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

Jackie Pinckney Hackett Jimmy Johnson William Lockridge Jacque D. Patterson Cardell Shelton
School Board District IV Member Candidate William Lockridge's responses: 
Why are you seeking re-election to the Washington DC School Board?
I am seeking re-election because I am committed, I possess the needed experience and I am accountable to the children and families of District IV. I have served as Vice President of the Board, balanced three consecutive budgets, and headed the development of the Master Facilities Plan.

What are your qualifications for the position you seek?
I am an educator who brings over 25 years of dedicated, committed public and community service to District IV. As a long-time resident I know the people and the challenges we face. I listen and I am accessible. I have the skills and know-how to bridge community needs and issues with resources in order to develop effective policy. 

I have served as Chairperson, NPC for Youth; Chairperson, ANC; Co-founder of the Washington Metropolitan Minority Contractors Association; Former President of the Alabama Avenue Renaissance Task Force; President of Simon Elementary School PTSA; and Board Member of Action to Rehabilitate Community Housing.
In your opinion what are the five major issues facing the Washington DC School System?
  • Student  Achievement – Standards, curricula and assessment instruments.
  • Facilities – Oversight responsibility of the modernization process.
  • Security – Assure a safe, clean and inviting learning environment.
  • Equity – Lack of equity in modernization, educational and specialty school programs.
  • Vocational Education – increase equity in vocational education programs and the modernization program.   
Who or what is to blame?
There is no one entity to blame, but enough blame to go around.  Within the past ten years the DCPS System had been under at least seven (7) superintendents—Becton, Ackerman, Vance, Rice, Massey, Rice, and Janey; four (4) different Board structures—Elected, Control Board, Board of Trustees and Hybrid; and massive school leadership and teacher changes.
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?
I adamantly oppose Adrian M. Fenty’s position of converting to an appointed advisory panel.  The responsibility of the Board of Education is and should remain an elected position whose responsibility it is to set policy and have oversight authority over DC Public Schools; hire, evaluate and terminate the superintendent of schools; hold public hearings to engage public participation; and maintain transparency throughout the development of policy.  The citizens of the District of Columbia voted overwhelmingly to return the board to an elected body, including Mr. Fenty. 
Do you have a web site for your candidacy?
 Yes, the address is http://williamlockridge.com/ .