A Crofton Online Interview
Schneider: 'Respect for Teachers, Small Business Concerns, Crime Are Major Issues'
Sheila Schneider Endorsed by Marsha Perry

[NOTE: Ms. Schneider elected to submit written answers to our questions. Our statements and questions are in italics.]

The controversy between Anne Arundel County Executive John Gary and the county School Board continues, giving the impression that our public officials aren't working together for the good of our children.

a. What is your opinion of the quality of public education in Anne Arundel County? Are the schools doing a good job? Are they adequately funded?

With two children who spent their entire 12 years of school in the Anne Arundel County Public School system, I am very proud of the education both my children received. Our schools provided creativity, ingenuity, and challenges. Teachers were caring, yet firm with students and encouraged critical thinking.

However, I do believe that over the past 7 years, teachers have been discouraged from being creative in the classroom and in challenging students. Mandates upon teachers have caused our teachers to teach for a different purpose‹for the purpose of passing assessments tests‹rather than teaching for the purposes of imparting knowledge and creativity to the students.

This is not because we do not have top quality teachers with excellent qualifications to perform the job for which they were hired. It is because we have teachers who are hampered by extraneous obligations and, therefore, are unable to perform their jobs as effectively as they would like. I have spoken with numerous teachers who are discouraged by the change in procedures which cause these teachers to teach in a manner which they feel is not to the standard to which they formerly taught.

The school system in our county can certainly rectify this situation by re-evaluating the goal of current teaching procedures. Then, the Board of Education can determine a proper method of reinstating the creativity and challenges into the classroom, yet promote the critical thinking that is demanded in today's working world. This can be accomplished through cooperation between teachers who are responsible for the children and the subjects they teach; the Boards of Education (local and state) that are responsible for the policies and procedures followed by teachers and administrators; and representatives from the business community who can advise on the type of skills needed for successful adults in today's working world.

Included in this effort must be funding so that schools can teach technology, math, science, and vocational subjects needed in today's working world; so schools can be renovated or constructed to provide the proper environment for learning (proper lighting, smaller classrooms, repaired roofs, lower teacher/student ratios, etc.); and so that teachers can be compensated by salary and benefits so that our county can hire new teachers and/or retain our experienced teachers. We cannot continue to complain that students from other countries are gaining or surpassing the abilities of our children and yet short change our educational system by withholding funding.

b. Should we change the way our school board is chosen? Should the school board be elected?

I have participated as a delegate to the Nominating Convention. This is a good, democratic process. Every organization and association throughout the county sends representatives to this convention which meets on four evenings. The delegates then hear from all candidates as they respond to the questions from the delegates. At the end of the fourth evening, all the delegates vote and then the names of the first and second place winners are submitted to the Governor for appointment.

For this system to work as expected, only the name of the individual receiving the most votes at the Convention should be submitted to the Governor. The Governor should then be expected to appoint that individual to the School Board. Terms should be no more than 3 years. At the end of the term, the individual, if he or she wishes to remain on the School Board, should be required to go through the Nominating Convention again.

I do not support elected school boards. I do not believe that having an elected school board with taxing authority and fiscal autonomy is the answer to the problems facing our school system today.

c. The school board spends a large portion of the county budget. Should legislation be passed giving the county council more authority over this spending?

In the areas of school construction, renovation, and maintenance, I would support more oversight from the county council. I believe that the members of the school board, voted in by the Nominating Convention, should submit their budget to the county council for approval (as is the system today); but that the school board must be expected to apply the funds to the services or supplies presented in the budget. If such funds are applied differently, than substantiation for such reapportionment should be expected and given to the county council, with explanation to the public.

The state legislature has approved an increasing amount of state aid to the Baltimore City schools.

a. Do you think we should change the way schools are funded statewide? Should we break the link between property taxes and school funding? Can the current system ever be fair to children in an area such as Baltimore City, where property values are low? A change in the system would probably result in funds coming from richer counties such as Anne Arundel, to the poorer jurisdictions. Will it ever be politically feasible to make such a change?

The rest of the state cannot ignore the plight of the students from poorer communities. The school districts with lower property taxes, preventing these districts from meeting the needs of the school system, such as Baltimore City, receive funding from federal and state sources. Also to be considered could be corporate sources for funding. Baltimore is a growing commercial city. Partnerships with these businesses can be an effective means for funding.

