Voter Guide2020 Municipal Elections

Radford City Council and School Board

Election date: May 5, 2020Last date to request absentee ballot: April 28, 2020

Recommended postmark date for mail ballots: April 29, 2020

This Voter Guide features responses provided by the candidates to questions developed by the League of Women Voters Montgomery County and the Montgomery County – Radford City – Floyd County Branch of the NAACP to inform voters in the upcoming Radford municipal election on May 5, 2020. All statements are provided directly from the candidates. These responses can also be found on the national League of Women Voters information website at VOTE411.org.

ALERT: Due to COVID-19 (coronavirus), all voters are encouraged to vote mail ballots in the May municipal election. Virginia law requires a reason to vote absentee, however, state officials have determined thatCOVID-19 is a valid reason for everyone to vote absentee. All voters are encouraged to apply online at https://vote.elections.virginia.gov/VoterInformation fortheir absentee ballot and to use reason 2A on the form (2A covers disability or illness and does not require documentation). You must apply for an absentee ballot by April 28th in order to receive one for the May 5th election.

ALERTA: Debido a COVID-19 (coronavirus), animamos a todos los votantes a votar boletas por correo en las elecciones municipales de mayo. La ley de Virginia requiere una razón para votar en ausencia, sin embargo, los funcionarios estatales han determinado que COVID-19 es una razón válida para que todos votenen ausencia. Se alienta a todos los votantes a solicitar en línea su boleta de votación en ausencia y a utilizar elmotivo 2A en el formulario (2A cubre discapacidad o enfermedad y no requiere documentación). Debe solicitar una boleta en ausencia antes del 28 de abril para recibir una para la elección del 5 de mayo.

To request an absentee ballot, go to https://vote.elections.virginia.gov/VoterInformation or contact:

Tracy Howard, Registrartracy.howard@radfordva.gov

540-731-3639619 2nd Street Room 143 Radford VA 24141-1456

http://www.radfordva.gov/252/Director-of-Elections

Curbside voting is available at the courthouse for the elderly and those with mobility issues according to the registrar.

The League of Women Voters never supports or opposes candidates or political parties.

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Radford City Council (Two seats open)

Onassis Burressonassisdburress@gmail.comwww.facebook.com/OnassisBurressForRadfordCityCouncil/

I am a senior financial advisor with First Citizens Investor Services, Inc, based out of Raleigh, North Carolina. I oversee wealth management activities at five branches within the Virginia (Christiansburg, Blacksburg, Salem) and West Virginia (White Sulphur Springs & Lewisburg) market.

I hold a bachelors and master of business administration from Columbia College and am currentlyin the second year of a doctoral program in business administration through Johnson & Wales University. Local leadership experience, recently served as president of the Radford Chamber of Commerce (Current Interim President Abram Williams) and I currently serve as a board member of the New River Community College board. Additionally, I serve as the public relations officer for the Harvey Howe Carper American Legion Post 30. I am married to my wife, Loretta and we have three children and three fur-babies.

Andrew CraneAndrewCrane4RadfordCityCouncil@gmail.comwww.andrewcrane4radfordcitycouncil.com/www.facebook.com/Andrew-Crane-for-Radford-City-Council-104050104492418/

I was born and raised in South Carolina. I attended Clemson University, graduating in 1999 with a BS in Mechanical Engineering. Following graduation, I moved to Florida to take a job on the Space Coast. After 10 years in Florida, I moved with my daughter to Roanoke

to take a job with General Electric While living in Roanoke, I met Tina Tapp, a Radford High School English teacher. Since she had been raised in Radford, we decided that it would be the best place for our blended family to grow. My daughter and I moved to Radford in 2015.

