Citizen democracy was in action last night at Arlington County's Wakefield High School, where a standing-room-only crowd of around 70-80 people jammed a room to listen, watch, and participate in a school board debate between 6 candidates for the Democratic endorsement. Among others in the crowd last night were current school board member Frank Wilson, whose term expires in December 2008 and who is not seeking reelection. Another incumbent school board member, Libby Garvey, IS seeking reelection and was with the other candidates, debating the issues facing Arlington County schools. Aside from school board members and candidates, Del. Adam Ebbin was there, as was Arlington County Board member Jay Fisette and Alfonso Lopez, Gov. Kaine's Director of the Virginia Liaison Office in Washington, D.C.
I took notes myself, but it looks like my friend Kip Malinosky -- campaign manager for school board candidate Terron Sims -- did a great job on his laptop last night. Kip's debate notes are on the "flip." My additions are in italics. Also, the photos are mine.
Wakefield School Board Debate3-24-08
Brian (M): 11 Civic associations get together at Saturday mornings. We thought there was too little chance to meet the candidates. Now we got people to come here for this debate.
The goal of the moderator role is to keep the debate going. 2 minute opening statement. Questions from the audience with one minute to respond. I love the 5part question but leave it there. I will introduce the candidates and translate. The order will rotate with the debate.
Reid Goldstein (R): Thank you for being here. I ran because of my experience in the schools. 22 years ago moved in. Finished the neighborhood consolidation plan. Put my volunteerism energy into Civic Association President, joined Randolph PTA. Diverse schools and neighborhoods have trouble getting noticed. Solutions expensive. Come to us with a plan. Helped create Strategic plan.. We can do a lot more to bring our schools to world class status. Questions.
Karla Hagan (K): This is a great turnout. I am applying for this job is make sure kids are ready for a 21st century education. Skills communication and collaboration. Years of experience. Vice Chair on Instruction. Alcova Heights recommendation. Two girls. Longterm interest. Started in Community College. Taught at UVA know the success of young people. Karla also talked about preparing kids to face environmental, energy and societal challenges of the 21st century. She noted that she has a PhD in physics and has taught at UVA.
James Lander(J): Good evening. Welcome to Wakefield. I am running for the school board because I care about all of our kids. I have worked on county committees. I have been a PTA vice President. Treasurer. Building level planning committee. School Board's Budget Advisory council. Engage our diverse community. Responsive to each child's needs. Bring together those people. Stakeholders Triangle. I will discuss this in greater detail later.
Libby Garvey (L): I have been on the SB 11 years. I have discovered it is a blessing concern for community. SB will determine the direction of our schools. I am seeking your support because I am the only candidate to build on the past success. Wakefield and improvements. Student Achievement gap has closed. I helped build a new school to deal with overcrowding. Student achievement. Talking to national and local leaders. TIME. Hearing questions. Libby also said it was an "honor and privilege" to have served on the school board, how important it is that Arlington have good government, importance of hiring top-notch teachers and continuing capital improvement program. "Success has not happened by accident."
Terron Sims(T): I am running for the School Board to help focus on students who are not planning on going to college. I want to get our local communities and businesses to focus on helping students succeed. Students need to know that they can also achieve succeed. We are all focusing on numbers and I agree with that, but they need to focus on achieving beyond High School. Also said "education is a community issue."
Emma Sanchez-Violand (E): Thank you for inviting me here. I came here as a teenage immigrant. I earned my doctorate. My vision for Arlington is about caring, where students come first. My goal is for all students to receive the highest quality education. From Georgetown I believe we can partner the colleges with the schools. I stand for excellence and equity. Also noted that she's a parent of 2 Arlington County school system graduates. "Fairness, fiscal accountability, equity."
QUESTIONS:
With 80% of households in the schools what are you going to do to outreach to these folks?R: Proud that our school bonds pass. I would focus on my goal for my community service. Community service built into the curriculum.
K: We are fortunate to live in a community that supports its schools. Citizen input in all that Arlington does. Our citizens do amazing things we need to get citizen input.
J: I am running for the SB to help all kids. Learning takes place in the community, home, and school. With resources in Arlington if we extend the terms on the advisory council we can make better decisions. Educated and better engage them. Engage diverse community, tap into resources of a very educated population.
L: We do a survey. The major response is "don't know." We need to do a better job [of communicating what we do]. Capital program on track. Kenmore open any time. W-L pool built larger. More money for Kenmore. We educate as many adults as students. People need to be proud of school buildings.
T: As someone who doesn't have kids I fall into it, there are great resources. Better market these programs. We have to get more mentors in the schools. Arlington has a great to get involved.
E: I believe the community needs to have greater access to the building. I have been President at various organizations. I thought we are really open. It is hard to get information. If we see the schools as a community assets. Not just for the principles.
