Candidate questionnaire: JoAnn Orischak, District 11 school board incumbent

Name: JoAnn Orischak

Age: 52

Office: Incumbent, Beaufort County Board of Education, District 11-Hilton Head Island

Challengers: None

Why are you running for re-election for this office and what do you consider your greatest accomplishment of the last term?

As one representative on an eleven member board, I'd be reluctant to point to individual victories. However, I have fought hard to force transparency when it was in short supply.

What should the board do if its proposed 1 percent educational sales tax does not pass?

1) Re-prioritize the existing capital improvements projects list, and 2) consider a traditional referendum.

What do you see as the district’s biggest strength and weakness in serving students?

Our teachers are our biggest strength, no question. As such, I'd identify the biggest weakness/obstacle to serving students as extraneous demands put upon our teachers (federal, state, and local) which draw their attention away from classroom planning and instruction.

What specific steps will you take to make government more open and accessible to the public?

I've begun scheduling quarterly hours dedicated to one-on-one exchanges with constituents, and I will actively seek new board leadership which encourages a greater degree of openness and accessibility.

What is another top issue you would address if elected, and how?

As a precursor to any small or sweeping district advancements, confidence in the board and office of the superintendent must be restored. As another immediate priority, I will work toward establishing the board's own legal counsel separate from the superintendent's.

This story was originally published October 27, 2016 at 9:08 PM with the headline "Candidate questionnaire: JoAnn Orischak, District 11 school board incumbent."