WYDaily sent an identical questionnaire to each candidate for the Powhatan District seat on the Williamsburg-James City County school board. The seat is currently held by Joe Fuentes, who is facing off against challenger Melinda Lincoln-Richardson. The election takes place Nov. 5.
These are Fuentes’ answers to the questions. View a completed questionnaire from Lincoln-Richardson by clicking here.
1. Can you share your age, family and professional background?
Age: 54 and loving it.
Family: Married with two grown daughters who attended Williamsburg James City schools. Resident of the area for over 30 years and specifically the Powhatan District for over 24 years;
Professional: Employed by for NAVSEA as a Branch Head for Nuc Engineering and Test; Previously employed by Newport News Shipbuilding for over 22 years managing Nuclear Engineering R & D projects; Veteran of the U. S. Air Force; Previous adjunct professor at Thomas Nelson Community College; Board of Trustees for New Horizons Regional Education Center 2005 and 2006; Member Virginia Coalition for Open Government; Licensed by the Commonwealth to practice as a Professional Engineer;
Education:
BS in Electrical Engineering; Master of Engineering in Engineering Management
2. What do you feel are the three major issues facing the school district right now? What are your ideas on how to work toward a solution for any or all of them?
- Growth-Managing a growing division in a time of reduced budgets. With an operating budget of over $115M and six year capital projects plan of over $75M, I intend to continue with my in depth questioning to ensure that we are maximizing our value.
- Quality Improvement- Implementing a continuous process improvement management system to ensure measurable processes. Process improvement has long been an issue that I have championed. Quality improvement processes will go directly to helping achieve a premier school division and over the long term reflects sound fiscal management.
- Technology- Maximizing cost efficiencies with technology in the classrooms. I do not believe we have fully utilized technology in the classroom to get our return for the dollar. This is a rapidly changing area that will require some new and/or shifts in paradigms.
3. How well do you think the elementary school curriculum does addressing the needs of each student? What, if any, ideas do you have for improving student performance across the achievement spectrum?
In general, our division does an excellent job of addressing needs. However, there are areas where improvement may be gained. Thinking outside the box, I truly believe that one approach to improving achievement, and in particular, helping to close the achievement gap is with strong instrumental music programs at early ages. I believe there is strong evidence that there is a correlation between learning and music. Grow the music program and close the gap.
4. Parents have high expectations for their children in WJCC schools. Recently, the budget has been strained between what the division says it can afford and what people want. How can you resolve this problem so expectations and affordability align? Be specific.
One of the board’s primary responsibilities is setting budget priorities. It has always been important to me that we hold public hearings early so we get feedback from the community on the priorities. When the public has buy-in and has been part of the process, then we come closer to mutual expectations.
5. In 2011, the school board ended Academy for Life and Learning and put in place a coaching system for middle school students who would have previously qualified for the academy. What is your assessment of the change?
The ALL academy started as a replacement for the Center for Educational Opportunities (CEO). However, each year the mission and vision of ALL morphed until it got to the point that it was a very expensive program that was not meeting the expectations of the School Board. The newly implemented coaching system is not only at the middle school level but at the high school level. The initial indicators so far provide some assurances that we are getting bang for our buck.
With that said, I still support re-establishing alternative education including a comprehensive vision for disciplinary students.
6. Talk about the school board’s relationship with the James City County Board of Supervisors and Williamsburg’s City Council. On the one hand, the school board makes independent decisions regarding policy and programs. On the other, it’s largely dependent on the two boards for its funding. As a leader, what’s your philosophy for promoting cooperation? What, if anything, would you do to improve the relationship?
My philosophy has always been the same. In addition to a sense of humor, there are three things for a successful relationship: communication, communication, and communication. If necessary more joint meetings between the boards. These meetings allow for open dialogue and a better understanding of expectations for everyone.
