Bass wants to maintain balance on Manassas School Board

By KIPP HANLEY, Potomac News & Manassas Journal Messenger
Published: April 21, 2008

For Manassas School Board member Sheryl L. Bass, it’s all about balance.

“Everybody has their priorities so it’s really important to balance all of them and not focus on one,” Bass said.

The long-time resident is seeking her third straight term on the board after being re-elected in 2004. Bass is running against incumbents Scott M. Albrecht and Arthur P. Bushnell — who have been running a joint campaign — as well as newcomers Kermit Holmes Dance and Edward W. Pratt Jr.

Four spots are available this year.

Bass said communication is crucial between the school board and the city council as well as with the public. She counted Parentlink among one of her successes while serving on the board. Parentlink is an online communications link that allows parents to check everything from grades to attendance and school announcements.

Bass said it’s also crucial to get to know her constituents by attending a variety of community and government meetings. This method is just as important as what she calls playing the “sign game” at election time.

“You just can’t expect people to know that you’re running,” Bass said.

Bass did cite several items that will play an important role in the schools’ future including the proposed Prince William County-Manassas-Manassas Park governor’s school for those gifted in math, science and technology. The school has been given the green light to formally pursue thanks to a $100,000 state grant.

Also vital to the success of the school system is the pre-kindergarten program for at risk 4-year-olds that’s included in this year’s school board budget as well as the construction of a new Baldwin Elementary School, Bass said.

Staff writer Kipp Hanley can be reached at 703-369-5738 or at .