Janice B. Miller

Candidate for School Board

Age: 60

Residence: Providence/Triangle.

Education: BS, education, University of Kansas; course work at George Mason University, University of Virginia extension program, Northern Virginia Community College.

Occupation: Executive assistant, Life Answers Inc.; travel consultant/outside sales, Go Away Travel; former intermediate school social studies teacher.

Elected offices/civic activities: Fairfax City School Board, 1977-1980, 1982-1992, 1996-present; chairman, 2000-present; member, City Council, 1992-1994; member, Friends of Fairfax, Historic Fairfax City and Virginia School Boards Association; former member, Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and Chocolate Lovers Committee; former chairman, Northern Virginia Project Graduation and Fairfax High School Grad Celebration; former former director, Fairfax Police Youth Club; former PTA member.

What do you think is the most urgent problem facing your jurisdiction? "Continued student achievement is the most challenging issue facing public schools today. Mandated federal (No Child Left Behind) and state (Standards of Learning) testing programs require accountability, and all students must show annual improvement. We must provide excellent staff, outstanding curriculum and have high expectations to realize continued student achievement. Other issues facing the new School Board include: Complete the renovations at Fairfax High School and Lanier Middle School; monitor student enrollment at the two elementary schools; help parents understand the academic opportunities available to their students; continue to communicate with our community about schools and school issues."

Why should voters elect you? "My extensive record of community leadership over three decades provides a unique historical perspective and exceptional knowledge of our community, school system and city government."

Web site: None given.

E-mail address: JaniceMiller4SchoolBoard@verizon.net