With regard to Anne Arundel County, we, at the state level, must consider the rapid growth occurring to our area. We cannot ignore the needs of the aging and overcrowded school system, in Anne Arundel County and throughout the state. But we must also evaluate the tax cap which restricts our ability to help ourselves. We share this issue with Prince George's County which has TRIM. Does the public want to continue the tax cap? If we do, than we have to address our priorities with our funding sources and examine the state and federal sources which might address our needs.

How do you feel about vouchers to reimburse parents who send their children to private religious schools? Would this adversely affect public education? Would there be a separation of church and state problem?

I do not support vouchers to reimburse parents who send their children to private schools. This would reduce available funds for our public school system and affect the children from less affluent school feeder systems where PTAs cannot raise funds for various school needs. Tax dollars goes to public education first and foremost. If we ever get a surplus of education funds whereby all our school districts throughout the state have no education funding needs, then we can revisit the voucher issue.

What is your opinion of the MSPAP (Maryland School Performance Assessment Program) test?

I support the concept of MSPAP and its purpose to evaluate school performance by testing students for critical thinking, problem solving, and basic fundamental skills. My concern is the method it was prepared and presented to teachers as well as the impact it has had on teachers' abilities to perform their jobs. I have spoken with many teachers from all teaching levels (elementary, middle and high schools) and the reaction is universally the same‹the curriculum is geared to passing this test, there is no time to deviate from the prescribed lesson plans (one size fits all), creativity and ingenuity are stifled, and homogeneous grouping provide no allowance for students of varying levels. Add to this that teachers have had to pay out of their own pockets for tools used in the daily instruction as well as necessary for the tests and the fact that the test takes five days to administer and I would say that the test needs re-evaluation.

Unfortunately, in the education field, it seems that experimenting in the classroom takes priority over common sense. MSPAP could, and should, have been introduced at a slower pace to the classroom teachers. Teachers should have been involved in the entire development of the test. That part of the program which is not feasible should be omitted. And, teachers should not have to "teach to the test" if such a process disrupts the principles of effective, quality teaching with effective, quality learning!

During the past five years Crofton has experienced explosive growth. What should the role of government be in assuring that the quality of life for our citizens is protected? How can we be "business friendly" without endangering the environment?

Crofton, and other areas around our county, are experiencing growth at an alarming rate. Most people list over development right up there with education as their first priorities. Residential growth is a drain on our county resources and negatively impacts our already overcrowded school system, roads, and adequate facilities. Smart growth is only smart if growth is a benefit, not a deficit. Therefore, we need to be diligent in overseeing the expansion of new housing developments. We need a cooperative spirit with developers who are willing to put funds toward new schools, improved roadways, and open space. And we need to say "enough is enough" when necessary!

Government's role is to ensure that the county does not become over-grown with housing developments at the expense of our environment. Anne Arundel County has an unique environmental quality throughout. We have beautiful wooded areas and breathtaking open spaces, along with miles and miles of waterways coursing through the county. We cannot take this environment for granted. It is the task of government to make the hard decisions regarding residential development vs. environment, development rights vs. land preservation. We must remember that once we alter the environment with development, we cannot, ever, return to the previous condition.

While negligent commercial development can also negatively impact our environment, responsible oversight can ensure that commercial development is encouraged where needed and where supported by the surrounding communities. Commercial developers must work with communities, environmentalists, and government so that all needs are met. Where one need is more overwhelming than another, then that need becomes paramount. This could mean that a particular commercial project looks for another site or is simply rejected; or it may mean that a community may decide to change its opposition and support the project with appropriate changes to plans. Both of these outcomes have occurred throughout Anne Arundel County in recent years.

"Business" and "Environment" are not always at the two ends of the spectrum. Both can be mixed together with positive results. To do this, developers and government planners must consider the communities and the existing environmental needs of the area in which a project is being considered. In some areas of the county, small local businesses are what is desired by the surrounding communities. In other areas, large "box" businesses may meet the needs. In still other locations, a shopping center or professional services park may be what is required and desired.

The small local chambers are unique in that most of the business owners live within the community their businesses serve. These are people who care very much about the community and its future. Small businesses contribute to fund raisers and provide employment to our young people during school breaks. They also sponsor events all year round. We need our local businesses for the economic stability of the community. They make up 80% of the economy. But we also need to be sure that business is placed in appropriate locations, not just haphazardly placed anywhere.

