1. What do you see as the biggest challenge currently facing DCPS?

The budget and its effect on everything we accomplish.

2. Why did you decide to run for the office of School Board, and how has your background prepared you for being a School Board member?

I understand the success or failure of our public school system will have a direct impact on the economic health, safety and overall quality of life of our community. A great education system will affect our community’s ability to attract new businesses, reduce crime and solve the disparities within our community.

I bring a strong and proven business profile from many years experience in both corporate and small business worlds. I also bring a proven and experienced record of accomplishment as a community trustee and public servant.

3. What are some of the goals you hope to accomplish during your tenure on the Board and why are they important to you?

·        Discipline – Find the right balance of supporting the teacher, but not allowing a disruptive student to tie up valuable instructional time. 

·        Bureaucracy – Provide some relief from the federal, state and local mandates required of educators and allow our educators to focus on their core competency of teaching.

4. Is there any one particular area you will be focusing on during your term?

I will be particularly focusing on the graduation rate during my tenure on the Duval County School Board.

5. Do you feel there is any one area in education that needs to be immediately addressed?

We must resolve the teacher accountability issue in a satisfactory manner among all stakeholders.

6. Tell us a little bit about your personal life – your education, family, time in Jacksonville, time spent in our public schools, etc.

Both my wife, Karen, and I are natives of Jacksonville. I graduated from Terry Parker High School before going on to get a Bachelor of Science Degree in engineering at the University of Florida. Karen graduated from Fletcher High School and received a Bachelor of Arts in Education from the University of North Florida. All four of our children have attended Duval County Public Schools.