October 13, 2010 -- The Lookout Staff submitted questionnaires to the 23 candidates running for seats on the City Council and Board of Education. The candidates were given the same timeframe to answer the questions and were limited to 150 words per answer.

During the next several days, the Lookout News will publish the candidates’ answers verbatim. The profiles for the four-year City Council race will be published first, followed by the two-year City Council race and lastly the Board of Education race. They will appear in alphabetical order based on the candidates’ first names.

Name: Barry Snell
Running for: Board of Education
Status: Incumbent

Why are you running for office and why should residents vote for you?
I am running for re-election because I feel that I have the experience to help guide our school district through some of the most difficult financial times in its history. I am a CPA and a father of three children who attended the SMMUSD.

Do you have any children attending SMMUSD schools or who graduated from SMMUSD schools? What has your specific involvement been with the school district?
I have three children who graduated from Santa Monica High School in the past six years. I have been involved with the PTA, two funding measures, one bond measure and was President of the African American Parent Group at the high school where I started a Dad’s club.

How would you rate the current Board of Education? What particular decisions stand out for you that made you form that opinion?
The current Board of Education has shown great leadership during some incredible tough financial times. The Board showed that they listened to the community during a difficult time with the special education community and stopped all settlement agreements and required much more transparency when discussing issues regarding special education.

What would you as a member of the Board of Education do to get the District through these tough economic times?
I believe the Board must actively seek new local revenue sources. We need to look at ways to promote our facilities for profit and also possibly marketing the name Santa Monica/ Malibu. Finally we will need to scrutinize our programs and make sure they are being effective If not we must discontinue offering the program.

How would you rate the current status of the District’s special education department? Are there still improvements that must be made?
The culture of the special education department is no longer one of fear and intimidation. Open transparent dialogue between parents, teachers, administration and board members is presently occurring. Yes, there are still improvements to be made in the area of programs and curriculum.

The Board of Education will be selecting a person to replace Superintendent Tim Cuneo, who is retiring in June. What are the qualities you want for a new superintendent?
A superintendent that listens to his/her employees and can lead our district based on a vision of strong academics and instruction. A strong leader who is willing to work with a very educated and vocal community on issues of equity, facilities and fundraising. Someone who understands the educational crisis that California is in and will promote solutions that will benefit our school community directly.

If elected, what are your ideas for closing the achievement gap in the SMMUSD?
There are no easy solutions. It takes parents to impress upon our children that the only way to achieve high standards is hard work. It takes teachers to believe that all students are capable of learning at a high level and will work to insure that each of their students will do that. It takes a community to insure that the school district has the necessary financial resources to provide a high quality education. NO EXCUSES!!!

What is the greatest book ever written?
Catcher In The Rye