Name: Jean Smith

Place of residence: Mount Airy

Date of birth: Oct. 8, 1940

Place of birth: Plainwell, Mich.

Current occupation: Board of Education member, registered X-ray technician

Community associations, involvement: Board of Education, PTA Council.

Professional associations:

Family: Married 40 years to John C. Smith. Children Deborah and Jeff. Grandchildren Maggie and Jack McCrossin.

Campaign office address and telephone: 301-831-7094.

Link to state Board of Elections campaign finance database

1. Closing the education gap between all demographic groups.

2. Recruiting and retaining highly qualified teachers.

3. New seats and renovating aging schools.

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

Very good. We are a cohesive team. We have improved our relationship with the Board of County Commissioners, hired an excellent superintendent, found new ways of financing much needed building, and improved our communication with the community.

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

I believe that Dr. Burgee is doing an excellent job. She actually has a good working relationship with the Board of County Commissioners. The moral in the system is very high. She empowers her staff to do their best for the kids. She is an inspirational leader who spends many hours with her staff, in the schools, and working with the Board of Education and community. Under her leadership the test scores are rising. This is due to her leadership in funneling resources to the places where they can do the most good for learning.

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

Funding levels are a very difficult issue. In the past several years, the dollar amount has risen, but the percentage of the county budget has gone down. That is troubling for the Board of Education. Our school system is going a very good job with one of the lower per pupil amounts in the state. There will come a time when we are stretched too far. We are continually improving because we have such a dedicated staff. If we want to retain that high quality staff, we will have to raise salaries while keeping benefits at a high level. That will take more money. The county seems to be interested in doing the best they can for education, but we need to be funded at a level that is closer to our level of wealth.

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

I believe that since the school board changed the policy to read that there will be a balance of new seats and renovations there is a good process in place for renovations. With Linganore High School and West Frederick Middle School coming on line in the next couple of years, there is significant progress.

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

I believe that an abstinence-based curriculum is what should be taught, and it is. Abstinence is the only way for teenagers to absolutely avoid pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. That being said, I do believe that they should also be taught about safe sex. They won’t always be teenagers, and they will need that knowledge.

Homosexuality is a subject on television and in the newspapers. Students need to know what it is, but do not need to be taught the mechanics.

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

When I came on the Board of Education in 1994, I published my phone number and asked for people to contact me. They didn’t. Now with e-mail I hear from community members nearly every day. I believe that our board is much more open and responsive now, and the people in the community are much more involved with us.

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

I believe that the commissioners partner with us to provide an excellent education for the students of our county. It is their job to fund education, and while we have to work and justify every dollar we require, they do try to cooperate with us. It is not their job to decide curriculum or any of the other things needed to run a school system. Only to provide what is needed as defined by the staff and the Board of Education.

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

The school system is already doing things to improve minority achievement. The primary thing is putting resources into extended learning and mentoring, not just for minorities, but for any underachieving students. The test scores prove that it is working. There is also a culture change trying to assure that the attitude is that every child can learn no matter what their demographic background.

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

This year the school system has enriched the staffing model for special education. That should help these students meet the demands placed on them to succeed. We have a good department. People actually move here to have their children in our school system. Special education takes a large portion of our budget. Our goal is that each child shall learn. That means just what it says, and the system is doing a good job to make that happen.

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

I believe that our schools are safe places for children to learn. We take infractions very seriously. Whenever there is a problem with students, there are many resources in the administration and guidance departments of the school to step in and help the students involved resolve the problem. Where there are diverse populations, there will always be disagreements, but students are counseled in making good choices. That is part of their classes every day.