What are your top three priorities for the next four years, if elected?
Better teacher recruiting and retention; better management of school system finances; and review of the personnel management system.
How would you rate the performance of the current school board: excellent, good, fair or poor? Why?
Good. I think they have maintained a well-balanced system given what they have to work with.
How would you rate the job performance of Superintendent Linda Burgee, excellent, good, fair or poor? Why?
Excellent. She appears to be a hands-on type of person and has achieved good results so far.
Are charter schools a good idea? Why or why not?
No. I don’t like having public funds used for what I would call a private school. This is similar to a voucher system, and I am not in favor of vouchers.
Is the county funding for schools too much, about right or too little? If too little, where would you find additional money?
I think it is too little. We need to initiate a study to determine if the next step for school system is to have independent taxing authority.
Do you think the current system for renovating and building schools is adequate or does it need changing?
We need to renovate on a smaller scale and on a continuous basis.
What do you think about the board’s relationship with the community?
I would like to see more members present at school activities.
Do the commissioners have too much, too little or not enough oversight of the school system?
Too much.
What should the school system do to improve performance by minority students?
I think we need more parent involvement to show the students that their parents and school personnel are concerned for their welfare.
Do you think the school system is doing enough to meet the needs of special education students?
Most certainly.
Are the schools safe for students and teachers? If not, what should be done?
I think this could be improved upon, and we need to give the new safety director a chance to implement his program.
