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Budget, teacher pay key issues in Aquia

October 28, 2009 12:36 am

BY JEFF BRANSCOME

The two candidates for the Stafford County School Board's Aquia District seat have plenty of experience--just not in elected office.

Stephanie Johnson has taught and volunteered for the Stafford school system, including serving as president of Moncure Elementary's Parent-Teacher Organization.

Jon Myers is a military veteran who manages the domestic security budget for the Department of State and sought the Republican nomination for the 28th state Senate district seat in 2007.

They are vying in the Nov. 3 election for the School Board seat being vacated by John LeDoux, who is stepping down after one term.

Johnson says her priorities include keeping schools open (the School Board has discussed closing some to save money) and retaining and recruiting teachers.

Last year, as a member of an attendance-zone committee, she opposed closing Moncure Elementary.

"It's not so much about the structure--it's about who's inside of it," she said.

Myers said he'd like to "fix" the division's budget, increase teacher pay and improve student performance on standardized tests.

He gave examples of what he thinks was unnecessary spending, such as the 2008 opening of Shirley Heim Middle.

"That money that was used to build the school, which was not needed, could've been used to pay our teachers," he said.

Johnson said her experience teaching and serving on school-system committees will make for a smoother transition to the School Board.

"My learning curve has been cut down quite a bit," she said. She has been a long-term substitute at Mountain View High School and Moncure Elementary.

Myers said his experience managing an $80 million budget makes him the most-qualified candidate.

"I think what they've been lacking for several iterations is somebody with professional financial experience," he said.

Johnson served on a task force this year that recommended increasing employee pay over five years to make Stafford more competitive with surrounding localities.

"I want them to know this matters," she said. "This is a priority."

She said that after years of volunteering she's ready to serve all school employees, parents and students.

"I think that I have been doing so much in the community for education that it's time for me to make a real impact countywide," Johnson said.

Myers said he thinks improving the school budget and increasing teacher pay will "naturally result" in better student performance.

"We don't sit down and write curriculum but using what tools we have, we can effect change," he said.

He said he thinks School Board members look out for the interests of their districts, but not the division as a whole.

"I think I bring an outside perspective of more of a financial expertise instead of a vested personal interest in the school system," Myers said.

Jeff Branscome: 540/374-5402
Email: jbranscome@freelancestar.com