Dick Harshbergerharshbergr@aol.comwww.facebook.com/dick.harshbergerTwitter: @DickHarshberger

Dick Harshberger is Associate Professor and Director Emeritus of Virginia Tech’s University Leadership Development Program and former director of the Pamplin College of Business Management Development Center at Virginia Tech. For many years he also served as the primary

resource for spokesperson training for the Commonwealth of Virginia, Department of Personnel and Training. Dick Currently has his own Strategic Planning and Management Development business. He has worked in Europe, Asia ands throughout the UnitedStates. Dick received his Bachelor’s in Economics from the University of Pittsburgh, his Master’s in Theatre Arts from Villanova University and his Doctorate in Higher Education Administration from N.C. State University.

Forrest Hiteinfo@forresthite.comforresthite.comwww.facebook.com/forrest.hite.va/Twitter: @forresthite

I've called Radford home for 10 years now, by far the longest I've ever lived in one place. I was raised in a military family and grew up in a number of states across the U.S., but nowhere has been home like Radford has been! I’ve worked for HeartCry

Missionary Society, a Christian non-profit, for more than 9 years as a data administrator and editor. My wifeTatiana and I got married in Radford in June 2019. We own a home on the east end and attend church at Christ Church – Radford. We truly love living in the NewRiver City and plan to raise our family here! In 2019, never having run for office before, I saw a need and decided to run for the Virginia House of Delegates (12th District), falling short by about 7 percent. Earlier this year, I once again saw a need. After much prayer

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and many requests from Radford citizens (and encouragement of my wife), I decided now was the right time for me to run for Radford City Council. I hopeto be able to serve my neighbors well as councilman.

Q: Why are you running for Radford City Council at this time?

Burress: The city of Radford holds a special place in my heart. Over the past three years, Radford haswelcomed my family and me in with open arms and for that, I am forever grateful. I have been fortunate to have served the city of Radford in various roles ranging from President of the Radford Chamber of Commerce to coaching youth soccer and basketball through the Radford Recreation Center. I am a servant leader at heart, so I see the role of city council as the next level of servitude as it allows me to better serve our city and provide leadership in a greater capacity. Radford is an amazing city with the potential to be an even more amazing place to work, live, and raise a family and I am excited to be a potential part of this process.

Crane: I believe in the power of representative democracy and collective action. I also believe in serving one’s community. I am motivated to serve by our current Council. Not to halt or undo what they have done, but to further it and build on theiraccomplishments. I believe that means firstly ensuring that we are providing the services and infrastructure that our citizens need such as after-school programs for our youth and making sure our roads and sidewalks are safe and accessible to all citizens. Secondly I believe that means being a good steward of our city’s finances. Lastly, but no less importantly, I believe that means listening to citizens’ concerns and ensuring that government isopen and accessible to all.

Harshberger: Radford City Government has accomplished a great deal over recent years, and ispoised to accomplish a great deal more if our present momentum can be maintained. We have an outstanding, hardworking Mayor, City Manager,

Council members and employees. I am proud to be, and want to continue to be, part of the team that has helped the city of Radford overcome the challenges of a lackluster economy, even while losing a major employer and consumer of our services. Radford is back on top and on the move! Our reserves are being replenished; our schools are receiving the financial support they need to rebuild and renew their infrastructure. We are benefiting from a rebuilt and reopened hydroelectric dam that is far more efficient than the old version, adding to the revenues of Radford's Electric Department and the city. I want to continue to help lead Radford to take advantageof our financial strength to realize many of the new and expanded services that our citizens deserve.

Hite: Service has always been a very important part of my life—my Dad is a retired Air Force Master Sergeant, my wife is a former police officer and still works with law enforcement at Radford University, and I've spent my entire adult life working for a Christian non-profit. Now I want to take that attitude of service to the city council: I want to serve my neighbors and my community. I've considered stepping up in this way for a while, and my wife and I feel there's no better time than now. Radford has been good to me this past decade; I want to do my part to ensure that it continues to thrive.

Q: What are the top two challenges to Radford's progress, and how would you deal with them?

