The Augusta Chronicle asked 2008 Aiken County school board candidates to complete a questionnaire. Responses were edited for length.

DISTRICT 1

AGE: 62

EDUCATION: Clemson University, bachelor of science, master of science and Ph.D.; Winthrop University, teaching certificate; University of South Carolina, administration in education

EMPLOYMENT: Retired military; administrator in Barnwell County

WHAT IS YOUR PLATFORM AND INITIATIVE FOR RUNNING? My platform is based on student achievement and teacher quality.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE FACING THE SCHOOL DISTRICT? Aiken County must maintain quality teachers in the classroom to provide the most efficient and cutting-edge instruction available.

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT CURRENT BUDGET APPROPRIATIONS? Budget requests must be prioritized to maintain the resources needed to continue student achievement goals and retain quality teachers.

BASED ON THE MOST RECENT SCHOOL DISTRICT FACILITY STUDY (M.B. KAHN REPORT), HOW DO YOU THINK THE SCHOOL BOARD SHOULD PROCEED WITH CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE?

Monies that are provided by federal and state appropriations for new construction and upgrades should be used to provide adequate facilities for continued improvement of the student learning environment, which has an impact on both student achievement and retaining quality teachers.

Frances Alberta Williams

Did not respond.

DISTRICT 4

AGE: 46

EDUCATION: Strom Thurmond High School; Denmark Technical College associate degree; ITC at Morehouse

EMPLOYMENT: Owner and operator of Blocker's Barber Shop & Beauty Shop Inc.; real estate agent at Meybohm Realtors North Augusta

WHAT IS YOUR PLATFORM AND INITIATIVE FOR RUNNING? I want to help ensure that District 4 is seen as fully invested in the educational process of its youth so that we can continue to grow into a desirable place in which many can share a high quality of life.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE FACING THE SCHOOL DISTRICT? Did not respond to question.

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT CURRENT BUDGET APPROPRIATIONS? I will be willing to take a look at the current budget along with other members of the board and carefully make an assessment and make the best decision for our district.

BASED ON THE MOST RECENT SCHOOL DISTRICT FACILITY STUDY (M.B. KAHN REPORT), HOW DO YOU THINK THE SCHOOL BOARD SHOULD PROCEED WITH CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE? Address the continuous support, such as technology, transportation, daily operations of all school buildings and facilities with energy and cost savings initiative.

AGE: 44

EDUCATION: University of Pittsburgh, bachelor of science, chemical engineering; Auburn University, master of environmental engineering

EMPLOYMENT: Environmental engineer, Washington Savannah River Co.

WHAT IS YOUR PLATFORM AND INITIATIVE FOR RUNNING? My most important qualification/experience is that of a concerned parent with two children in the Aiken County school system. I know the joys and frustrations associated with the school system that face parents on a day-to-day basis. My strong desire to make a difference in the Aiken County school system motivates me to seek this office.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE FACING THE SCHOOL DISTRICT? I think the biggest challenge over the next few years will be balancing the needs and requirements of the educational system with a tight budget.

The board should consider input from the community concerning facility issues before any final decisions are made. The board will have to look at each item individually to evaluate funding without losing sight that the student and teachers must come first.

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT CURRENT BUDGET APPROPRIATIONS? The budget is an issue. I would like to see the board track $1 of money through the budget system to identify where each penny is used.

I think the district should be aggressive seeking grants and funding from private sources. I would like to see a champion be established for each of the available grants. The champion could take the lead in applying for the grants, obtain the grant, and then lead others through the process.

BASED ON THE MOST RECENT SCHOOL DISTRICT FACILITY STUDY (M.B. KAHN REPORT), HOW DO YOU THINK THE SCHOOL BOARD SHOULD PROCEED WITH CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE?

I think the board needs to establish a clear vision for the aging facilities throughout the Aiken County school system based on the recent facility study.

DISTRICT 8

AGE: 40

EDUCATION: Douglas Byrd Senior High; Fayetteville State University, bachelor of science, biology, chemistry; East Carolina University School of Medicine, doctor of medicine

EMPLOYMENT: Stay-at-home mother, physician (currently not practicing)

WHAT IS YOUR PLATFORM AND INITIATIVE FOR RUNNING? There is a need for change and improvement, and it is a job that I believe I am very capable of doing.

It is vital that we collectively address the issues that interfere with our children being academically successful, focus on resolving the shortcomings of our educational budget and work to improve the less than ideal circumstances our teachers face.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE FACING THE SCHOOL DISTRICT? I just don't see where education is given the importance that it deserves. Its priority doesn't rank at the top of the list, which is evident in student and parental involvement, attendance at school meetings (orientation, conferences, PTA), the condition of some of our schools, state educational funding and the lack of respect we give and the value we place on our teachers.

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT CURRENT BUDGET APPROPRIATIONS? This fiscal year, the Aiken County schools are operating on a budget of $230,282,756. ... Unfortunately, the budget is likely to decrease even further over the coming years, and it will require us to look at innovative ways to reach our children through community and business involvement and reallocate monies and cut budgets where there is waste.

BASED ON THE MOST RECENT SCHOOL DISTRICT FACILITY STUDY (M.B. KAHN REPORT), HOW DO YOU THINK THE SCHOOL BOARD SHOULD PROCEED WITH CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE? It is fact that many of our schools need major renovations, and it is also fact that it is going to require money Aiken County Public Schools just doesn't have. ... When the money just isn't there, innovative ideas and thinking outside of the proverbial box become essential.

