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Address: 8003 Willow Glen Trail, Greensboro, NC 27455

Birth date: July 29, 1954

Occupation: Full-Time School Board Member

Web site: darlenegarrett.com

Family: Husband, Phil
Sons: Michael, 23 (graduate of UNCG), David, 21 (student at UNCC),
And Matthew, 19 (student at UNCC) All graduates of NWHS
Daughter: Katelyn, 17, student at Weaver

Past Relevant Experience: 7.5 years on Board of Education, active involvement
in PTA and past PTA President of Summerfield-Laughlin Schools, Consumer Protection Specialist at the North Carolina General's Office

Why are you running for this position?

While I have accomplished many of my original goals including building more schools in the Northwest to alleviate overcrowding, with a change in administration, I see a great opportunity to effect a change in climate in GCS that was not possible under the previous administration. In addition, I have been asked by many to run again and to continue representing our district with the passion, accessibility and advocacy that I have over the last two terms.

What are the most pressing challenges facing the school system?

The most pressing challenges are hiring effective teachers and retaining them, dealing with the financial impact of unfunded mandates, including No Child Left Behind, the pressure of NCLB which has lead to obsessive testing that has destroyed teacher's creativity and much of a students' joy of learning. Discipline is an issue and challenge in some of our schools.

For District Candidates: Are there pressing issues in your district?

Growth and crowding continue to be an issue in District 3. The 2008 Bond should alleviate some of the continued growth, however, there are some schools such as Claxton and Guilford Middle that are not included in the Bond that have facility issues that need addressing. Hiring effective teachers and principals and maintaining stability in leadership is also an issue in District 3.

What are you most proud of concerning Guilford Schools?

First and foremost, I am most proud of our teachers, principals and staff at our schools, they are the unsung heroes who work tirelessly every day to educate our students. I am also proud of our district's efforts in lowering the dropout rate below 3% and the success of our middle college high schools.

Is there anything about the school system that you consider an embarrassment? If so, what is it? How would you attempt to change it?

The climate of fear and distrust in our school system embarrasses and saddens me. When I hear of administrators mistreating or threatening our employees it angers me and I report the actions to the appropriate staff, however, there does not appear to be consequences for these behaviors, thus this climate continues. There should be openness throughout the system and teachers and principals and parents should be able to talk with Board Members without fear of losing their jobs or being reprimanded or having their children negatively impacted. This fear and distrust starts at the top and it is my primary goal to change this climate. It is crucial that we hire a superintendent who demonstrates that he or she values our employees and will not lead by intimidation. It is my hope that the new superintendent will lead our school system in a new direction and through his or her leadership will demonstrate respect for all employees.

The John Locke Foundation gave the Guilford County Schools a C- in transparency. What should the system and the school board do to make system information more accessible to the public?

The GCS Web Site contains much useful information including all district policies and procedures, as well as individual school web sites and test scores, school locator information, bond and budget information, etc. I do think we could improve the format of our budget so that it is easier for the public to understand. In addition, all available positions in GCS should be advertised so that all employees have the opportunity to apply for and be considered for those positions. I have heard criticism of the length of time it takes staff to respond to information requests and that needs to improve. The public has the right to know and receive information unless it is protected by State Law and such requests should be answered within three days.

How would you keep in touch with your constituents?

I will continue to be accessible to my constituents as I have the past 7.5 years by visiting schools, speaking at PTA meetings, returning phone calls, attending School Talk Meetings with various constituencies, and continuing to treat this role as the fulltime job it is.

Discipline/Safety - What would you do to improve it? Are school uniforms the answer? Part of the solution?

Safe and orderly schools are necessary in order for learning to take place. Responsible Discipline and Positive Behavior Support are two programs designed to create safer and more effective schools. We have seen success in our schools that have implemented these programs and we hope to expand them to include additional schools. Our data suggests that uniforms do not insure better discipline, however, the schools that have moved to uniforms say that it is easier to spot intruders. The Student Code of Conduct contains rules that are already in place and should be consistently enforced. Those students who repetitively disrupt the classroom need to be removed and placed in an alternate setting. Their needs should be addressed and I do not advocate kicking them out of school, they need an education to be successful, functioning members of our community.

Transportation - What ways can the district cut down on fuel costs?

The district could eliminate providing transportation to magnet schools to save on fuel costs, however, the issue of fairness to those students who cannot afford to provide their own transportation must be considered. It costs twice as much to transport magnet students as it does our traditional students and with approximately 3500 magnet students, those costs are significant. Instituting three tiered busing is another possibility to reduce costs, however, it would change school start times and possibly create inconveniences for athletes and parents. I have recommended that we establish a project team to study ways to cut our transportation costs. One of my thoughts is to consider returning CTE (Career and Technical Education) Classes to our local high schools which would reduce the number of students being transported to Weaver. Transportation costs are a serious issue that needs to be investigated as it does not appear that fuel costs will be going down anytime in the near future.

What things should the system do to contain costs?

In addition to the suggestions above to reduce transportation costs, we need to review and evaluate all programs for their effectiveness. Those that are not working need to be eliminated. We must approach all costs as investments. An investment is judged by its return. We constantly hear that our central office staff is too big. Several years ago, we had an audit done of our central office. I think it is time to perform another audit to see if there are ways to reduce costs and staff without negatively affecting the education in our schools.

Academics - What changes need to be made, if any? Are there programs you would like to see eliminated or expanded?

If NCLB were eliminated, I believe teachers would be able to teach more creatively and not be so consumed with testing. We need to hire more Teacher Assistants as too many were cut and this has negatively impacted education and teacher morale in GCS. I would eliminate the Haberman Interview Process and although it is not an academic program, it impacts who we hire and who we hire is crucial to student learning. Only effective teachers and principals should be hired. Unfortunately, I have seen evidence that the Haberman Screening has prevented the hiring of good teachers and also prevented good teachers from being promoted to Assistant Principals and because of this, we are losing good employees to neighboring counties.

No Child Left Behind - is it a help or a hindrance to GCS?

The intent of the legislation was good but it has not benefited education in GCS. It has become another unfunded mandate with serious sanctions and has driven the system to be consumed with testing.

What characteristics are you looking for in the new school superintendent?

We need a leader! A leader is someone who people want to follow. This person should be an educator with classroom experience who values teachers and principals and someone who will meet regularly with those on the frontlines and actually listen to what they have to say and act upon their suggestions and concerns.

What would YOU bring to the school board that your opponent does not?

I bring 7.5 years of experience which is invaluable. Since I do not have a full time job, I have all the time to devote to this position, and believe me, it does take a lot of time and dedication.

Are there other concerns that you would like to address?

I would like to address the recent Bond that was passed. I am very thankful to the public that supported this Bond and the need to build schools for our growing student population. I believe that the School Board has an awesome responsibility to see that the public's money is invested wisely and we must insure that quality schools are built at a reasonable cost. I chair the Construction Advisory Committee which is comprised of dedicated members of the public who give of their time selflessly to help us find ways to build quality schools at lower costs.