Timothy J. Demeria

Candidate for School Board

Age: 44

Residence: Manassas.

Education: None given.

Occupation: Farm manager, Centreville Sod Inc.

Elected offices/civic activities: Past president and vice president, Weems PTO; past chairman, Safe and Secure Schools Committee; past member, Strategic Plan Committee, Long-Term Facilities Committee, Metz PTA; member, Osbourn High School PTA, Knights of Columbus; past co-chairman, Programs and Facilities to Address a Changing Population Committee; past president, Point of Woods East homeowners association.

What do you think is the most urgent problem facing your jurisdiction? "Our most pressing issue, as with any school system, is successfully educating all of our children while preparing them to become problem solvers and positive contributors to our community. To reach this end, we must hire and retain through competitive salaries the best teachers and administrators available. Having a growing number of ESOL students presents a challenge to our school system. I see this challenge as an opportunity. It's an opportunity to model for all of our children tolerance, patience, acceptance, compassion and encouragement. This will mean adapting the way we teach to challenge all of our learners."

Why should voters elect you? "With over 13 years of volunteering in the system, I have been prepared well to serve our citizens as a member of the School Board."

Web site: None given.

E-mail address: TimDemeria@aol.com