Burress: In my opinion, the top two challenges or opportunities that will fuel Radford’s future success if appropriately addressed is the lack of available single-family homes and continuing our focus on economic development. With regards to increasing the inventory of single-family homes, I would partner with local and regional developers coupled with taking partners within city government to gain a better understanding of potential changes that could be made to zoning ordinances or potential tax incentives to be

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offered that would create new development and redevelopment opportunities that result in an increase to our single-family home inventory. I would take a similar approach regarding economic development by offering my support to our city manager and economic development director and work collectively to attract new businesses to and expand upon existing businesses within the city of Radford.

Crane: One issue that has been brought up to me anumber of times while speaking to people during the course of this campaign is a need for jobs. Unfortunately, this is a perennial challenge for City Council with no simple solution. But we need to continue to work to bring employers into Radford and look into ways to help unemployed citizens find and get to jobs. Another challenge that Radford faces is providing local cultural and entertainment opportunities that make Radford anattractive place to live. I support the current Council’s exploration of an amphitheater as a venue and think we should also look into responsible utilization of the New River as an attraction that could bring visitors into Radford.

Harshberger: The Coronavirus hit us without warning, leaving us with enormous challenges.

Challenge One: Getting all of the recovery funds we are entitled to receive as a City. I am a fiscal conservative, who opposes Federal handouts. However, we aren’t talking “handouts”, we are talking “hand-ups.” I will fight for every dime that can help our City recover and prosper. At Virginia Tech I once successfully helped our faculty meet Federal guidelines in seeking grants. I will take a “hands on” approach to assist our grant writers in obtaining all recovery funds to which we are entitled.

Challenge Two: Maintaining and accelerating this City’s plans for a better future. I will help lead our efforts to build a: o West End Entrance to Bissett Park as an extension of Robertson Street

o Fire Substation on the East end to improve fire safety.o Develop our riverfront to include commercial and research pods, allowing us to take commercial advantage of our riverfront without harming its natural beauty.

Hite: If elected, a great deal of my focus would be on economic development and being cautious with the city's spending. Radford is a wonderful city, and we're in a great position to move forward well—as long as we're prudent with our revenue. We must continue to advance and progress, but we have to be careful about it, not spending money we don't have on things we don't need. Overspending or overtaxing would prove harmful to our local economy, thereby inhibiting our progress as a city.

Q: Do you support the 2019 property tax increase?

Burress: Yes. I support the tax rate increase in part but not in whole. I support the council taking action to make necessary capital improvements to the aging infrastructure of our schools, my only reservation would be the impact the tax increase will have on the segment of our city who may not be financially able to afford the tax rate increase. Fortunately, the city of Radford has a real estate tax relief program which provides relief for our residents over the age of 65 who meet certain conditions, however, I would be open to exploring the possibility of expanding this program to ensurethat we consider what relief if any, that can potentially be offered to more residents.

Crane: Yes. I support the 2019 property tax increase. In part, it was necessary simply to balance the budget without further dipping into the already depleted reserves. But had the Councilchosen to raise only the minimum necessary to balance the budget we would have been right backwhere we started as soon as loans were needed for the McHarg renovations. I believe the Council acted prudently by enacting a six cent tax increase

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knowing that a large capital investment was just around the corner. That said, I do realize that for people on fixed incomes, especially retired seniors,this could be difficult to work into their finances. That is why I also support expanding the real estate tax relief program to financially vulnerable citizens.

Harshberger: Yes. Given the aged infrastructure of our schools (with the exception of Belle Heth), it was imperative that we not delay the full renovation of McHarg School. knowing that Daltonand the High School will surely not be far behind. Ifwe are to obtain low interest bearing loans to finance these investments for the future of our children, we must be able to demonstrate to our borrowing sources that we have both the ability and the will to maintain a strong revenue base. The tax increase allowed us to increase our revenue stream, dedicate needed money for our schools and obtain low financing rates. I helped see that 4 cents of the 6 cent increase was earmarked for the schools. Even with the 6 cent increase, Radford still has the lowest property tax rates in the New River Valley.

