Name: Bonnie Smith Borsa

Place of residence: Frederick

Date of birth: June 16, 1952

Place of birth: Defiance, Ohio

Current occupation: Board of Education of Frederick County

Education: Ph.D. in pharmacology and toxicology, Medical College of Virginia; Master of Arts in zoology, Miami University; Bachelor of Arts, zoology, Miami University.

Community associations, involvement: Education Commission of Frederick City, PTA member and school volunteer, American Association of University Women.

Professional associations: Phi Beta Kappa, Phi Kappa Phi.

Family: Married, two sons (ages 12 and 16) who attend Frederick County Public Schools.

Campaign office address and telephone: 6236 White Oak Drive, Frederick, MD 21701. 301-695-8214.

Candidate’s Web site: None

Link to state Board of Elections campaign finance database

The school board must continue to focus on:

1. Recruitment and retention of highly qualified teachers.

2. Obtaining adequate funding for school construction, including renovations of older schools. Developer funded school construction proposals must be evaluated in conjunction with county commissioners and the planning commission.

3. Ensuring that every child succeeds and is challenged to do their best, including children of poverty, special education students, and gifted students.

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

The role of the school board is to hire the superintendent, evaluate and approve budgets, and make policy. As a current member of the school board, I believe our board has shown excellence in all three of these areas. We selected and hired Dr. Linda Burgee as superintendent, and have efficiently used taxpayer dollars to maximize student achievement. This board is the first in the state to create policy for developer funded school construction. We can improve our performance by aggressively challenging unfunded federal and state mandates that are a burden on our school budget. There is more to be done to make a great school system even better.

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

Dr. Linda Burgee is an excellent superintendent, who is using her extensive background with Frederick County Public Schools to help create an optimum learning environment for all children. She has implemented new initiatives to eliminate the achievement gap. Under her leadership in 2005, Frederick County Public Schools was one of only four counties in Maryland to attain the state required ‘‘adequate yearly progress”. Also, she has stepped up as a leader in state education issues.

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

County funding should be greater for non-instructional purposes such as school crossing guards, transportation of students and other safety issues away from school grounds. More and more citizens are requesting bus transportation in areas of the county where there is heavy traffic at high speeds when students are traveling to and from schools.

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

In 2003, the school board changed its school construction policy to include renovations, which are now factored into the 10-year capital improvement plan. The board moved up the time for the renovation of West Frederick Middle School and Linganore High School. Aggressive lobbying for school construction dollars at the state level will free up local dollars for renovations.

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

No. At present, the school system only gives a definition of homosexuality, and discusses methods and devices of contraception. That is sufficient.

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

The board has a good relationship with the community because of frequent and open communication. Public comment is welcomed at biweekly board meetings and public hearings are held on issues of high interest. In November 2005, the board engaged community leaders in a forum entitled ‘‘what counts” to discuss what characteristics are valued in our schools. Board decisions are made after receiving public input.

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

Oversight of the school system is under the authority of the state, not the local government. The commissioners, however, exercise influence over the school system because they fund approximately 50 percent of the school operating budget. By state law, they must approve the Board of Education budget. As part of the approval process, they hold a public hearing. I feel their level of influence is sufficient.

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

To eliminate the achievement gap, schools must focus on the achievement of each and every child. Initiatives include increasing the number of teachers and extending the school day at schools with high numbers of minorities. Every high school should have extra classes to help students pass the high school assessments, a state requirement for receiving a diploma.

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

Yes, I believe that there are many programs and people in schools to help special education children, including individualized educational plans, instructional assistants, reading specialists and special reading programs. I believe that no child left behind has caused schools to specifically focus on the educational needs of these children.

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

Schools in Frederick County are safe. The Character Counts program is in every school and creates high expectations of student behavior. Disciplinary measures for student misbehavior are clear cut and are described in the student handbook. Resource officers in each high school help maintain a positive school climate.