Frank Wilson Question: Student Achievement how would you close or eliminate the gap?
K: We have focused resources but there is more we need to do. Ethnic group and race should not be a predictor. Focus on pre-k. Wakefield cohort programs we need to get involved.
J: In maximizing each child's response we need to watch each child's educational needs. Better job informing out parents about why are schools are great. Encourage minority parents to come to meeting.
L: Keep our eyes on the prize, equal doesn't mean the same. Focus pulls away from student achievement. We need to make sure that we keep our eyes on the prize. We need to make sure each school gets better resources. Resources are limited. [Importance of pre-school], "Courageous Conversations," can't do things the same way.
T: Great question. Volunteering with students who are not achieving. They are not motivated. High School they're just there. I don't know. We need to motivate these children. Get community and businesses and specialties in schools.
E: Have a track record. We are not there. Very concerned. High School grad gap. 14 schools did not meet AYP. Middle School math. Family involvement. Don't have a systemic way of doing it. What are the color of the people who participate. Cultural competence. Graduation gap -- 90%+ white students graduate, just 62% (I believe) Hispanics. Need to have a "conversation about race."
R: 2 ways, to eliminate. Early childhood education. Tremendous benefits. Close the college gap. Everyone can go to college. Families need to be helped with the prerequisites. Research best practices nationwide.
Q. Neighborhood school, we love it. All or nothing renovations are going to exacerbate overcrowding. What will do to balance this?
J: Overcrowding is a countywide issue. Keep in mind the impact on our students. We have to make sure that we keep the kids in mind. Whatever change we make will have an effect through the county.
Q. Rebuilt W-L, Kenmore
L: We renovated all the elementary schools, TJ not, two high schools are needed: 1 safety, educational adequacy. We have to finish the Wakefield High School. There is $, "it's a question of priorities".
T: All the schools are great [in Arlington]. Every child is going to receive a great education. I won't focus so much on the physical condition. The education is the key factor. Education is high quality.
E: Are you concerned about neighborhood schools?
Concerned about neighborhood schools?
E: That disparity is quite obvious. We need to address the needs of high schools. I believe in fairness and equity. Arlington Mill moving is a bad situation, without resources.
R: Enrollment rising and falling is a fact of life. Several options for solving this issue. All students are at 80% capacity schools. Minimal disruption.
K: Strong neighborhood schools are necessary. We do need to give our students resources that don't get in the way. TJ parents love their schools. Education quality:
Q. Did you support or oppose 2006 school bond?
L: I supported it. It should have been larger. Robust fund this time around. I would like to be clear about how much $ is in the county. If we don't spend money on school where are we spending it? There are tradeoffs and we need to be clear about those -- trolley line vs. schools? We need to have an honest and transparent discussion.
T: Yes I was in favor of it. It is imperative that we do these refurbishments and upgrades. Students and parents feel they are not in favor of it.
E: Yes I voted for it. Concerned about 08 bond. My responsibility to advocate for the schools. I understand the AAA rating, and not getting in debt.
R: I opposed it. Irresponsible leadership. No plan to meet these. Big spending plans simply put forward. Debts weren't planned. TJ neglected again. Wakefield can't be done for a decade. "Call me old fashioned, but I believe in sound fiscal management."
K: People are frustrated by the situation. I supported [bond]. Bonding should reflect our values. Systematize the process. Citizen input crucial.
J: Wakefield is a priority I voted for it. Stakeholders triangle, better manage our costs. Knock out our most expensive items early. AC in winter is not focused on it. Provide atmosphere conducive to student learning.
Q. What % does a facility give to a student? Overall experience?
T: 15-25%, I think that child's experience is going to have a great effect on their aspirations. They need to be ready for what is coming. There needs to be a bond with the school. Carry on through their life.
E: I'm from Bolivia, we didn't have facilities like this. High schools have to have outstanding teachers. Facilities are important. [Access to] technology. Well maintained building. We need support for the program. Depends on your high school experience.
R: 50% of the education. Agree with Emma, caring well trained teachers. World class system without world class teaching staff. Well maintained facilities need to be on top.
K: Thresholds: safety 100%; lighting, technology. A school shouldn't get in the way of learning. Teacher and the student. College builds on High School. Aggressive learners.
J: 50%+. Atmosphere must be on the learning not on the distractions. Maximizing student potential. Educate all of our kids. Must prepare them for whatever there background is. Conducive to student learning.
L: Depends on the ratio to the other school. Emotional impact. Taught in the Peace Corps. If the message we send is that we don't care about you, we need to change it. Diversity is needed. Continue the capital program so that we do not have one high school with a poor facility and all the others with 21st century buildings. That would send a message to students that says we care about the others, but not you. .
