School Board 2004 Election Online Debate

First Question for all St. Mary's School Board Candidates:

As a candidate, do you support the funding agreement reached between the school board and the St. Mary's Commissioners, if so, why; if not, why not?   --- This question is posed by ST. MARY'S TODAY

Gary Kessler:
Yes, I fully support the funding agreement reached and commend the County Commissioners and the Board of Education for approving a precedent-setting budget agreement for Public Education in St. Mary's County.  They have taken the initiative to implement a "first of its kind" budget resolution based on the funding recommendations from the Thornton Commission.  This Joint Budget Resolution shows a strong commitment to Public Education in St. Mary's County and is a positive step forward in funding the needs of our public schools.

Pat Woodburn:
I support the plan. The $58.9 million will further the effective and efficient use of our tax
dollars to educate our school children.

Clare Whitbeck:
The funding agreement is in place and to the extent that it benefits our children, I support the funding agreement.  After all, when we are talking about education - it's about our children.

Cathy Allen:
I support it.  Based on the state's Bridge to Excellence legislation,  it has added accountability with the 'report card' from the Board of Education.  It has safety measures for both the county and the schools if circumstances change.  The school system can build a budget knowing how much money we can reasonably expect from the county and state.  It takes the 'politics' out of the formula.  Most important: citizens still have every chance to weigh in on what they want to see in our schools.