AGE: 66

EDUCATION: Indiana University, bachelor of science in business and finance; Furman University, master of education; University of South Carolina, doctorate of education, curriculum and instruction

EMPLOYMENT: National educational consulting company, part time

WHAT IS YOUR PLATFORM AND INITIATIVE FOR RUNNING? I am motivated by my spirit of volunteerism and commitment to Aiken County students. It is important for our school board to remember that each child, from the youngest to the oldest, can succeed and become a contributing member of society.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE FACING THE SCHOOL DISTRICT? We need to establish and maintain stable sources of revenue that can be relied upon for making consistent, accurate budgetary projections. Three other extremely important challenges are reducing the unacceptable dropout rate, closing the achievement gap, and the consistency of curriculum and instruction in all of the schools.

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT CURRENT BUDGET APPROPRIATIONS? If legislation is not changed, there will be a marked reduction in district revenue because of a significant loss of income from state sales tax. The school board cannot spend money it does not have. We need to have a stable revenue source so that our children can remain our first priority.

BASED ON THE MOST RECENT SCHOOL DISTRICT FACILITY STUDY (M.B. KAHN REPORT), HOW DO YOU THINK THE SCHOOL BOARD SHOULD PROCEED WITH CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE? The Kahn Report is only one piece of the total puzzle. Any additional funding should be based on both the financial health of our local economy and what is best for our children. The burden on the taxpayer, especially now, must be considered before deciding on any additional facility needs.

AGE: 38

EDUCATION: Aiken High School; University of South Carolina, bachelor of arts, journalism

EMPLOYMENT: Self-employed. Owner and founder of The Greatest Gift, all-occasion gift shop

WHAT IS YOUR PLATFORM AND INITIATIVE FOR RUNNING? I love children, and I have a desire to give back to the community that has so richly given to me. ... If we invest in our children's education today (by ensuring they master the basics of reading, writing, and arithmetic), which stimulates independence and the ability to compete in the global society, we will all reap the benefits of an educated work force and law abiding citizens who are positive contributors to society.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE FACING THE SCHOOL DISTRICT? While I understand the district faces many challenges, I believe a significant factor that impacts nearly every challenge we face is how well we can encourage and influence more parents and guardians to become active participants in their children's education. If we can increase the connectivity between parents, teachers, administrators, and the board so that we are all working together and not against one another, I believe there is no challenge we cannot meet in the name of achieving educational excellence in Aiken County.

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT CURRENT BUDGET APPROPRIATIONS? It is what it is. First, we must thoroughly understand where we are and what the cuts actually mean to the district. We cannot make any assumptions. We must make some tough decisions about what we can and cannot do after careful consideration. We must be extremely deliberate with prioritizing current and future needs and strategically plan how we spend funds.

BASED ON THE MOST RECENT SCHOOL DISTRICT FACILITY STUDY (M.B. KAHN REPORT), HOW DO YOU THINK THE SCHOOL BOARD SHOULD PROCEED WITH CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE? According to the report, Aiken County is projected to have a net increase of only 175 students over the next 10 years. Furthermore, the report shows that Aiken County has declined in enrollment over the past 10 years. The Kahn report makes several recommendations for facility renovations and the building of three new schools in Aiken County in a phased approach. ... Obviously, with pending budget cuts, construction and maintenance projects will be heavily scrutinized, because the primary focus will probably be to ensure adequate funds are available for initiatives directly impacting classroom instruction.

DISTRICT 9

AGE: 50

EDUCATION: University of South Carolina, bachelor of science, finance and management

EMPLOYMENT: Did not respond to question

WHAT IS YOUR PLATFORM AND INITIATIVE FOR RUNNING? I have two children in the public school system and am beginning my seventh year on the Area One Advisory Council (fifth as chairman). During that time I have seen discipline cases, budget items and school facility needs.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE FACING THE SCHOOL DISTRICT? Funding and public support. We already know the state will cut finding for the second time this year and we will need to work with industry, the public and organizations like PEP (Public Education Partners) and the Family Y to gather all the time, talents and resources that are available.

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT CURRENT BUDGET APPROPRIATIONS? For years the city of Aiken has had a 1 cent sales tax that has been used for new ball fields, tennis courts, etc., all for the purpose of bringing in tourism funds and sales tax. Now the state is taking that investment and giving us back $600,000 less than we sent up. We must work with our legislative delegation to get our dollars back.

BASED ON THE MOST RECENT SCHOOL DISTRICT FACILITY STUDY (M.B. KAHN REPORT), HOW DO YOU THINK THE SCHOOL BOARD SHOULD PROCEED WITH CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE? If the school board wants to follow the Kahn report they will have to either rethink the idea of school leasing from a developer or the citizens will have to vote in a bond referendum. If the citizens want the bond the best time for the issuer (Aiken School District) is during weak economic times, which we are clearly experiencing. It is during these times that rates are the lowest and the interest expense is as low as we will see. ... Over the next 20 years we will average around $15 million a year. That's $300 million, the same amount the Kahn study calls for the district to spend. ... So it's up to the citizens, continue to patch things together over the next 20 years or issue bonds or lease to improve facilities now before it costs more in the future.

Did not respond to questionnaire or return follow-up phone calls.

Did not respond to questionnaire or return follow-up phone calls.

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