Hillsborough School Board | District 1

Winner: Susan Valdes

Four years ago, Susan Valdes ran against retired educator Janice Torgerson. This time around, it’s Torgerson’s husband, Dave Schmidt, who is challenging Valdes.

	Dave Schmidt, 59	Susan Valdes, 43
Experience	This is Schmidt’s second run for office. Two years ago, he ran unsuccessfully for the District 6 board seat against Ken Allen and April Griffin. He is the district’s program manager within the Department of Adult and Community Education.	Valdes, the incumbent, is a former health care clinic manager. She ran for the School Board in 1996 but lost, and ran unsuccessfully in 2002 as a Democrat against County Commissioner Jim Norman.
Should the district expand education in the arts?	“I certainly understand the brain-based educational theory where art lends itself to creativity in reading and writing. ... If we’re going to expand the arts, we have to make sure students have the basics of reading, writing and mathematics first.”	“Yes. It’s a challenge, but we must incorporate the arts within the core curriculum classes. It’s thinking outside the box, but it can happen.”
Should there be travel limits for board members?	“There should be travel limits. A lot of travel can be eliminated by online research and Web-based conferencing.”	“I believe that travel is important. We bring back programs that benefit children and promote student achievement. There should be a limit, and there should be a budget. Each board member should have their own budget.”
Is the district on the right track with its bus stop changes?	“Yes. The one flaw I’ve found is the longer-distance students will have to walk. ... We may need more parent and community involvement to make sure these are secure routes.”	“We’re on the right track but ... one of my biggest concerns throughout my term has been the lack of communication with stakeholders. We’ve got to find different ways of communicating with parents and the community.”
Assets	Car.	Home, cars, resort time share.
Liabilities	Credit card.	Credit union loan, home mortgage, time share payment.
Source of income	District job.	Board salary.
Personal	Married with two stepsons.	Married with three sons.
Web site	Yes	none
E-mail	Yes	Yes
Net worth	$231,562	$127,000

About the job: School Board races are nonpartisan, and the terms are four years. The seven-member board generally meets every other week to set policy for the district. The job pays $40,887 a year. District 1 covers West Tampa and a part of northwest Hillsborough.