Christine M. Finnie

Candidate for School Board

Age: 48

Residence: Lee Manor.

Education: Some college; graduate certificate, International Air Academy, Vancouver.

Occupation: Title agent, Greenbrier Settlements LLC.

Elected offices/civic activities: Member, Manassas Planning Commission, Zoning Ordinance Review Committee, Grace United Methodist Church, Grace UMC Vision Project, Greater Manassas Baseball League board of directors; chairman, Manassas Comprehensive Plan Committee, Manassas Traffic Safety Commission; past participant, Manassas public schools strategic plan; past vice president, G.C. Round Elementary School PTO; past chairman, G.C. Round Hospitality Committee, Manassas Schools Special Education Advisory Committee.

What do you think is the most urgent problem facing your jurisdiction? "The recent demographic shift in our enrollment has created new challenges for our school system. There has been a drastic jump in the number of non-English speaking students in the past few years, which has prompted the need for a more intensive ESOL program. I see this as an opportunity for Manassas to be a positive leader in this area of education and assimilation. It is my belief that educating every child, regardless of their origin, will ultimately result in productive American citizens."

Why should voters elect you? "Will make decisions utilizing the greatest amount of information available, applying due consideration and reason, with the best interests of our community in mind."

Web site: None given.

E-mail address: holycow100@verizon.net