Hite: No. While well-intentioned, I do not believe atax increase of that level was the best course of action for the people of Radford. I would have preferred to see money saved from making more economic choices on local projects (lowering thosecosts) and increasing revenue streams wherever else possible before increasing the tax burden on citizens.

Q: If elected, how would you address inequities in services across the city, for example internet access and transportation?

Burress: Unfortunately, COVID-19 has shed a bright light on the fact that communities such as the city of Radford have a need for increased internet access given the requirement for our Radford students to continue their education remotely from their respective homes. If elected, my commitment would be to spark conversation

and encourage the exploration of the feasibility of increased internet access such as public Wi-Fi. I would approach any potential lack of transportation services within the city in the same capacity. My focus will always be to take partnership will all stakeholders to gain a better understanding of each situation such as potential inequities in services to ensure that we collectivelymake the most appropriate decision...I am a big believer in the philosophy of measuring twice, cut once!

Crane: One of the issues that has been brought to my attention while campaigning is the need for reliable transportation for Radford’s citizens. I think it is critical to ensure that our transit routes are usable for people getting to and from their places of employment. We need transit that worksfor our entire community. I think the current coronavirus situation has shown us that internet access cannot reasonably be considered a luxury anymore. Every student at this moment needs to be able to get online to complete schoolwork. And though we expect that the acute need caused by the pandemic will abate, I would be interested in investigating municipal internet service.

Harshberger: There is no doubt that internet access is something that Radford has struggled with for a long time, but we see some light at the end of the tunnel. Through a grant, Radford and Montgomery County have entered into a partnership to assess these inequities and proposesolutions for dealing with them. I will push for the implementation of these solutions. I was a strong proponent for the Radford Transit and worked closely with President Kyle of Radford University tomake it a reality. While ridership of the University has fallen a little recently, City citizen ridership continues to increase. Council and the transit system operators are, I’m sure, tired of my repeated pleas for more neighborhood penetration and though I know it is difficult to implement due to schedule demands, I will continue to advocate for it!

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Hite: As councilman, my door would always be open to talk with anyone who has a concern. I would have a policy of transparency and accessibility, taking care to address each issue and to explain every notable vote I take at council meetings. I believe that listening to the public—to my neighbors—is vital in serving them well and addressing their needs.

Q: What particular skills or experience do you bring to the Radford City Council?

Burress: I have served in leadership roles of great scope and responsibility for over two decades for large and small companies in addition to past experience working with city leadership and economic development either directly or indirectlyby serving as a board member on boards that focused on economic development or through my job duties. Additionally, I hold both a bachelors and masters degree in business administration andam currently completing a doctor of business administration degree coupled with two decades of capital and operating budget creation and management experience which I strongly feel will serve me and the city of Radford well as a city council member.

Crane: While I have never served on a governing body, I have been attending both City Council and School Board meetings frequently over the past couple of years to stay informed on the issues. I believe this will allow me to start with some familiarity with the matters before Council. I believe that my training as an engineer helps me to be a problem solver, and my curiosity and desireto understand leads me to investigate and research a wide variety of issues.

Harshberger: On Council, I have served on some 10 different Boards and Commissions. I currently perform a leadership role on 4 of them. I am a tenured Associate Professor Emeritus at Virginia Tech. I served as Director of the Pamplin College Management Development Center, and as Director

of the University Leadership Development Program. I currently train executives and managers in: Leadership Development, Strategic Planning, Leading and Managing Change, Communication Skills, Conflict Resolution, ProblemSolving/Decision Making, Team Building, Project Management and Motivating volunteers and employees. I have facilitated over 100 strategic planning retreats for business, industry, government and professional associations. As a sitting Council member, I can tell you that all of these skills are useful in the course of conducting City business!

Hite: As an editor and data administrator, words and numbers are a key part of my daily life. I believe that experience would prove extremely beneficial on the city council. As councilman, I would bring that same attention to detail to every meeting and every vote—carefully checking that the numbers add up and that the verbiage is just right for the benefit of our community and paying attention to the important "little things" (like our trash site and our city roads).

