Candidate name: Jeana Jacobs

Place of residence: School District 5 (Bowie-Mitchellville)

Date of birth: No answer

Place of birth: North Carolina

Current occupation: Full-time – Department of Corrections (Division Chief – Programs Services); Part-time law practice and adjunct professor for University of Maryland’s University College

Education: Juris Doctor, 1996 - District of Columbia School of Law, Washington, D.C.; Admitted to the Bar for the State of Maryland – 1997; Admitted to the Federal Bar for the 4th Circuit - 1998; UMD –UC Graduate Study, 1992-1993 – completed one year of two-year curriculum towards Masters in Public Administration (left to attend law school) Bachelor of Arts, 1989 - Behavioral & Social Sciences (Criminology) – University of Maryland, College Park

Community associations, involvement, professional associations: Branch Banking & Trust (BB&T) Advisory Board Member; American Bar Association; Maryland State Bar Association; Federal Bar Association; Prince George’s County Bar Association; J. Franklin Bourne Bar Association; Corrections⁄Criminal Justice Coalition; and the American Corrections Association.

Family: Married, one daughter

Campaign mailing address: 12138 Central Ave. #171, Mitchellville, MD 20721

(301) 341-3331.

Link to candidate's Web site, if site exists: N⁄A

Link to state Board of Elections campaign finance database

1). We must first dramatically raise the performance levels in our classrooms

2). We must ensure a safe learning environment

3). We must be fiscally sound and accountable (ensure that funding is guided directly into the classrooms)

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

Given the unfortunate controversy that put the current School Board in place, I believe the group has sought to ensure that there not be an appearance of division between the CEO and School Board. We have seen some improvement in test scores but there is much more to be done.

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

The infamous 123 page Thornton Commission report of 2002 clearly determined that our schools are under funded; however for the first time, both the State and County governments have stepped up to the plate with additional funding. We must link student achievement directly to federal, state, and local sources when advocating for more funding.

What should the school system to do raise student achievement?

We must have the best and the brightest, most qualified teachers providing instruction to our children. We have to ensure that teacher-to-student ratios are comparable for learning so that we can assess individual student needs and make adjustments accordingly. Parental involvement is absolutely necessary.

What would you do to recruit and retain quality teachers?

I believe it is the fundamental responsibility of the Board of Education and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to insure that quality teachers are employed within our school system. I believe salaries and benefits are crucial, however I also believe that standards for recruiting employees must be set high and must not be compromised. We must attract the most brilliant and talented teachers to provide instruction and guidance to our students. The Board of Education along with the CEO, must pledge an environment of growth, development and competitiveness within the workforce. The individual teacher must however be personally and professionally motivated and committed to his⁄her own advancement as well. That means continuing education and self-improvement in line with best practices and innovations in the educational community. The task of guaranteeing the best for our students rest with the Board of Education, the CEO, teachers and staff and the community at large.

What would you do to reduce student truancy?

Provide more extra-curricula activities that include sports, academics and the arts specificallydesigned to keep students motivated and focused.

Would you support having more charter schools in Prince George’s County?

I believe that resources must be directed to ensuring that our public school system provides the best education for all children. The goal in my opinion is to make certain that the public school system for Prince George’s County offers programs and instruction for the all students based on individual levels of intelligence, aptitude, and astuteness.

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

We certainly should not wait until schools are dilapidated and run down before we determine the need to build new schools. The Board of Education along with the County Executive and County Council must work to develop renovation and new construction plans for each school district. That plan must be based on the age and condition of current school buildings and the population of students for each district. To ensure proper use of resources and maintenance of school buildings, all new schools must be environmentally and technologically sound.

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

The health curriculum must include discussions that encompasses the safety and well-being of all our students without regard to sexuality.

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

The Board of Education must foster a relationship with the community that is inclusive – feedback, input, suggestions, and even guidance from the community at large is vital.

Does the County Council have too much, too little, or not enough oversight of the school system?

Every entity should have and must have adequate oversight. The members of the Board of Education are indebted to its constituency just like County Council members. The Board of Education and the County Council must work as one to advocate for that which is in the best interests of our children.

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

No. We absolutely need more teachers and more resources geared towards special education.

Are the schools safe for students and school personnel? If not what should be done?

Not even the most studious child with the most impressive curriculum can learn well if the learning environment is not safe. The assignment of Deputy Sheriffs to our high schools is a step in the right direction. Their presence is needed in middle schools as well.

Do you think the school system is doing enough to meet the needs of students and parents for whom English is not their primary language?

We could do better. The population of ‘‘English as a Second Language” students continues to grow. We must be proactive to ensure that we are prepared to educate all children in our community – they are our future employees, leaders, and representatives in the community.

With uniforms becoming the norm at many county schools, would you want a countywide policy established?

I am supportive of a countywide uniform policy.

What qualifications do you possess that make you a worthy candidate?

My personal mission as a member of the Prince George’s County Board of Education is work diligently and tirelessly as a team member to ensure that students can learn and teachers can instruct in an enriching, challenging and safe environment.

If you want a resume for the perfectly prepared School Board member, that resume belongs to me. As the School Board’s Hearing Examiner, I have had the opportunity see some of the challenges faced by parents, school administrators, teachers, and students. We have a lot of work to do. As an adjunct Professor at the University of Maryland’s University College, I appreciate first hand the difficulties and the rewards of providing students with a quality education. As a seasoned public safety professional, I understand the importance of a safe environment for learning. As a former union president, I realize that employees and management must work together to meet the goal of providing the absolute best for our children and employees.