me for the School Board.
I have been in the educational field for the past 27 years. I taught public school in Portsmouth for 10 years, and the past 17 years I have been at Tidewater Community College. I have been involved in various community and civic organizations during my 25 years as a Suffolk resident. WHALEYVILLE
Mark A. Croston
Age: 37
Education:
Doctor of ministry, Virginia Union University; master of divinity, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary; bachelor's degree in engineering, University of Pennsylvania
Employment: 1987-Present: Pastor, East End Baptist Church, Suffolk
Personal:
Married; two children, one of whom is school-age and attends Booker T. Washington Elementary
My vision for the Suffolk City Public Schools is to create a place where:
Every child can reach his or her highest potential.
Every child's mind is filled with hopes and dreams.
Every parent becomes a positively and actively involved partner in the educational process.
Every community member understands the inter-connectedness between a first-class public education system and a great society.
Every teacher is treated and appreciated as a professional of greater worth in our society than gold.
This is what I envision. Here is how we can carry it out:
We must make a greater commitment to understanding the ways children learn, providing alternative teaching and testing methods for those that do not excel in traditional education approaches and providing the facilities and equipment necessary to make this happen.
We must make every effort to give our children exposure to this world in which we live.
We must not give up on encouraging more parents to meet and work with their children's teachers.
We must work together to make things right, rather than sit back and complain about what is wrong.
We must work to show just appreciation to the members of this hard-working and vitally important profession (of teaching).
KEYWORDS: SUFFOLK SCHOOL BOARD RACE CANDIDATE PUBLIC JOURNALISM by CNB