Issues

Questions for School Board Candidates
Janet submitted the following answers in response to questions asked by the League of Women Voters of Howard County, Inc.

1. What are two specific Howard County Public School System successes and two specific suggestions for improvements?
The Wellness Policy is a start, however, more needs to be done. Ongoing reevaluation will help improve the nutrition and physical education curriculum while focusing on the whole child. The Ombudsman is the right step in bridging the gap between the home and school. Bring local community resources and organizations on board and retain quality teachers through appropriate compensation.

2. How can the Howard County Public School System provide a civil environment in all schools and the central office?
There is a civility policy in progress and policies on harassment and code of conduct are already in place. More emphasis is required in the areas of awareness and implementation of the existing policies, and prevention and training to achieve the required results. Bridge the gap between the home, community and school.

3. How would you balance the importance of assessed academic courses with the arts and physical education?
Our children are competing globally, so maintaining academics is important but there needs to be a balance and children need to express their creativity. I would begin with more after school programs with community organizations. Engage the community and parents to achieve this and research alternatives to see what would work best in our school system.

4. What are critical issues for you in school redistricting decisions?
The home and the school are stabilizing for a child's development. Limit the number of students affected and minimize the number of times a student is transferred. Being the top school system and desirable communities to live in there will continue to be transitions. Vision and long term planning for future is needed.

5. How will education in Howard County improve as a result of a seven member Board of Education?
This change will have a positive impact on the school system. This will provide a greater opportunity to have a diverse board with members from different disciplines that will bring more innovative ideas and better representations for the students, parents, teachers and community.

6. How should parents and the public be informed about provisions for the safety and security of school children?
Communication is the key. Through the use of technology including internet and cell phones there can be simultaneous and rapid release of information to all parents, caregivers, local networks and authorities. While technology will help in reaching the masses, it can also identify those parents who would need one on one communication.

7. Equity issues regarding capital projects, bot new and renovation are constantly raised. How would you assure equip among schools?
Projects need to be prioritized. First priority should be given to the safety and health standards of the building. Second is making certain that all schools are equal in terms of resources, tools and technology in order for children to compete at a national and global level. Funding needs to be appropriated to meet these goals.

8. What is your opinion of the Student Management System, utilized for all student information such as grade reporting, attendance, discipline, and contact information?
I am in favor of a SMS as we advance into the future. Privacy policies need to be in effect and large scale software implementation should have stage-wise implementation starting at the elementary school level. A student's record should have immediate reconciliation if an error is noted.