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.