Montgomery County – Radford City – Floyd CountyBranch

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Radford City School Board (two seats open)

Chris Calfeeccalfee3504@gmail.comFacebook: Chris Calfee for Radford School Board

Biographical Information : Marriedto Becki Calfee, we have 2 wonderful Children both in Radford City Schools. I had attended RCPS. I have been a business person in the NRV and Radford all of my adult life. Most

of that time as a Bank Manager and financial service provider. I have over 20 years experience dealing with multi million dollar budget planning. I am additionally experienced with personnel management and project planning.

Justin Mosbyjumosby@gmail.comFacebook: MOSBY4RSB

Biographical Information: Justin Mosby and his wife, Kirsten, have been long time residents of Radford City. Justin grew up in theNew River Valley attending the Riner schools and graduating fromChristiansburg High School in

1996. They graduated from Radford University andhave dedicated their professional lives to assisting school and college aged students successfully navigate the challenges of the public school system and higher education. In 2003 Justin began his career at Virginia Tech as a counselor for Upward Bound. As a counselor he traveled throughout southwest Virginia working with first generation and / or low income high school students to recognize barriers and develop individual plans to help the students build the confidence and academic skills needed to pursue high education or some form of post-secondary education. After four years working with the Upward Bound program, Justin moved into

fundraising at Virginia Tech. He currently works for the Guideposts Foundation.

Jody Rayjody.ray@volvo.comFacebook: Jody Ray for School Board

Biographical Information : With thirteen years of public educationexperience, I have taught Earth Science, Agriculture, Ecology, and various Natural Resources

Classes. I have also sponsored many other clubs, initiatives, and student activities. After teaching, I served as Assistant Principal at Nelson Middle School in Nelson County, VA. After that, I served as High School Principal, in Galax, VA. During this time, I led many projects to include innovative scheduling, student mentoring programs, school improvement initiatives, and numerous projects toimprove student learning and development. I also acquired skills in budgeting, to include public schools, and business. My education includes attending Radford University, where I earned my Bachelor of Science, and my certification to teach. I additionally completed my Masters of Education, in Administration and Supervision from The University of Virginia, an later my Doctorate of Education in Organizational Leadership from Shenandoah University.

Jenny Riffejennyriffe.wixsite.com/mysitejenny4rcps@gmail.comwww.facebook.com/Jenny4RCPS

Biographical Information: Jenny and her husband Greg have two children who attend Radford schools. Jenny graduated from Radford University in 2003 with a Masters in Social Work and is a

Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Greg, a Hokie, has

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taught at the SWVA Governor’s School for 13 years. A Radford resident for 10 years, Jenny is one of the founders of Bobcat Backpacks - a nonprofit providing food for Radford City students in need. From 2014-16 she was McHarg’s PSA President and is active at Belle Heth, volunteering at school events, activities, and the PSA. Jenny sits on a variety of local and city boards and is extremely involved in community events. Her passion for children, teachers, and their school environment is clear. She want every RCPS student to be welcomed with caring, supportive, prepared,and excited teachers and staff.

Mary Knarr Smithmaryknarrsmith@gmail.com

Biographical Information : I’m a Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant for Interim Healthcare and provide in-home PT. I grew up in Pulaski, Va and graduated high school there. I have a BS in Biology from Mary Washington

and an AAS from Jefferson College of Health Sciences.

Q: Why are you running for a seat on the Radford City School Board?

Calfee: Our children are the reason I am running for a seat on the Radford School Board. I believe that a balance must be held in all aspects of life. I am absolutely confident with my business experience and genuine desire to put the best interest of the young people, faculty, and staff, of Radford City Schools ahead of any other matters we can and will be successful. Couple that with complete, open, and honest clear communication and I can be a valued member of the School Board.Then together as a Board we can help to provide the best support to the Superintendent possible.

Mosby: I am running for a seat on Radford City school board because I have long been devoted to helping young people find their niche and build

their own capacity to succeed. I want to equipped future generations of educators, leaders, youth, and their FAMILIES with the education, life skills, and resources they need to make impactful contributions to their local community and globally in the rapidly evolving world. In this role, I feel I can continue to be a positive influence in continuing those efforts.

