Yesterday I spent some time visiting a few of the schools in District 1. First stop was Hawthorne Elementary where I meet the Assistant Principal, Gail Jones. Seems Mrs. Jones and I were meant to meet at some point - her mother and my elementary school principal are best friends! Mrs. Jones even had a picture of Lillian Cantrell in her office! Wow, what a small world.
I visited Hightower Elementary and met the Administrative Assistant and a couple gentlemen from the maintenance staff. Also,I met the Principal, Mr. Oliver Lewis and was happy to hear about his vision for the students and school.
Next, was Chestnut Charter Elementary School where I met, Mrs. Toni Clark, one of the Administrative Assistants. She has a daughter at Dunwoody High School, who has been in Dekalb schools since 3rd grade. Mrs. Clark has a great understanding of the problems and some fine ideas for solutions to the Dekalb School System.
My final stop yesterday was to visit Dunwoody Elementary School and say hello to Mr. Clark.
What a beautiful school and a wonderful example of all that a school should be - the school is clean, bright, well organized and from the minute you walk in you have the impression that the students' priorities come first!
I will be continuing my District 1 school tours in the next couple of weeks and will be posting my impressions of each school.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Thursday, July 22, 2010
eduKalb questionnaire
I was mailed a contact form and questionnaire from eduKalb, http://www.edukalb.org.
"eduKalb is a non-partisan, independent and non-profit organization established by business, church, civic and community leaders in DeKalb County working to improve the performance of our DeKalb Schools, as well the effectiveness and professionalism of our DeKalb School Board."
Here are the questions and my answers:
eduKALB Dekalb School Board Candidate Survey
1. Please briefly describe the qualifications and abilities which you believe make you best suited to serve on the Dekalb County Board of Education.
I am a graduate of the Dekalb County School System and now have two children in Dekalb County schools. One child is in elementary and one child is in middle school. I spend a great deal of time volunteering at both schools and have been witness to many parents who dedicate their time at the schools to make certain that their child has the very best education possible.
I have owned a business for the last 13 years, and I am a creative thinker. I am capable of leading and working as part of a team, setting goals, creating and implementing policies, managing budgets and hiring new staff while always maintaining honesty and integrity.
2. What do you see as the top three most pressing challenges facing our Dekalb Schools?
1. Our children are not receiving the education that they need so that they may compete in a global economy upon graduation.
2. The furlough and lay offs of our teachers is demeaning and inappropriate. How do we expect to educate our children if we do not have the teaching staff and those teachers who are in the schools are unhappy and dissatisfied with their careers because they are not rewarded for their commitment?
3. The negative press that our school system has received as a result of the overstaffed and dishonest administration. This makes Dekalb a poor choice for businesses and anyone looking to relocate - further reducing our overall economy
3. What qualities and skill sets do you believe would be most important in seeking a new Superintendent for Dekalb Schools?
Dekalb needs someone who is a great communicator and impeccably honest. I would like to see someone from the business community who has a strong history of proven success. A Superintendent should be someone who is willing to work within the community he/she is representing, implement policies and follow these policies themselves.
4. The Dekalb School Board oversees and approves an annual budget approaching $1.2 billion. As a school board member, how would you approach making certain that those dollars are spent most effectively to support our educational mission?
I would look at the current expenditures and salaries of the school system to make certain that monies are being spent equitably. I feel that there are many administrative positions that may no longer be necessary, and I would like to see these positions eliminated so that the money can be used to support our educational mission.
5. What do you understand to be the three most important responsibilities of a school board member?
First and most importantly to remember at all times the school board's mission, which is "to form a collaborative effort between home and school that maximizes student's social and academic potential preparing them to compete in a global society."
Second, to abide by the goals of the school board. Goals one and two should be combined to say that the board will narrow the achievement gap to increase graduation rates by increasing rigor and academic achievement.
And lastly, to combine the 3rd and 4th goals to say the board should provide quality personnel in all positions and ensure fiscal responsibility.
6. In your previous experience how have you best been able to bridge conflict, or help to build consensus when part of a deeply divided group?
In my experience as an employer, business person and parent I have always tried to understand all the different aspects of every hostile situation. I want to hear from each party and research the wrongdoings and then present options which can be voted on to reach a mutually beneficial agreement.
7. Given Dekalb County's shrinking tax digest, and other financial difficulties… how might you approach the issue of potential closure of under-utilized schools and facilities?
Our county school system must be redistricted to accommodate for growth, shrinking and aging populations. This should be looked at yearly, recorded and then be mandated every 5-10 years.
"eduKalb is a non-partisan, independent and non-profit organization established by business, church, civic and community leaders in DeKalb County working to improve the performance of our DeKalb Schools, as well the effectiveness and professionalism of our DeKalb School Board."
Here are the questions and my answers:
eduKALB Dekalb School Board Candidate Survey
1. Please briefly describe the qualifications and abilities which you believe make you best suited to serve on the Dekalb County Board of Education.
