Name: Mike Schaden

Place of residence: Frederick

Date of birth: July 24, 1946

Place of birth: Frederick

Current occupation: Veterinarian

Education: 1972 graduate of University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine; attended North Carolina Wesleyan College, Frederick Community College and Hampden Sydney College; 1964 graduate of Frederick High School.

Community associations, involvement: Board of Education member since 2002, vice president and current president; past president of Monocacy Middle School PTA; former chair of the Frederick County Science and Engineering Fair and currently on the advisory committee; former president, Thomas Johnson High School Athletic Boosters; member and chairman, superintendent’s advisory committee on school construction; former member, board of directors, Banner School; member, Science Curriculum Advisory Committee in 1992.

Formerly on board of directors and International Lane Chairman, Rotary Club of Frederick; former member of the board of directors of Big Brothers⁄Big Sisters; former youth soccer, baseball and basketball coach; active in fund raising for the United Way; past president, Frederick Jaycees and received award of JCI Senator; past president of the Frederick High School Alumni Association; past member of the executive committee, March of Dimes; helped to start the first Outstanding Senior Citizen Program; previously nominated by the Frederick Jaycees for the outstanding Young Marylander Award.

Professional associations: Western Maryland Veterinary Medical Association and past president; board of directors, Maryland State Veterinary Medical Association; American Animal Hospital Association; American Veterinary Medical Association.

Family: Wife Sheila, three grown children, two grandchildren.

Campaign office address and phone: 1550 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick, MD 21702. 301-662-2322

Candidate Web site:

Link to state Board of Elections campaign finance database

Balancing growth issues in our capital budget with the need for renovations and technology upgrades.

Advocate for enough funds in our operating budget to attract and retain the best employees.

No Child Left Behind mandates draw resources from other Frederick County Public Schools programs. We need to remember that physical education, languages, the arts, and technology programs are equally important in educating the ‘‘whole” child.

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

Excellent. We have worked hard to communicate well between ourselves as well as with state and county officials. As a team, we have discussed issues from a wide variety of perspectives. We make decisions based on public input, staff input, and our own perspectives after much research. There are few elected groups that collaborate as effectively as the current Board of Education.

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

Excellent. We chose her because she is an outstanding educator, person and leader. Her hard work, communication skills, and ability to get along with the community and Frederick County Public Schools employees make the current board look like geniuses.

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

County funding is close to where it needs to be. The Board of Education has to compete with other county services. School employees should be allowed at least the same raises as county employees (it did not happen this year), and additional tax money identified should be shared at an equal percentage as the Board of Education percentage of the total county budget.

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

The current system for renovating schools is only one year old. The current system has placed a high priority on renovations. As a result, West Frederick and Linganore are moving forward. South Frederick and North Frederick won’t be far behind.

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

The schools health curriculum is dictated by the state, including grade appropriateness of materials. Sex education needs to be reflective of the needs of the community. The school system needs to protect families and their values while educating our youth about the real world. Sticking our head in the sand won’t allow our children to be well-educated, caring adults.

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

I think that the election will answer that question. The board bends over backward to encourage community dialogue and receive input from a cross section of people, even when it may not be politically correct.

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

The commissioners, to their credit, have not tried to run the school system. With both the Board of Education and the Board of County Commissioners being elected, each group needs to respect the duties of the other. The commissioners have been an effective watchdog of the level of funding for education and have stayed out of trying to micromanage.

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

The school system is making giant strides in minority achievement. Much is left to be done, but the minority community, Frederick County Public Schools staff, and the board have collaborated on many programs. Differentiated staffing, extended learning, and promoting education that is multi-cultural have all played roles.

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

The needs of special education students are great. Each year, large budget increases go to special education services. The recent Heather Ridge audit pointed out some ‘‘chinks in our amour.” We need to take the suggestions of the audit and combine it with the many good things already being done by a dedicated and outstanding group of employees.

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

Yes, schools are safe. Safety is a priority at Frederick County Public Schools, but where violence and crime increase in a community, there is bound to be a spillover in our schools. Proactive bullying policies, school resource officers and zero tolerance for weapons will help us in the future.