Joan E. Wodiska*
Office Sought: Falls Church School Board
Age: 35
Residence: City of Falls Church.
Education: MA, political management, George Washington University; BA, economics and political science, Concordia College.
Occupation: Director, Education and Workforce Policy, National Governors Association (NGA.)
Web site:http://www.votefallschurch.org
E-mail address: joan@joanwodiska.com
Offices and positions held: School board member, City of Falls Church, 2004-Present; chair, Northeastern Region of Virginia School Boards Association; board of directors Virginia Schools Boards Association; school board Liaison, Special Education Committee, English as a Second Language Committee, Family Life Committee; member, League of Women Voters; member, Victorian Society of Falls Church.
What is the most urgent problem facing your jurisdiction?
On the horizon are the challenges of tightening budget pressures and maintaining competitive salaries to attract and retain the area's best teachers. At the same time, our children face the challenges of a hyper-competitive and changing global economy. Our schools must equip every student with the critical thinking skills and traditional hard skills, such as math, reading, science, and languages, necessary to be happy and successful in the global economy. Educational innovations must continue despite budget pressures by better utilizing existing funds and working with City Council to diversify our community's tax base, while reducing the burden on local homeowners.
Why should voters elect you?
As a current School Board member, education policy expert, and mother, I'm the best-equipped candidate to effectively solve the challenges confronting our schools.
What steps, if any, should your county take to mitigate the affects of a slowing economy?
Invest in human capital and hold high expectations for every student. Today's students are tomorrow's high-skilled, high-demand workers who will secure our region's economic future. Our excellent schools will bridge to a stronger, vibrant community.
-- The Washington Post | Submit a correction request.
