Seven vie for five spots on Portsmouth School Board

PORTSMOUTH

Competitive teacher pay and getting all of the city's schools accredited are among the top priorities for seven contenders vying for five at-large School Board seats.

Incumbents Sheri Bailey, James Bridgeford, Elizabeth Daniels and Keith Nance Sr. are defending their seats against three newcomers in the May 6 election. They include Costella Williams, a self-described reluctant candidate who has, with the financial backing of some city and state leaders, raised more than $21,000 - more than any other contender.

Challenger Edward P. "Ned" McCabe has raised the next-highest amount, about $4,800. The other newcomer is Ernest Knight, a recent graduate of Churchland High School.

Board member Betty Hudgins, whose term expires this year, is not running for re-election. The former school administrator said she is looking forward to fully enjoying retirement.

"I've enjoyed serving the city, and I'm glad to leave a place for somebody to come in and do more," Hudgins has said.

At recent forums, the candidates have focused on teacher salaries, the accreditation of schools and supporting new programs such as middle school football and career and technical education.

Knight, 18, said the division's top priority should be to ensure that more students graduate from high school. He proposes mentorship programs to reach students and would like to offer magnet programs in the middle schools.

McCabe, 51, has proposed eliminating most travel, if necessary, to raise teachers' salaries. He also said that businesses might be a place to tap to help cover the expenses of a new middle school football program. McCabe has experience in the classroom, having taught social studies and religion.

Williams, 56, said she wants to focus on creating school environments where students and teachers feel safe. She is a 25-year employee of the city's Behavioral Healthcare Services Department. Earlier this month, the City Council changed a policy to allow Portsmouth employees to serve on the School Board and keep their city jobs.

Bailey, 50, is completing her first term on the School Board. In order for the division to further improve, Bailey said, she would like the schools to partner with government, military, business and faith institutions. She also wants to work on improving the system's high school graduation rates.

Bridgeford, 64, said that besides improving teacher pay, he supports completing efforts to improve school buildings, build new ones and get rid of mobile units. He wants to see more parents involved in their students' educations.

Bridgeford has served on the board since 1990. He has been chairman for three terms.

Daniels, 69, said she wants to push for a budget that fulfills all the division's needs, including raising experienced teachers' pay to a competitive level. She has been on the board since 1996 and has been involved in School Board activities at the local, state and national levels.

Nance, 48, is completing his second term on the School Board. Nance said the division's top priorities should include providing children with "meaningful alternative programs." He would also like to eliminate all mobile classrooms and to make sure the new Simonsdale Elementary School is built.

Cheryl Ross, (757) 446-2443, cheryl.ross@pilotonline.com