Questionnaire from WJCEA

Williamsburg James City Education Association.

What are your Goals –  

“Of all the responsibilities of our City Government, our greatest I believe is to protect, preserve and enhance the character of our City, a city with a name known around the world - Williamsburg. The pressures for growth and change continue unabated. It will take renewed determination, commitment, and policies to successfully resist these pressures. Our city stands as the gateway to living history; we are the trusted guardians of a world treasure. Let us renew our commitment to protect the unique character of Williamsburg ; for our country, for the world, and for future generations.”

Priority Issues –  

• Smart, controlled growth: Stronger safeguards in the special use permit process and a clear vision to follow.
• Protection of personal property rights: in particular, end government support for the intrusive deed restrictions required by the WRHA, now involving over fifty home within the city limits, which prohibits any person from residing at the property except the purchaser and requires any future buyer of the property to first allow the WRHA the right (first right of refusal) to re purchase the property at whatever best terms the prospective purchase is able to negotiate.
• Better access to citizens in the governing process through earlier involvement in new development proposals and scheduling meetings later in the day.
• Green space is a key ingredient for maintaining the character and visual beauty of our city. The importance of green areas, trees and open spaces cannot be overstated.

 Area of Education –  

Both the School Board and the City Council should have as their primary mission the education of the young. If I could change the mission statement of the WMBG-JCC School division it would be to put more emphasis on the students’ mastering the subjects that they are being taught, especially reading and math, rather then the goals of being a ‘lifelong learner’ and ‘independent thinker’. While these goals are laudable they are no substitute for proficiency in the basic skills. Without such a foundation these secondary goals are not attainable.

 Budget –  

I would expect that the School Board would propose whatever budget that they feel is necessary in order to meet the goals of an effective education program for the students.

 Tax Increases –

 In general I am opposed to raising taxes. Such a decision would depend upon the budget that was presented and the wishes of the citizens.

 General comments –

 I am concerned that we continue to teach to tests. I would prefer that the students and the teachers to have stability of subject, to be able to use textbooks in a logical progressive fashion and not reinvent content each year. This would be helpful to students and teachers alike, making for more efficient and effective education.