McGee eyes enhancing education
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?I want to give our children the best education they can get,? said McGee, who unseated incumbent 1st District School Board member Debbie Watlington. ?I don?t think the school system is doing that right now. I want to do what I can to make that a reality.?
McGee carried 52 percent of the vote in a three-way race, beating Watlington and Marty Powers earlier this month. The margin, McGee admitted, was larger than he anticipated.
?I was extremely surprised,? McGee said. ?It was very humbling.?
McGee, a 1986 graduate of Warren County High School, has two sons, ages 5 and 3.
?My oldest son is starting kindergarten this year and I wanted to get involved,? McGee said, noting the under-funding of schools became apparent quickly. ?When I?m asked to bring a pack of copy paper with my child when he starts kindergarten, something is wrong with the way we are funding education.?
McGee said he realizes there are tax issues affecting school funding, but added educating children should be a top priority.
?Schools are poorly underfunded. I don?t think anyone will argue that,? McGee said. ?But, I have no magical answers, I just want to be an advocate for the students.?
McGee said he has nothing negative to say about his predecessor, noting that being a school board member is a difficult job.
?I?m sure I?m about to find out there?s nothing easy about being on the school board,? McGee said.
As for changes he will endorse, McGee said he will wait and see what needs changing before putting in his two cents worth.
?Personally, I like the 45-15 schedule because I think it provides a better education for our kids,? McGee said. ?But, I understand that the 45-15 plan is difficult with many schedules in this area so I?m willing to look at other options.?
McGee will join five incumbents as he is the only newcomer elected this year.