At our recent North Rosslyn Civic Association (NRCA) executive board meeting we agreed that we will not endorse candidates for public office, but that we will query candidates about issues that we care about.

Six individuals have filed to run for two Arlington Public School (APS) Board positions to be filled in November. The election system for that office is ... unusual. The office is legally non-partisan, but the Democratic Party endorsement is tantamount to election. That Democratic Party endorsement process will occur in early May and is based on the results of voting at two locations*. As a result, the School Board election is pretty much a ˜done deal' by early May. So if we wish to educate ourselves on the candidates, early action is critical.

Below I include one question (concerning Wilson School) to ask the announced candidates for APS Board. Please get back to me with comments, or additional questions that our community should ask APS Board candidates.

Thank you and best to you this holiday season,
Mark Antell, President NRCA

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Question(s) from North Rosslyn Civic Association (NRCA) to each APS Board candidate.
Responses will be distributed to our members and friends via the NRCA Internet Bulletin Board (www.northrosslyn.org).

1. Perspective on Wilson School
Most residents in north Rosslyn are dissatisfied with the current use of Wilson School, and are concerned about its long term disposition. We would like the playfield restored in the near term (it's the only potential location for a playfield in our area), plus we would like to see expanded use of the building for educational and art activities. Our long-term vision is that the property should be retained as a locus for an urban school when that is needed - as it surely will be.
APS senior staff by contrast recommend intense development at the site to pay for school construction at other locations.

What is YOUR position on the use and disposition of the Wilson School?


2 (etc). Additional Questions


*Voting for School Board endorsements by the Arlington County Democratic Committee will occur on Thursday, May 1, 2008, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Thomas Jefferson Middle School (125 S. Old Glebe Road, Arlington, VA 22204), AND on Saturday, May 3, 2008, from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the cafeteria of Washington-Lee High School (entrance off the 1300 block of North Stafford Street).