I am a graduate of the Dekalb County School System and now have two children in Dekalb County schools. One child is in elementary and one child is in middle school. I spend a great deal of time volunteering at both schools and have been witness to many parents who dedicate their time at the schools to make certain that their child has the very best education possible.
I have owned a business for the last 13 years, and I am a creative thinker. I am capable of leading and working as part of a team, setting goals, creating and implementing policies, managing budgets and hiring new staff while always maintaining honesty and integrity.
2. What do you see as the top three most pressing challenges facing our Dekalb Schools?
1. Our children are not receiving the education that they need so that they may compete in a global economy upon graduation.
2. The furlough and lay offs of our teachers is demeaning and inappropriate. How do we expect to educate our children if we do not have the teaching staff and those teachers who are in the schools are unhappy and dissatisfied with their careers because they are not rewarded for their commitment?
3. The negative press that our school system has received as a result of the overstaffed and dishonest administration. This makes Dekalb a poor choice for businesses and anyone looking to relocate - further reducing our overall economy
3. What qualities and skill sets do you believe would be most important in seeking a new Superintendent for Dekalb Schools?
Dekalb needs someone who is a great communicator and impeccably honest. I would like to see someone from the business community who has a strong history of proven success. A Superintendent should be someone who is willing to work within the community he/she is representing, implement policies and follow these policies themselves.
4. The Dekalb School Board oversees and approves an annual budget approaching $1.2 billion. As a school board member, how would you approach making certain that those dollars are spent most effectively to support our educational mission?
I would look at the current expenditures and salaries of the school system to make certain that monies are being spent equitably. I feel that there are many administrative positions that may no longer be necessary, and I would like to see these positions eliminated so that the money can be used to support our educational mission.
5. What do you understand to be the three most important responsibilities of a school board member?
First and most importantly to remember at all times the school board's mission, which is "to form a collaborative effort between home and school that maximizes student's social and academic potential preparing them to compete in a global society."
Second, to abide by the goals of the school board. Goals one and two should be combined to say that the board will narrow the achievement gap to increase graduation rates by increasing rigor and academic achievement.
And lastly, to combine the 3rd and 4th goals to say the board should provide quality personnel in all positions and ensure fiscal responsibility.
6. In your previous experience how have you best been able to bridge conflict, or help to build consensus when part of a deeply divided group?
In my experience as an employer, business person and parent I have always tried to understand all the different aspects of every hostile situation. I want to hear from each party and research the wrongdoings and then present options which can be voted on to reach a mutually beneficial agreement.
7. Given Dekalb County's shrinking tax digest, and other financial difficulties… how might you approach the issue of potential closure of under-utilized schools and facilities?
Our county school system must be redistricted to accommodate for growth, shrinking and aging populations. This should be looked at yearly, recorded and then be mandated every 5-10 years.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Here are some questions from a concerned parent and my answers in blue.
Where do you stand on school choice and school vouchers? I personally, as well as many of my friends who will vote, are against them.
I wish that every school was teaching every student at the optimum level, and I will strive to make that a reality. If that were the case there would certainly be no reason for vouchers or school choice.
What do you plan to do to see that the teacher furlough days are eliminated? I have been very outspoken in this area as I firmly believe this is wrong. The teachers are the most important part of each day in our children's lives.
I couldn't agree with you more. I have many friends who are teachers and are being effected by this in such a big way.
I want to examine exactly where the money is being spent in our school system. I think that there are too many layers of administration and would like to see some of those positions eliminated so that we can free up some money for the teachers. Also, we are hiring specialty teachers from outside our state and country. While I think that this is necessary to promote a complete "world learning" environment, I would like to see some of our teachers take additional courses so that they can teach these classes and reduce their furlough days.
How do you feel about teaching to the test rather than teachers being allowed to teach the subject. I personally feel there are way too many tests. My take on this - have a weekly test in the subject and you can see what a student is learning and what they are not learning; have a test at the end of six weeks and you can see what they have learned and retained over that six week period; then a test at the end of the semester covering all that was taught that semester. The timing of these tests would be open to suggestions and input from the teachers but bottom line - let them teach.
I agree with you that there are too many government restricted tests and this takes away from teaching about the subjects at hand. I like your idea about testing weekly, every six weeks and at the end of the semester.
IEP's must continue and stay in place for those students who have them.
Yes, of course. I would like to see IEPs in place for all students.
Do you feel that you have an obligation to respond to emails and/or questions from those who have elected you, even if you strongly disagree with their opinion and/or questions?
Yes, absolutely.
Would like to have an understanding of why someone may disagree, so that I may see the situation from a different perspective and learn from it. Do you feel you represent all people in your district regardless of their economic status?
Yes, having lived in all the areas I will be representing I have come across people of all different economic standings. I respect all that an individual may be going through and understand that no matter what their child has the right to a great education.
Do you feel that the most important thing as far as our schools are concerned are the students and the teachers?
Yes, and by keeping that in my heart and my mind I hope to make the right decisions.
