Arthur E. Peabody Jr.

Candidate for School Board District B

Age: 59

Residence: Quaker Lane.

Education: BA, political science, Northeastern University; JD, Cornell University Law School; master's degree candidate, health services administration, George Washington University medical school.

Occupation: Associate counsel, BlueCross BlueShield Association; retired U.S. Department of Justice attorney; former Assistant U.S. Attorney, Eastern District of Virginia.

Elected offices/civic activities: Member, Alexandria School Board Budget Advisory Committee; board member, Alexandria Senior Services and Alexandria Bar Association; Alexandria bar council member, Virginia State Bar; mediator, U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia; member, Alexandria Lawyers Committee scholarship fund, Seminary Hills Civic Association, American Health Lawyers Association and T.C. Williams High School's Alexandria Crew Boosters and Titan Expo Committee; former chairman, Christ Church Alexandria Children's Ministries and Old Presbyterian Meeting House Preschool.

What do you think is the most urgent problem facing your jurisdiction? "We need new leadership that is strongly committed to change and bringing educational excellence to all our children. We must make the hard calls, discuss issues facing our schools and develop cost-effective solutions to problems that impede educational progress. We must attract and retain quality teachers, appoint outstanding principals and develop a strong curriculum for all students, including those not yet ready for honors programs. We need an administration that the whole community can be proud of. The school board must work together, reach out to the community, listen to parents and meet the needs of all students."

Why should voters elect you? "Record of leadership, commitment to excellence in education; 30 years of experience in education and health care issues; two daughters educated in the ACPS."

Web site: None given.

E-mail address: arthurpeabodyjr@mindspring.com