School Board Candidates Criticize Political Establishment

By KRISTINA SCHNACK KOTLUS

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. — Six candidates Wednesday night made their case for an interim appointment to the Prince William County School Board.

Steven Keen, who served two terms on the original Prince William County School Board said that his experience and ties to the county would be an asset, and that alternative education programs, such as the county’s multiple magnet programs, are important to him. Keen also noted that the appointed member should not introduce any new programs or agenda items as they are not elected by the people and vowed that he would “not introduce any new items as an appointed member”, providing a vote for Woodbridge constituents, but no new initiatives on their behalf.

Todd McCormick, father of a county high school senior and executive director of “The House, Inc.” in Woodbridge, felt that his business experience and “passion” for Woodbridge would help him to address issues such as teacher retention, classroom size, and creating accountability. Not surprisingly with his non-profit ties, McCormick also noted that “school alone cannot give students everything they need” and emphasized partnerships with adults and organizations in the community.

William McHenry, a former Marine, former teacher, National Junior ROTC director, and parent, pointed to his education background and experience working in Title 1 schools as reasons he would be effective. Also a parent, McHenry noted “I’ve sold one heck of a lot of donuts, I understand what it’s like in the trenches”.

Two-time candidate for County Board of Supervisors Chris Royse noted that he’s been an involved parent at Leesylvania Elementary, Rippon Middle, and Freedom High schools, as well as having ties to George Washington and George Mason universities. Royse said his political involvement and experience would help provide “continuity of management” as he would be able to quickly mobilize a campaign for re-election, providing the Woodbridge District with minimal changes over the course of the next year.

In a green suit with full beard, Bruce Smith looked somewhat like a slender Santa, but was all business in his speech. A thirty-year teaching veteran, Smith said he was proud of the changes he saw from 1950s segregation to now as an active member in the Civil Rights Movement.

“As a member of the school board, I would make sure that the interests of all students are represented…in particular, we should focus on including as many children as possible in reading readiness programs,” said Smith.

He added society could determine the number of prison beds needed based on reading levels of fourth graders. Smith also blasted the use of standardized tests as a failure to students and limiting to teachers.

Loree Williams said she was running to offer the school board more diversity.

“I am a member of Prince William County for real,” Williams said, noting her connection as a mother, Parent Teacher Association president and member.

Williams said parents that she had talked to were tired of educators and politicians running for school board, and wanted to see a fellow parent in the position.

Following the candidates, twenty four citizens came up to speak on behalf of various candidates. A decision is expected at the next school board meeting, and a decision on a special election is forthcoming.

The Woodbridge District seat, left vacated by Denita S. Ramirez the day after the November General Election, will be filled by one of these candidates either until the next general election, or a special election in April, depending on the actions of the board.

Candidates addressed the Dais in alphabetical order.