Editor’s note: The candidate provided answers to last week’s questions for this week. He also asked that last week’s essay be repeated.

1. How often do you think redistricting should occur in order to avoid overcrowding at schools and the overuse of trailers? Describe your plan.

Our schools are fairly balanced. Districts are determined by transportation, proximity to schools, physical boundaries, and disrupting only a minimal number of children. To avoid moving the same children too often, it is important to redistrict as a part of district-wide redrawing of lines. This takes into consideration projected growth in each district.

2. What is your solution for handling illegal students who attend Fayette County schools, but do not live in district?

We remain vigilant in this effort, as we removed almost 100 illegal students during the last school year. Besides our current practice of checking proofs of residence regularly, we are implementing a central registration center this summer and are requiring that all current affidavit-holders complete new legally-binding affidavits in order for these students to remain in Fayette County schools.

Most importantly, our local district attorney has agreed to prosecute those individuals found to be guilty of illegally enrolling students in our schools with stiff fines and jail terms possible, as provided by new state legislation.

3. What’s your opinion of the school system’s current bus transportation plan?

Our current transportation program is quite accommodating to our residents; in fact, our system provides services well beyond the state requirements. The state requirement calls for bus pick-up 1.5 miles or greater from the local school, and our maximum pick-up distance is only 0.5 mile.

4. When should the school year start and end?

Based on past survey data received from all affected parties – citizens, parents, teachers, administrators, and school children, our constituents prefer the “balanced calendar” plan under which we’ve operated for the past several years, with an early August start date and finish date before Memorial Day.

We are currently soliciting community input and feedback on four different calendar proposals for the 2007-08 school year, which can be found on our Web site – www.fcboe.org – and which will be available in our local school offices once this school year begins in August.

5. Overall, is student discipline a problem in Fayette schools? Explain.

No. Fayette County schools have a very low number of offenses compared to other systems. We pride ourselves with high expectations for both achievement and behavior. Disruptive and inappropriate behavior in our schools and classrooms is not tolerated, and will continue to be handled appropriately and according to our school discipline guidelines and policies.

6. How will Fayette schools be improved by your election?

Fayette County schools continue to lead the state in academic excellence and student achievement, and I plan to continue this positive momentum by providing leadership and guidance as a second-term board member. School improvement will continue by our renewed focus on careful spending of taxpayers’ dollars in education for our kids, while maintaining the excellent services and quality programs our parents and children enjoy, expect, and deserve.

During my second term, I will continue to provide the needed balanced representation and proven leadership for the system, drawing upon my many years of business and finance experience in the corporate arena. I will serve as a contemporary and progressive connection to the current school environment and ongoing academic efforts and extra-curricular activities, having family members who are active in the schools as a wife who is a Fayette County educator and children who are high school students.

Essay

Dear Fayette County citizens, I am seeking re-election to my Post 5 seat on the Fayette County Board of Education and ask for your support and vote in the Republican Primary Election on July 18.

During my second term, I pledge that by working together we will continue our success in keeping Fayette County schools the best in the state by focusing on:

• Academic excellence and student achievement

• Sound fiscal management and responsible spending

• Strategic planning for growth and changing dynamics
I am proud of my service on Fayette’s School Board and all that we have accomplished together over the past four years. Some of our academic achievements include:

• Fayette’s average SAT scores have ranged 45 points higher than the national average and 83 points above the state average over the last three years.

• SAT scores have risen 13 points over the last three years.

• Over $17.3 million in scholarship money was awarded to the 2005 graduating senior class.
Our many financial achievements include:

• Voters passed a $65 million bond referendum in 2004 for the construction of new schools and additions and upgrades to existing buildings.

• The school system has constructed and opened an elementary school and a high school on time and under budget.

• Facilities have been upgraded at all schools and each high school has been given equity in facilities with the completion and opening of the McIntosh High gym and auditorium and the Sandy Creek High auditorium, both on time and under budget.

• The Board of Education has avoided reducing teachers, educational programs or staff despite $18 million in state budget cuts over the last five years.

• The Board of Education has reduced the total millage rate for Fayette residents for the last three years.

My re-election ensures that balanced representation remains on the School Board, given my 20 years of business and finance experience, and with my active family in the schools. My wife teaches elementary school in our Fayette County public schools, and I am also the parent of two sons who both attend Sandy Creek High School [as] rising ninth and 11th graders.

I remain the best candidate for this position, as demonstrated by my proven leadership and experience, outstanding track record, fiscal responsibility, and balanced representation.

Please make the WRIGHT decision on July 18 and vote for me! Kindest regards,

Lee Wright

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