Dana Reinboldt is running to reclaim her seat on the Stafford County School Board.
She lost it last November to Emily Fallon who is sentenced to serve one year in prison after she stole more than $23,000 from the Anne E. Moncure Elementary School PTO, while she was the president of the organization.
The Stafford County School Board appointed Melissa Ayres to fill the seat in June on a temporary basis. Ayres chose not to seek election to the seat on a permanent basis, said Stafford County General Registrar Greg Riddlemoser.
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We sent a questionnaire to Reinboldt. Her responses are below:
PL: What are the top three major issues facing parents and students in the Griffis-Widewater District?
Reinboldt: 1) Fiscal Management of Stafford County Public Schools, 2) Reducing Class Sizes, 3) Competitive salaries to recruit and retain highly qualified teachers and staff.
PL: What concrete solutions do you propose to address these issues?
Reinboldt: 1) I want policy written that holds school division staff accountable for misrepresenting budget and spending to the School Board. 2) The School Division needs to keep closer track of enrollment data in order to hire enough teachers so that overcrowding in classrooms does not occur. 3) There needs to be better management of the School Division Budget to ensure the focus is on salaries and benefits.
PL: From your perspective, what is the job description of the office you’re seeking?
Reinboldt: Representing the Griffis-Widewater District entails participating in school board meetings, work sessions, events at schools and other public events. Researching, voting on and adopting education policies, programs, rules and regulations which govern Board procedures and the administration of the school division. Examining and approving the school division budget, awarding contracts, setting salary schedules and wages.
On recommendation of the Superintendent employ teaches and staff. Maintaining and improving school facilities, presenting needs of the school to the appropriating body, representing the school division and education programs to the general public. Hear and act upon communications from citizens and organizations. Act as a court of appeals for staff, and conduct student discipline hearings.l
PL: What expertise will you bring to the office?
Reinboldt: I bring experience to this position. I know what the problems are and I have clear ideas of what to do to fix them. I’ve brought many successful programs and policies to the schools that I am proud of, including security entrances to all the schools, before and after school child care, activity buses for high school students, bringing the IB program to Brooke Point High School, an Activities Code of Conduct for high school students, ParentVue and StudentVue, and increased parental participation on advisory committees including the Calendar Committee, the textbook advisory committee, and the Strategic Planning Committee.
PL: Do you feel that the average citizen is well informed and understands the workings of the School Board? If not, how do you intend on improving communication with your constituency?
Reinboldt: I do feel the average citizen is well-informed and understand the workings of local government. However, the school division has a responsibility to reach out and keep the community well informed.
PL: Have you ever made any mistakes in your public life? How have they affected you?
Reinboldt: I’m very new to social media, and I think it was a mistake in my public life to not use it more as a means to communicate with my district. As a result I am learning the benefits of social media and the ease of communication that it brings.
PL: Our readers want leaders in local government. Why should they vote for you?
Reinboldt: I have extensive experience and institutional knowledge. I have a strong record of accomplishments showing that I can get things done, and a proven record of success in enhancing education opportunities.