Q. Given the fact that schools don't work just at the local level, what will you do at the state level and federal level?
E: I have been working at different state level organizations, I have a major role to advocate at the state level. Change NCLB.
R: My focus is local. Live near your work. Attract excellent teachers. Loudon will build excellent schools. We need to keep the great teachers here.
K: Taught at UVA. It was an important experience. Education fosters thinking in silos. Math was the obstacle could not get the math. We need to break this down.
J: Product of public schools. We had a system that was successful. UVA school system and teachers. Our system to maintain high level education. Or whatever the next step may be. Must be ready for a global economy
L: State regulations and money. How we teach and test. Been active with national and state organizations, built coalition across the state. Worked with Emma. Achieved minority student achievement to address these issues. Theory and practice. Senator Webb. Sec of Ed work.
T: State Department and in 03 in Iraq did a school supply drive in Iraq in Tisa-Nissan. Volunteered at the different schools. Mentoring programs at Drew Community Center.
Q. To the two veterans how has your military experienced trained you the SB? DENIED
Q. How does your with experience kids or parent groups helps you be a candidate who can serve on the SB? I have seen all different students get neglected, how do you work with the all kids?
R: I worked with all kids and crowding. Need to be concerned about IBMYP. W-L PTA.HB-Woodlawn where my daughter attends. Uniquely qualified.
K: I want to a see system that meets all are kids where they are. We need to measure student learning where they are. Provide options
J: Exposure to other issues. We need specialists. The system must be responsive. Close the achievement gap. High expectations [for all our children].
L: Quaker, peace. Teacher and parent one labeled GT and another SD. Inequities in the school system. There has been not enough space. Surveys important. Have to represent everybody, not just the loud people.
T: Pretty good question. Worked with students from every demographic and motivational level. I get a good idea of what is going on. Build strong support groups to kids who don't have the support they need is to get it.
E: I wrote an article. Lessons in Humility: when one of your students is doing badly. Tell me what is going on with your child. I not am going to implement. No an implementer. 14 students to get through remedial programs.
Q. Question in Spanish: High School Continuation Program?
K: I sat in on a high school continuation program. I addressed them and observed. Young people who are trying to make their lives betters. Transportation issues have not set it. This is terrible for these kids.
J: Very concerned about Arlington Mill and move to Wilson building. Public transportation will make it much more difficult.
L: I like the program. We have to leave the building. We have to go the Career Center. We are going to have to look for temp facility from with great transport.
T: I do and have worked with students at the program. This will be temporary. Better for students who need it.
E: A problem exists for our students. 1) not defined transportation 2) building needs work, Students don't have a gym. Computer labs. These students need 80% and 20%.
R: Worried about the lack of plan. Confident that we as a community can craft a better solution. We need to be an example of a better school. School based transportation should be better.
Closing Statements:
E: I am running for the Arlington School Board because of passionate belief in education. Personal journey as an immigrant and student good for all students. As an educator I have served hundreds each year. I will bridge diverse communities. Communication. Superintendent. Open Communication.. Fairness, engagement, fiscal accountability. Please help me promote the twin goals of excellence and equity. May 1 or 3 vote.
T: Thank you for your questions and why we are running. We have great schools here. I know that we have great schools here. We need structure to support kids who are not planning to go college. We need something to reach out to kids who are not going to college. Get our local businesses linked into our schools. We need to make sure they have something else. Goal is to build a world-class school system in Arlington.
L: Thank you. Comments about CIP which do a disservice. When people falsely attack a program that is harmful. We touched on state and national level voices. School Boards keep changing. We need someone who stay there long enough. I have built up [networks]. We need to use citizen volunteers [better]. Council of instruction. Citizens and the staff have felt [in some recent processes] frustrated and [this] needs to be addressed. Arlington way run amok needs to stop. Need major changes to NCLB. Has contacts in Senate and Congressional offices that might pay off. Continuity.
J: Tired too. Thank you for the conversation. As we move forward all of our children. No preference for one school v another. Focus on all of children. Each child's needs. Compete in a global economy. Welcome the opportunity to further discuss these ideas. Together we can make our good schools better.
K: We have a community that cares about our schools. We need to make sure that we have the students suited for the citizen involvement. Environmental challenges. Skills and experiences they need. I look forward to continuing it. Innovative educational programs.
R: Delighted to see turnout at this level. Both my parents were teachers. Public schools. Daughters in public schools. Volunteered for leadership roles. Randolph PTA. Exemplary IB program. Underage drinking prevention. Close the achievement gap. Leadership, leadership. We supported education strongly. By knowledge and vitality past laurels are not enough. Schools need to become world class. Leadership will help improve our schools.