How do you feel about the plans for the mega-mall in Hanover? Was the County Council correct in passing legislation that precludes public hearings and public comment?

I can only support legislation such as your questions addresses when a project has been presented to the surrounding communities and been given approval by these communities. This practice has occurred before in Anne Arundel County. It is essential, however, that the communities impacted by a project give their support, in writing. If such support is not forthcoming, then the County Council should not pass legislation that precludes public hearings and public comment.

Do you consider yourself to be a party person? In other words, do you always support the Democratic candidate? What has been your role in the Democratic party?

I consider myself an issues person. I will consider an individual candidate and his or her views on the issues important to me before I make my decision with my vote.

I feel strongly about social issues such as violence toward women and children, the health needs of senior citizens and children, discrimination, economic equity, health care insurance and accountability, and affordable housing for our poor as well as for our seniors. But I also feel equally strongly about the stability and health of our small businesses, rights of crime victims, strong sentencing for criminals regardless of age, individual responsibility, and equipping our law enforcement officers, fire fighters, and EMS personnel with what is necessary to reduce the risk of doing their jobs.

My role in the Democratic party is that I have been a Democrat all my life and I am running as a Democratic candidate for the House of Delegates from District 33 as well as for the Anne Arundel County Democratic Central Committee.

As we all know, Linda Tripp recorded her conversations with Monica Lewinski in the state of Maryland, apparently in violation of Maryland law. Should she be prosecuted? Do we need additional state laws to protect our citizens' privacy?

If Ms. Tripp broke Maryland law, she should be prosecuted. As for privacy, we need to be concerned not just about our privacy via the telephone, but also about our exposure over the Internet. I am not sure if new laws are required at this time. We do have to enforce those laws we already have, however. This situation with Ms. Tripp may be such an example.

What type of music do you listen to? Movies? TV? Do you think that the media has contributed to social problems such as violence or promiscuity? Explain. Should the government get involved in censoring or otherwise controlling content on the Internet?

My favorite station on the radio is MIX 107.3, rock and roll (not the rock and roll my children listen to). I like the current music and oldies from the 60s, 70s, and 80s. I like all kinds of movies from Lethal Weapon to Die Hard, Star Wars Trilogy, Rocky (and all sequels), Jurassic Park, Gone With the Wind, It Happened One Night, Dances with Wolves, Braveheart, most movies with Morgan Freeman, Tom Hanks, Mel Gibson, Glenn Close.

I do believe that our movies and television shows are too violent and sexual than is appropriate. Much of this sex and violence is gratuitous and unnecessary. Violence is not new to either movies or TV but the gore and blatant sex has definitely increased over the years.

Although I may enjoy Terminator I and II, I am 49 years old and not impressionable, certainly not like the young children who were in the theaters with their parents. I believe that children are capable of imitating what they see on TV. Producers of movies and TV programs as well as the heads of the network and cable stations should take responsibility by voluntarily censoring themselves and stop being so irresponsible in their choice of programming. Look at the majority of Academy Awards winning movies; they have little, if any, violence (Dances with Wolves, Forest Gump, etc.). There are the occasional exceptions but they are not the rule.

Regarding the Internet, I do not like the concept of "censorship," but I also do not like that people's names and addresses are on the Internet without their knowledge or permission (even people who are not listed in the telephone directory). This is a new arena. I am not sure at this point what kind of controls are even possible for the Internet, or desirable.

How are your views different from the other candidates in the primary?

My emphasis on returning respect to teachers and the teaching profession stand me apart from other candidates. I believe that the deterioration of this respect began in the 60s and has gained momentum with each passing year. This lack of respect is evident from top administrators who continue to mandate to teachers without teacher input, continue to require implementation of programs by teachers without increasing teachers' pay and benefits, continue to allow administrators to be verbally abusive to teachers, and continue to tolerate the disrespect and inappropriate behavior from students without proper consequences.

