Anna Liisa Covell is running for the District 5 seat on the Hernando County School Board.
1. Why are you running for this office?
I’m running for Hernando County School Board because I believe I can make a difference in the district based on my background as a business owner, my community involvement and my educational background at University of South Florida St. Petersburg.
It is apparent from the decline in school performance school board members have neglected to do their job. There is no excuse from underperforming schools. The mediocre rating of "C" for the district for three consecutive years is a primary reason why I’m running for office. I believe our county is capable of being an "A" rated district. Teachers are not the problem; the lack of administrative oversight is the problem.
There is also no excuse for schools with excessive maintenance issues. The school board has been borrowing from capital improvement funds for the last four years to balance the budget. Hernando County children should not be subjected to school with leaking roofs and mold issues, like at Westside Elementary.
2. Why do you think you are the best qualified candidate for the office?
I believe I’m the best choice for Hernando County School Board, District 5 based on my business knowledge of running a business for 22 years in Hernando County. I will be able to objectively look at concerns that have been overlooked by the incumbent school board member.
I am the only candidate in District 5 who hasn’t been affiliated with the school system, either as a teacher or SAC member. As an outsider, I believe I can be more objective with issues facing the District, like the immediate need for school improvement, maintenance on school structures and the budget. I will not be a rubber stamp for administrative proposals.
3. If you are elected, what will be your top priorities?
My top priority as a school board member will be to help teachers and parents to make Hernando County school system to become an "A" rated District.
A major priority of mine will be to find ways to balance the budget without using capital reserve funds.
Another priority of mine will be to have Facilities/Maintenance conduct a complete audit of the age, condition and projected maintenance schedule for each school in the District. The administration also needs to audit all school facilities, based on age and school capacity to objectively so school board members can weigh options for the future.