Name: Angie Fish

Place of residence: New Market

Date of birth: March 4, 1972

Place of birth: Maryland

Current occupation: Former teacher, mother of four

Education: Bachelor of Arts in English, University of Maryland; Master of Science in education, Syracuse University.

Community associations, involvement: Charter School Governing council and president, 2002-2005; School Staffing Committee, 2002-2005; chairperson, School Communication Committee, 2002-2004; Member, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.

Professional associations: Maryland State Teachers Association.

Family: Husband, David Fish. Married 12 years. Four children, ages 1, 5, 9, and 10.

Campaign office address and phone number: 5803 Drexal Ave., New Market, MD 21774. 301-865-4663.

Candidate’s Web site:

Link to state Board of Elections campaign finance database

Quality staff recruitment, overcrowded schools⁄growth in Frederick County and staffing needs.

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

I believe the current school board is moving in the right direction in terms of the needs of this community. I do, however, have questions about some of the recent decisions made regarding the master facility plan. I question why West Frederick Middle School is so far down the line for necessary modernization. It is one of the oldest facilities in the county, yet it is not scheduled for modernization until 2010. I also believe that even though we continue to move toward salaries that are closer to our surrounding counties, we still fall short in this area. While entry-level salaries for teachers are close to competitive with surrounding counties, there is still a large disparity in salary for veteran teachers with a master’s degree. We need to provide incentives for these teachers to seek higher-level degrees in order to provide the best quality education for our students. Without competitive salaries at this level, we cannot retain the highest quality staff. I also recently read that while Frederick County has an extensive training program for prospective bus drivers, it is difficult to retain bus drivers due to the competitive salaries of surrounding counties. If the county is paying for quality training of bus drivers, we need to figure out a way to retain their services.

How would you rate the job performance of Superintendent Linda Burgee, excellent, good, fair or poor? Why?

I believe Dr. Burgee has done a very good job. Her experience as an educator, school administrator, and superintendent has given her a multi-level perspective on the Frederick County school system. She has a genuine concern for students and staff.

Is the county funding for schools too much, about right or too little? If too little, where would you find additional funds?

Funding is a complex issue. I think the county commissioners have the difficult task of choosing where funds should be appropriated. As a parent and educator, I always believe we should put more focus on our schools and the children attending them. This is our future. If we do not find the necessary funds to educate them properly, what happens to the future? It is the trickle down theory. Well-educated students become well-educated adults who then affect the county economy is positive ways.

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

As I stated earlier, I do have questions about some of the decisions made with regards to renovations and additions. I understand funding is the bottom line of this issue, but it concerns me that new schools are overcrowded shortly after their construction. Are we not adequately planning for the growth in the county or do we not have the necessary funds to build structures that will handle the continuing growth? Which is more cost effective: building a facility that is able to handle anticipated growth or making corrections to a facility afterwards? I also have serious concerns with regards to the situation at Linganore High School. This school has been in need of repair and additional space for some time now. What has been the delay? I also do not understand why West Frederick Middle School, one of the county’s oldest structures, has not seen any modernization since its opening, while so many newer schools have already seen additions and renovations.

Should the school system’s health curriculum include discussions of homosexuality and demonstrations of contraception use?

For my family, I believe these are topics best discussed at home. I realize, however, there are students who will not have this opportunity at home, which then raises concerns of teenage pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. One possible solution is to offer courses related to these topics with the understanding that parents have the right to opt out of the course for their child or children. In addition, I believe strongly if such issues are discussed within the school system, students should be placed in homogeneous gender groups during instruction.

What do you think about the board’s relationship with the community?

I believe we need to continue to work on this relationship. While the Board of Education allows time for public comment, it is not always a welcoming forum for many members of the greater community. The superintendent and school board members do meet with schools on a more informal basis, but I feel we still need to take part in a stronger outreach program in an effort to hear more of the public’s voice.

Do the commissioners have too much, too little or not enough oversight of the school system?

There seems to be a good balance here. The commissioners and board members have lengthy discussions regarding funding. Funding is a complex issue. We do, however, need to continue to be vigilant when it comes to preparing for the rapid growth the county is experiencing.

What should the school system do to improve performance by minority students?

We are moving in the right direction, and the school board needs to continue this focus on minority students in an effort to close the margins of the achievement gap even more. We need to ensure that we are outfitting schools with the appropriate number of staff to meet the needs of all students. All too often reading and math specialists become overworked. We need to make sure we continue to reevaluate the need for each school and assign staff and services accordingly.

Do you think the school system is doing enough to meet the needs of special education students?

As a former teacher, this is an area I feel continues to be problematic. Special education teachers have a tremendous amount of work placed on their shoulders. I believe we need to take a serious look at the hours required to meet the needs of the children in the system without overburdening our educators.

Are the schools safe for students and teachers? If not, what should be done?

I believe the county school system is continuing to monitor and modify school safety plans. There will never be a plan that offers total security and safety, however, I believe in recent years the county has become more aware of the need to address emergency plans and overall safety for schools. Frederick County does have such plans currently in place.