My approach to crime prevention is very cost effective and would create cooperation among various already existing agencies and organizations throughout the state. I have been giving crime prevention workshops for many years. I advocate teaching the public ways to reduce their risk of becoming victims. This has been proven to be effective by the feedback of the people who have attended my workshops over the years. This is very low cost yet prevents victimization. If there is no easy, available victim, there will be no crime. This is effective "crime prevention." This is very important for women who continue to tell me that they feel very vulnerable and this fear impacts their activities and their lives. My organization, Greater Women's Information Network, is dedicated to a woman in Crofton who was a victim of crime in 1990. The mission of GWIN is to educate the public on the common sense approach to reducing the risk of becoming a victim of crime.

I understand the needs of small businesses in today's world. I have worked hard to maintain access to businesses in Gambrills, Crofton, and Millersville along Route 3. I know their issues and concerns. I also know the importance of our small businesses to our communities as well as the contribution these businesses make to the citizens they serve.

What are the two or three biggest reasons someone should vote for you?

1. With years of experience working for the citizens of our county, I am a proven advocate and leader. I understand the importance of working with coalitions to achieve an objective and I know how to work with people. Even if I disagree with a colleague on an issue, I know how to debate an issue and be persuasive without being adversarial or confrontational. This an essential skill for a legislator.

2. I believe that high standards, ethics, and trust are fundamental to public service. Deciding what is the right course of action and taking that course, even at one's own expense, is essential to maintaining the trust of constituents. Keeping open communication has been my policy in my work with the Greater Women's Information Network, as Commissioner with the Anne Arundel County Commission for Women, and as executive director of the Greater Crofton Chamber of Commerce. As a representative, I will continue to listen to people's concerns and views about issues of importance to them and to take action when necessary.

3. My diverse background gives me the experience necessary to be effective as a legislator. My familiarity with a wide range of issues mean that I will have a working background of the issues from the opening gavel of the 1999 session. Over the past 9 years, I have learned how to investigate issues and how to get the answers needed to make correct, educated decisions.

What is the biggest challenge facing our area and state? How would you handle it?

Our challenge as a state is to continue to serve the needs of the people and businesses while at the same time accommodating more people who are finding Maryland a great place to live and raise a family. Priorities, according to the people I talk to when I go door-to-door, are education, over development, and crime, in this order. I would address these issues in the following ways:

Education: I want to create a coalition task force of teachers, administrators, staff, and citizens to determine goals for the public school system in Maryland (with local and regional differences identified). This task force would identify the objectives needed to meet these goals; determine the process to achieve the objectives, and establish the funding requirements to complete the process. The recommendations of this task force (preferably of one-year duration) will be reported back to a bipartisan committee of legislators for a complete report and possible preparation of legislation during the year 2000 General Assembly session.

Over development: State and county officials have to determine what they envision for their jurisdictions in the next 10 to 20 years. Then hard decisions have to be made to ensure that the vision becomes reality. We must accelerate the Rural Land Preservation Program if we are to maintain our green space and open space as intended when the program was implemented. We have to re-evaluate the meaning of "smart growth" and be sure that "development" does not choke communities and crowd cars onto already over-crowded roads, children into already over-crowded schools, and tax our adequate facilities so that we cannot address the needs of the people.

Crime: I want to work directly with advocates in drafting legislation dealing with violence against women (domestic and stranger violence), child abuse, and elder abuse. Although reports are that crime is down, those organizations which deal with these three issues say otherwise. The issues need strong legislation with teeth that will significantly impact these areas of violence. I personally speak to groups on crime prevention, and would continue to do so as a legislator. I will work to fund prevention programs, especially at the school level to teach everyone, all citizens, how to reduce their risk of being victimized. This is essential for a true impact against crime.

Is there anything you feel we should have asked you about but didn't? do you have anything else you would like to add?

The people of District 33, Anne Arundel County, and the State of Maryland want to have elected officials they can respect, trust, and depend upon. I believe that I will be such an official. I look forward to the challenges that face us during the 1999 legislative session and I hope that my constituents will keep me informed of the issues they care about. I can be reached at 410-721-6310 by phone, 410-721-1909 by fax, e-mail is SheilaSchneider@gen.com, and my WEB site is http://smart.gen.com/SheilaSchneider.

I have lived in Crofton for 26 years. My two sons are in college, one at the University of Maryland in College Park and one at Towson University. I live with my husband, Larry. My mother, Jean, now lives with us. We have always been involved and active members of our community and I look forward to serving the people of District 33.


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