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Vote 2006 Presents 2006 Candidates for 
Washington DC Board of Education District III Member
Who would you vote for?

Stephane Baldi Marc Borbely Robert Vinson Brannum Mary Baird-Currie Lisa Raymond
School Board District III Member Candidate Lisa Raymond's responses: 
Why are you seeking election to the Washington DC School Board?
I am running for the Board of Education because I believe that every child in the District should graduate from our public schools ready for life: whether they go directly to the workplace or continue on to college. I'm committed to making that vision a reality, and I'm impatient with the current pace of change. 

I am ready to work with the community members of wards 5 and 6 and with all of the leaders of this city to bring excellence to DC public schools.

What are your qualifications for the position you seek?
I am the only candidate with the qualifications who, in conjunction with other Board members, will get this school system back on track. Although the Board position is part-time, I plan to work full-time to represent wards 5 & 6. 

I have been a school administrator for eight years and served most recently as Chief Operating Officer for Cesar Chavez Public Charter Schools (1,100 students and a 100% college acceptance rate). I hold a Master of Public Administration from Columbia University and bring experience as a teacher, school leader, and parent. I have extensive budgeting, management and facilities oversight experience.

In your opinion what are the five major issues facing the Washington DC School System?
  • Getting resources to the classroom.
  • Funding schools before the administration.
  • Empowering principals and teachers. 
  • Modernizing and rebuilding DCPS facilities.
  • Creating a cost-effective special education system that serves special populations.
Who or what is to blame?
These issues have been caused by: ineffective management and budgeting, a culture that does not sufficiently support principals and teachers, a failure to hold students to high standards and provide them with the help they need to succeed, and an inability to effectively engage parents.
What is your opinion of mayoral candidate Adrian M. Fenty's position that the elected Washington DC School Board be converted to an appointed advisory panel?
Support a fully-elected Board of Education to ensure that all residents of the District have a strong voice in the DC public schools. The Mayor and City Council should be partners in solving the problems facing DCPS, but the Board of Education must retain its role in setting the vision for DC public schools and ensuring that the superintendent implements this vision.
Do you have a web site for your candidacy?
Yes, the address is http://www.lisaraymond06.org