Member of School Board, District 6

Answers to issue questions limited to 500 words total.

Woody Koppel

NAME: Woody Koppel
YOUR CAMPAIGN WEBSITE ADDRESS: http://www.Electwoody.com
CONTACT INFORMATION FOR PUBLICATION:
Address: 1215 Prytania Street, #238
New Orleans, LA 70130
Phone: 525-3067
FAX: 525-3082
Email:
PARTY AFFILIATION: Democrat
PROFESSION: Real Estate
PRESENT EMPLOYER/POSITION: Partner, Valmont Investments
HIGHEST LEVEL OF EDUCATION:
Graduate work in education, Tulane University and studied innovations for educating at-risk students at Anna Freud Centre, London
B.A., University of the South, Sewanee
APPLICABLE TRAINING:
Certified public school teacher
CIVIC EXPERIENCE:
Board member, Boy's Hope/Girl's Hope of New Orleans
Volunteer, Power Ties Career workshop at Samuel J. Green Charter School
Member, St. George's Episcopal Church
Forum for Equality
Former board member, Mid-City Green Project
POLITICAL EXPERIENCE AND POLITICAL ORGANIZATION MEMBERSHIPS:

1. What experience have you had reviewing and/or approving large organizational budgets?

My business involves large renovation projects which include multi-million dollar budgets. I have regular routine oversight of all aspects of our projects including contractors, insurance, facilities management and financings.

I also serve as a board member of the Boy's Hope/Girl's Hope Organization where we review the organization's budget regularly.

2. How have you shown your support of public education in New Orleans in the past?

I taught in the New Orleans public schools for seven years, so I have demonstrated a strong commitment to public education in New Orleans.

Since I stopped teaching, I have continued to volunteer and support organizations working with children in New Orleans.

3. What is your position on adequate funding for charter schools which would include costs of adequate special education services for renovation and/or construction of permanent facilities?

I strongly support charter schools and innovation in our school system. I would like to preserve schools which are achieving success regardless of whether they are OPSB schools or charters. I would like our children to have excellent neighborhood and charter options available to them.

4. What position will you take with the Louisiana State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) with the Louisiana Legislature on the unification of the New Orleans Parish School Board and the New Orleans Recovery School District?

I believe the OPSB needs to work closely with BESE and the RSD. This is a time of great transition in our city, and the most important goal is to provide our children with the best possible education we can. I think the school board needs to be flexible and open to continued innovation.

5. What concrete measurable goals will you propose to your fellow board members for the coming school year?

We need to get the financial house in order. We need to critically evaluate our facility needs and act accordingly. We also need to give principals autonomy to effectively manage our schools.

Comments, suggestions, questions? Contact our webmaster. Last revised: February 25, 2010 10:09 PST.

© Copyright League of Women Voters of New Orleans, Louisiana. All rights reserved.