Ray: I am running for a seat on the school board because I feel like I can contribute to the community through my experiences and education. With two children in Radford City Schools, and a wife who teaches in the school division, I feel that serving on the school board is awonderful way to give back to the community and the school division, in general. I love working with our youth, and also with our educators at every level, and wish to continue to do this as much as possible. In addition to the aforementioned, I also have a strong desire to help build our Career and Technical Education Areas. CTE Programs are vital to our community as they train our kids to graduate and have trade skills to begin immediate contribution to our society. I think this is vital to our community and surrounding communities, andwould love to help facilitate building these programs as we improve in other areas.

Riffe: Transitioning with Transparency: We need leadership with the best interest of our children in mind and an awareness of the strain being put on our teachers and parents as we navigate the Continuity of Learning. Continued clear communication from RCPS & appropriate expectations are key. McHarg Reconstruction: Leadership must stay focused on the the safety and support of staff during the move, for smooth transitions for students, and staying on budget while meeting facility needs. Aging buildings serve our older students, so conscientious spending on each project is mandatory. Mental Health: Many ofRadford’s students have difficult home lives, food insecurity, and are stressed with school changes. Our teachers do all they can to meet every student’s needs both educationally and

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emotionally. School-wide training is needed to help teachers identify and assist student mental health needs as well as to support our teachers who can be overwhelmed with the weight of their students’ trauma.

Smith: I was looking for something to do to be more involved in the community and my son was very excited about the prospect of me running for school board. I want to see RCPS continue to movein a positive direction.

Q: What is the greatest challenge to public education in Radford and how would you addressit?

Calfee: Maintaining and extending direct, open, and transparent communication with the Students, Faculty, Staff, and Citizens would be the greatest challenge I see currently facing the SchoolBoard. In these uncertain times and ever changingissues, being able to confidently communicate and address concerns with multiple media sources or venues is essential to delivering a clear and open message. I have many years experience using online and web based media to attend and direct meetings as well as training sessions. I would consider it an honor to use those years of experience to deliver messages to Radford City as a School Board Member. By including digital media to the meetings it opens the opportunity to anyone to attend even if they are not able to be in person. It can also provide a sense of comfort to those who may not feel encouraged to ask a question in person. It would also provide a source of reputational stability between the School Board and all Citizens of Radford.

Mosby: The greatest challenge I see is accessing the right amount of funding to build state of the art facilities, recruit, retain, and recognize our talented teachers and create an environment that provides a wide range of programs that prepares young people for all areas of life beyond graduation. I will be a positive voice in the room, endlessly advocating for the needs of our young

people and supporting our teacher’s innovative ideas and well-being.

Ray: Obviously, the entire country is being hit hardby the Covid-19 Crisis. On a community level, Radford City Schools is being, and will continue to be hit extremely hard by this pandemic. Moving forward, we not only have to deal with the immediate impacts, but also have to work toward our "new normal" over the next couple of years. Realistically, this will have a major impact on our budget, and possibly how we deliver instruction to our students. I think it is imperative to begin to look at our future budgets, and how we see our schools operating in a safe and efficient manner. I have experience dealing with a recession, from a public school perspective. I was serving as a principal during the 2008 economic recession, and had to make tough decisions and prioritize initiatives while not sacrificing student achievement. I would prioritize budget, beginning immediately. I would also prioritize the opening ofthe 2020-21 school year, and how that needs to beimplemented.

Riffe: The VDOE reports our region has the lowest funding per pupil, but the highest percent of students with disabilities and the 2nd highest poverty rate. Due to our outstanding teachers bringing results on shoestring budgets, our math, reading, and science scores are highest in Virginia. Our Board has fought hard to pay our deserving teachers the 3rd highest starting salary in our area and must continue to stay competitive. The current challenge is to meet needs while school is out, but not over. Teachers creating Continuity of Learning plans are moving assignments online and getting technology to students in need so that access is fair and equitable. I believe our school system is excelling in connecting with students andparents during this uncertain time. The Board will have to create fair and equitable policy to address loss of classroom hours in placements, management of GPAs, and balancing the budget toaddress these emergency costs while providing for next year’s needs.

