Peter H. Smeallie III

Candidate for School Board District B

Age: 53

Residence: North Ridge.

Education: BA, urban studies, St. Lawrence University.

Occupation: President, Research Opportunities Management.

Elected offices/civic activities: Member, Alexandria Board of Architectural Review, Old and Historic District; board of trustees member and 2005 telethon chairman, Scholarship Fund of Alexandria; fomer president, Minnie Howard School PTA; vice president, T.C. Williams High School Alexandria Crew Boosters and Alexandria Volunteer Bureau; board member, Alexandria Historical Society and Friends of the Carlyle House; former board member, T.C. Williams High School Lacrosse Boosters.

What do you think is the most urgent problem facing your jurisdiction? "The greatest challenge facing our schools is achievement of academic excellence and equity for every child to be prepared for success in a vocational trade, community college or university. This includes continuous refinement of curricula, increased support of teachers, creative and flexible hiring and administrative policies. It also means adding new levels of courses in core subjects in middle and high school to meet the needs of all students, especially those performing at grade level. Excellence will also involve improving the delivery of specialized programs, including special education and talented and gifted programs."

Why should voters elect you? "Extensive experience with local public service; 16 years and counting experience educating three children through the public schools working with school board, administration and teachers."

Web site: www.smeallie.org

E-mail address: smeallie@verizon.net