On November 6th, you will be voting for a candidate to represent the Coles
District on the Prince William County School Board. I am a candidate and I am asking for your vote on
November 4th. Here
are my responses to three frequently asked questions:
(1) Why do I want to be on the Prince William County School Board?
As a first generation American, who graduated valedictorian and obtained a doctoral degree from the American University,
I feel that the best contribution I can make to the development of my new homeland is in the area of education. In my
current position as Academic Dean of Strayer University's Woodbridge Campus, I have positively influenced the lives of
thousands of Prince William County residents. I would like to bring this experience and enthusiasm to the School Board.
(2) What can I bring to your School Board?
I am bringing to your School Board a wealth of personal and institutional experiences. The following is a partial list
of my experiences:
Elementary School Teaching Experience- From 1975 - 1977, I taught a fifth grade class in the following
general subjects: Arithmetic, English, Reading, and Mathematics. Having taught a class of 30, I am fully aware of the
dynamics of an elementary classroom environment and challenges faced by educators.
College Teaching and Administration Experience- For the past 14 years, I have provided vision, energy, and
outstanding educational and fiscal leadership at Strayer University's Woodbridge Campus.
Coles District Representative - On two occasions, I was the Coles representative to the Prince William County Strategic
Goals Task Force (1996 - 2000 and 2001 -2005). We outlined ways to provide our residents with job and readiness skills, as
well as opportunities for post - secondary education.
(3) What would I like to do as your Coles District School Board Member?
Encourage schools to teach the basics in the early years so that we don't spend too much time
later on preparing students for standardized tests.
Fight for establishing all-day kindergarten programs.
Equip our students with technology skills.
Effectively implement the "No Child Left Behind" legislation.
No "Kelly Points". Principals and teachers should be trusted and empowered to design and implement
their own self- improvement programs.
Please vote in MICHAEL OTAIGBE for the Coles District School Board seat on
November 6th.