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Smith: I feel like RCPS has moved in the right direction by moving to a modified block schedule and i think our academics are on target. However, I feel like we fall behind in the category of CTE/Vocational education and would like to see us increase our program offerings.

Q: How would you work to secure appropriate funding for schools in Radford?

Calfee: Understanding of course that the Superintendent creates the budget and the School Board then votes to approve the proposed budget.I feel continuing a working relationship that I have with the current Superintendent and any other that may be placed at a later date would be essential. Additionally understanding that the approved budget is then passed to the City Councilfor allocation needs, I would utilize my business experience to address the Council as, and if requested to clarify any questions that may arise. Ultimately my business and teamwork experience will be very useful in creating strong working relationships between City Council and School Board to achieve our common goal of providing the most funding possible to fulfil the approved budget needs.

Mosby: I will continuously look for novel ways to secure funding from grants and corporate partnerships that create and support programs that focus on innovative learning, life skills and professional development. It will also be importantto continue a close and collaborative relationship with Radford City government officials, so they understand the impact they have in their own roles to adequately fund the educational attainment of community’s future leaders and educators. Making the most of our funds and investing them where they are most needed is vital. We must be able to navigate uncharted territories; we must pivot and not pause.

Ray: A positive relationship with or local government is imperative during these times.

There may obviously be debate, however, the youth in our community will be what makes the difference in Radford as we move into our future. Moving forward, we cannot only request funding from our City Council, but need to look at innovative methods of securing funding for our schools. I would propose that grants be written, partnerships with local and large businesses be formed, and all ideas explored to secure the proper funding four our students and teachers. This budget process needs to be considered immediately, as we cannot wait until this financial crisis ends to work on our school budgets. We need to take a proactive and aggressive approach immediately.

Riffe: Our teachers work too hard to fund their classroom initiatives and continuing ed through crowdsourcing. The Board must advocate for their needs in Richmond through lobbying and consistent communication with our officials. We must demand that Radford not be forgotten in state budgets. Also important is our connection with the Radford City Council. Joint sessions between boards have opened channels of collaboration. Discussing school facility and funding needs helps the city make their budget with RCPS in mind. By investing in our already exemplary schools, Radford City will prosper and grow. We must also think creatively by partnering with charities like the Radford City Schools Partners for Excellence Foundation. Designed to support RCPS initiatives like Bobcat Backpacks and the RHS Gymnasium Remodel, this gives donors the opportunity to make tax deductible donations and allows for grants to be applied for to meet school facility and teacher project needs outside ofa regular budget.

Smith: I believe the city and school board has already moved in the right direction by allocating portions of tax increases towards school funding. Additionaly, close contact with local and regional state representatives expressing our particular needs and strengths, partnering with local universities to provide options for securing grants,

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and utilization of local resources to provide guidance and support to identify and secure grantsand local partnerships.

Q: How would you ensure that students are treated equitably in Radford schools?

Calfee: All students have the right to a safe, and productive learning environment. By being active in School events, activities, and additionally as a parent of students listening to student needs, and concerns will be critical to ensure all students are treated equitably. I also believe that having accessfor any student, faculty, or staff to contact me directly with any concerns will be crucial The understanding that confidentiality is a cornerstoneof my work experience can also help them speak freely with regard to sensitive issues. Then I wouldopenly work with the entire School Board and legal council if needed to resolve issues in scenariobased presentations to maintain privacy as appropriate or as requested. Once a decision is made then presenting that to the public opening and directly in a proactive timely fashion would be my approach.

