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Voters in the Buchanan District -- the precincts of Buchanan, Mill Creek, Roaring Run and Springwood -- have a contested race for the School Board on Nov. 3. We put the same five questions to each candidate about a month ago. Only Kathy Graham Sullivan responded by the deadline. Her answers are below. If we hear from the other candidate, Tom Wilbon, we'll post his answers here, as well.

1. What is the most important issue facing Botetourt County schools during the next four years?

Based on the current economic environment and the current budget concerns in both the state of Virginia and Botetourt County, one of the most critical issues facing Botetourt County Schools is the budget process. Our challenge will be to maintain the current level of educational opportunities while remaining fiscally responsible. The division’s objective is to preserve the current level of services and staffing, to include but not limited to, salary and benefits. Botetourt County schools must remain competitive. As experienced staff retire, we must be able to replace them with highly qualified and talented people.

2. How do you propose to deal with this issue?

The Botetourt County School Board took a very conservative approach to the budget process this past year.  Since revenue is always beyond the purview of the school board, we will continue to examine and monitor our expenditures. We will continue to place the emphasis on what works best for our students and is, at the same time, cost effective.

3. What is the best decision that Botetourt County schools have made in the past four years, and why?

1. Instruction: Block scheduling at the high schools has given more opportunities for our students to build a resume to prepare them for college, careers and citizenship.
2. Personnel: Implementation of an online application process for Human Resources has broadened the reach for Botetourt County Public Schools to get great applicants for employment in the school division.
3. Facilities: The renovations/additions to James River High School and the establishment of a clear and effective Capital Improvements Plan.

4. What is the worst decision that Botetourt County schools have made in the past four years, and why?
The Botetourt County School Board’s mission is to ensure that all students participate in quality learning experiences necessary to grow, to adapt and to meet the challenges of responsible citizenship in a changing global society. All decisions made are based upon the best information available at that time and in the best interest of children. There is certainly work to be done, and always a need for improvement.

5. What else should voters know about you before they vote?

I have a proven record of leadership in the Buchanan Community. I have been very involved in the PTA’s at the elementary, middle and high school levels. I currently serve on the Botetourt County Character Counts! Leadership Council, and I am a volunteer at James River High School. I attend Buchanan Presbyterian Church. I earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Hollins College, and have continued my education in School Board leadership through many workshops and trainings. I work for Blue Ridge Behavioral Healthcare as the coordinator for the Roanoke Area Youth Substance Abuse Coalition (RAYSAC), which covers the jurisdiction of Botetourt County.

I have served on the Botetourt County School Board for twelve years, where I am currently Chairman. I am passionate about our children’s education, and the educational system in Botetourt County. I feel I have something to give the people, and the children of the Buchanan District by continuing to represent them on the School Board. Some accomplishments achieved during my tenure include: Instruction:
· Curriculum Alignments K-12
· CSIP (Comprehensive School Improvement Process)
· Professional Development
· At Risk Programs
· Improved instructional resources and technology
· On-line SOL Testing for both high schools, middle school and beginning to implement in elementary schools
· BCPS is a recipient of a competitive state grant to develop model teaching demonstration sites working with researchers from University of Kansas (CAMS, RMMS, JRHS, LBHS)
· Increased dual enrollment classes
· Expanded gifted, music, art, education
· Implemented block scheduling
· Additional Governor School slots at both RVGS & JRGS
· Increased graduation requirements
· Implemented Personal Finance Class
· Continued commitment to keep class size low

Personnel:
· Improved staff evaluation process
o Administrators
o Teachers
o Classified Staff (more job specific)
· Maintained Benefits Programs
o Health, Dental, Vision, EAP
o Revised Retirement Service Program
· Athletics
o Full-time high school athletic directors
o Full-time high school athletic trainers

Budget:
· Available on-line
· Collaborative process with the County
· Established a Capital Reserve Fund
· Established a Annual Capital Improvement Plan
· Centralized School Nutrition Operations

Facilities:
· Energy Conservation Program
· Renovations/Additions to James River High School
· Renovation of business labs, home economics areas and technology labs

Communications:
· Human Resources has converted to an on-line application process
· BoardDocs – paperless School Board Meetings
· Joint newsletter with Botetourt County
· Improved collaboration between the School Board and Board of Supervisors
· Implemented and updated school and school division websites