By Meg Hibbert
Contributing Writer
Eight women and men are applying for the Salem City School Board. Two positions expire at the end of December, those of Andy Raines – who is one of the applicants – and Stacie Danstrom who is not applying for another term.
In addition to Raines, those who have applied are Bryan Beemer, Stephen Biscotte, Kim Blair, Mike Crawley, Corley Farber, Deborah Sams and Zack Smith.
Raines, Blair and former Police Chief Crawley had conflicts and were not able to attend the Oct. 14 Council meeting when candidates spoke briefly at a public hearing on the appointments. Raines was attending a school board meeting that night.
According to the meeting’s recording, the speakers and their viewpoints were :
* Zack Smith, a Carilion employee who coaches recreation lacrosse. Smith, who graduated from Salem Schools, said his wife, Ashley is vice president of South Salem Elementary’s PTA. They have a child at Andrew Lewis Middle and two younger children in Salem Schools. He said he believes the school board needs new voices that can balance fresh ideas and ensure Salem Schools remain among the best in the Commonwealth. Family friend April Tobey spoke on his behalf.
* Corley Farber, who has global investment business experience in 15 countries, and his wife, the former Kelly Thornhill who is a Salem native, returned to Salem from living abroad in 2018. Their three children attend Salem schools. Farber pointed out he is a long-term problem solver and understands different cultures.He said he would welcome the opportunity to learn with and help solve the challenges of the school board.
* Stephen Biscotti, a Virginia Tech teacher of teaching and learning, previously taught science at Cave Spring High School. He has two children at Salem High School. Biscotti said he believes his experience gives him insights into what Salem students need at the college level and for work.
* Bryan Beemer and his wife have a child at ALMS and 1 year old. He has experience in information and technology, after seven years working in Boutetourt County Schools and eight in Roanoke City Schools. His expertise is helping people work more efficiently, Beemer said, with a goal of helping insure the schools continue to provide an exceptional learning environment. Friend Keith Corey spoke on Beemer’s behalf, saying he would be quite involved in the schools and if appointed, would “have a whole community of people behind him who would do anything they could to help him and Salem Schools.”
* Deborah Sams, whose three children graduated from Salem Schools and two grandchildren now attend them, said she has attended and listened to Salem School Board meetings for five years. She is a public health nurse who taught at the College of Health Sciences.
Mayor Renee Turk thanked the candidates and speakers, and explained interviews would be held with those applying before deciding on two appointments. Those interviews were scheduled for a closed session this Wednesday, after press time.