Mosby: Treating students equitably is something I believe is modeled throughout the system by the actions of not just our administrators but also the students. I will consistently ask questions and take action to ensure that our schools provide the necessary resources needed not only for our high achieving students to be supported, but also for our struggling or less fortunate students to rise up and given the same opportunities, as well.

Ray: Equitable treatment of students is a priority for schools. I strongly believe a school board's rolein this conversation is to establish policy that is concise and clear for or our administrators and teachers to administer. My belief is that this policyshould provide clear direction to the staff, while ensuring safety for all teachers and staff, along with the equitable treatment for all.

Riffe: As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), I

have expertise in assessing needs, advocating for at-risk populations, and finding solutions for children and families in the New River Valley. I am determined to meet every RCPS students’ needs equitably through creating policy that is based on current research. Every student must have access to the resources and facilities they need to achievetheir goals. We must provide access and support to educate our teachers and staff on implementingappropriate delivery of equitable instruction. It's imperative that we review and address any systems in place that create inequality and will require input from teachers, staff, parents, and students. Removing barriers to resources and facilities creates a system that puts students first. It is the School Board’s responsibility to hire the best personnel to put those policies into action in our classrooms, creating equitable educational andmental health resources for every RCPS student.

Smith: I believe that RCPS's core responsibility is toprotect and educate all students. As long as we maintain that core responsibility with students, staff, faculty and guardians through broad communication about expectations for our studentcommunity we can guarantee a safe and equitable environment.

Q: What specific skills or experience to you bring to the Radford City School Board?

Calfee: I have over 20 years experience working with incredibly diverse teams of people with a variant of skills and talents in order to achieve goals as well as maintain multi million dollar budgets. I have direct experience not only maintaining those budgets, but in establishing, andpresenting them as well. I have also been an advocate for direct reports and others in various areas of personal and professional development. I have experience as a life and career coach so my ability to asses peoples needs and then help them to present that to a group is second nature to me. I have spent a majority of my career working with teams of people with different back grounds and multiple levels of authority. As a business person, a

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Husband, and a Father to two wonderful Bobcats working as a team to accomplish a common goal issecond nature to me.

Mosby: I have a Master’s in Counselor Education with a concentration in Higher Education Administration. I have worked in the past as a counselor for the Upward Bound program at Virginia Tech, working as a counselor in 6 schools throughout southwest Virginia. I have also been a fundraiser in higher education and other non-profits for 13 years. My wife is a School Counselorand I am well informed about the struggles our young people face in our schools and their own personal lives.

Ray: I have experience as a teacher, coach, athletic director, assistant principal, and principal in public education. I have a unique experience for our current board, as I have high school experience as a teacher and as a principal. Currently, to my knowledge, there isn't anyone in central office or on the school board with high school experience, so I believe this is extremely important for our school division. Additionally, I have my Doctorate of Education, and have experience managing large, complex, school budgets. I also serve on Executive Board for the Radford Chamber of Commerce, and volunteer coach for our recreation department. Most importantly, I am a father of three wonderful children, and have the opportunity to understand how they view education and what is important to them in the educational process. My wonderful wife is a teacher in RCPS, so I also have insight into a teacher's view of the process.

Riffe: I have a Masters in Social Work and am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. As a School Based Clinician with NRVCS, my time in the schools taught me the value of working together with teachers and staff to create education plans that meet children’s academic and emotional needs as well as the importance of creating research based policy to create fair and equitable learning environments. My time as a PSA member and PSA

President at McHarg showed me that students need more than they could afford. Having limited access to weekend food affected their school workand their ability to meet their potential. In 2016, I co-founded the Bobcat Backpacks - a weekend food program serving 150+ RCPS kids a week. I am a volunteer, a fundraiser, and a community organizer. I have worked inside the schools both professionally and as a parent volunteer. I will lendmy skills as a mental health professional and a champion for children and families in need to the Radford City School Board.

Smith: I grew up nearby, I have three children in the public school system, one of whom has previously needed help for a medical condition. I'm level headed, willing listen and work with others, a hard worker and tend to approach problems based on facts.

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