When the search for a new Superintendent is started, what are you going to be looking for in that person? I personally believe that we must find someone who has the qualifications to manage a large school district but also one totally removed from the DeKalb school system.
Last night I attended the School Board meeting and was very impressed by our interim superintendent. That being said I would like to look within the county and outside the county for this particular position. I do not want to limit our search and overlook a DeKalb resident who might be a fine superintendent.
Where do you stand on school choice and school vouchers? I personally, as well as many of my friends who will vote, are against them.
I wish that every school was teaching every student at the optimum level, and I will strive to make that a reality. If that were the case there would certainly be no reason for vouchers or school choice.
What do you plan to do to see that the teacher furlough days are eliminated? I have been very outspoken in this area as I firmly believe this is wrong. The teachers are the most important part of each day in our children's lives.
I couldn't agree with you more. I have many friends who are teachers and are being effected by this in such a big way.
I want to examine exactly where the money is being spent in our school system. I think that there are too many layers of administration and would like to see some of those positions eliminated so that we can free up some money for the teachers. Also, we are hiring specialty teachers from outside our state and country. While I think that this is necessary to promote a complete "world learning" environment, I would like to see some of our teachers take additional courses so that they can teach these classes and reduce their furlough days.
How do you feel about teaching to the test rather than teachers being allowed to teach the subject. I personally feel there are way too many tests. My take on this - have a weekly test in the subject and you can see what a student is learning and what they are not learning; have a test at the end of six weeks and you can see what they have learned and retained over that six week period; then a test at the end of the semester covering all that was taught that semester. The timing of these tests would be open to suggestions and input from the teachers but bottom line - let them teach.
I agree with you that there are too many government restricted tests and this takes away from teaching about the subjects at hand. I like your idea about testing weekly, every six weeks and at the end of the semester.
IEP's must continue and stay in place for those students who have them.
Yes, of course. I would like to see IEPs in place for all students.
Do you feel that you have an obligation to respond to emails and/or questions from those who have elected you, even if you strongly disagree with their opinion and/or questions?
Yes, absolutely.
Would like to have an understanding of why someone may disagree, so that I may see the situation from a different perspective and learn from it. Do you feel you represent all people in your district regardless of their economic status?
Yes, having lived in all the areas I will be representing I have come across people of all different economic standings. I respect all that an individual may be going through and understand that no matter what their child has the right to a great education.
Do you feel that the most important thing as far as our schools are concerned are the students and the teachers?
Yes, and by keeping that in my heart and my mind I hope to make the right decisions.
When the search for a new Superintendent is started, what are you going to be looking for in that person? I personally believe that we must find someone who has the qualifications to manage a large school district but also one totally removed from the DeKalb school system.
Last night I attended the School Board meeting and was very impressed by our interim superintendent. That being said I would like to look within the county and outside the county for this particular position. I do not want to limit our search and overlook a DeKalb resident who might be a fine superintendent.
The first two weeks of my campaign
Well, it has been a little over two weeks since I registered to run in the November General Election for Dekalb County District 1 School Board. It has been an exciting time and everyday I am actively meeting new people in my district and learning about their concerns for our schools.
The campaign started with a bang when I was able to participate in the Dunwoody 4th of July parade. While other candidates were seated on the back of very expensive convertibles I chose an alternative method of transportation - my bicycle! I hope my message was conveyed to the public that not only am I concerned about our environment, but I believe that in order to solve the problems of our school system one must be very selective in their own personal expenses. I will be running a campaign that is deliberately frugal.
On Thursday of that same week, I participated in a forum sponsored by the City of Doraville.
It was my first opportunity to speak to the public and meet my opponent and the imcumbent. Both are very intelligent, but they do not possess the one thing that makes me feel uniquely qualified for this position. I am a creative thinker, who is able to solve problems by looking at the facts and thinking outside the box.
Last week I answered questions galore about my beliefs and intentions. I will be posting those questions and answers on this blog so that you may get to know me better.
The campaign started with a bang when I was able to participate in the Dunwoody 4th of July parade. While other candidates were seated on the back of very expensive convertibles I chose an alternative method of transportation - my bicycle! I hope my message was conveyed to the public that not only am I concerned about our environment, but I believe that in order to solve the problems of our school system one must be very selective in their own personal expenses. I will be running a campaign that is deliberately frugal.
On Thursday of that same week, I participated in a forum sponsored by the City of Doraville.
It was my first opportunity to speak to the public and meet my opponent and the imcumbent. Both are very intelligent, but they do not possess the one thing that makes me feel uniquely qualified for this position. I am a creative thinker, who is able to solve problems by looking at the facts and thinking outside the box.
Last week I answered questions galore about my beliefs and intentions. I will be posting those questions and answers on this blog so that you may get to know me better.
Friday, July 9, 2010
First Week on the Campaign
Well, it is the end of my first week campaigning for Dekalb County School Board District 1. It has been such an exciting week!
I registered at 10:30 am last Friday for this position because I felt compelled to make a change in the School System. After reviewing the
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