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Kurdell, Gorham Separated By Philosophies In Runoff

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By MARILYN BROWN

mbrown@tampatrib.com

Published: October 19, 2008

The only Hillsborough County School Board seat still to be decided is in District 7, where longest-sitting board member Carol Kurdell faces newcomer Stephen Gorham in a runoff.

Voters districtwide will choose the winner Nov. 4.

Both generational and philosophical differences separate the candidates.

Kurdell, 63, has been on the board since 1992 and says it is her full-time job now, after years working in PTA leadership roles as a consultant for the district.
Gorham turned 30 on Sept. 21, and is director of networks telecommunications/chief security officer for Hillsborough Community College.

Kurdell - rarely critical of administration or Superintendent MaryEllen Elia - has also been one of the quietest members of the board until recently, when she started speaking on numerous items during televised meetings.

Asked if that has to do with her campaign, she said, "Absolutely." Supporters encouraged her to be more vocal, she said, because she is usually quiet and candidates are more vocal during campaign season.

Kurdell has also become more vocal about poor communication by district administrators, saying, "It is the worst I've ever seen," even with the lack of information she is getting. "All of a sudden we have this mass transportation issue this board knew nothing about."

Among changes Kurdell wants: a more user-friendly district Web site and a solid communication plan for major changes in the system.

With a wife who is a teacher, one child in kindergarten, another young child and a baby due in March, Gorham said, "I have a lot of skin in the game. ... That's what separates Carol and I."

And, he said, "We see the role of the board differently." Relationships between some board members and Elia are "too close," Gorham said.

"The board should have a more active role in the operation of the school district," he said. "As an elected representative you can never be too involved.

"If they can't hold the superintendent accountable for the operation of the school district, what's the point in having a board?" he asks.
Gorham said he is not aligned with one particular board member, although April Griffin has endorsed him.

He is pushing evening board meetings across the county with a designated time for employees to address the board.

Kurdell reported total campaign contributions of $39,025 as of Sept. 19. Many educators, architects, contractors and others who do business with the district were contributors.

Gorham's donations totaled $13,241. They include $500 from Hillsborough Classroom Teachers Association that went along with its endorsement. Trade workers' unions contributed and endorsed him as well.

The four-year term begins Nov. 18 and pays $40,887 annually.

CAROL KURDELL

AGE: 63

EDUCATION: Eckerd College, bachelor of arts in human growth and development

FAMILY: Married, two sons (one deceased); both attended Hillsborough public schools

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE: Former consultant on educational issues for Hillsborough schools; exceptional student education aide, California; reservation agent for Eastern Airlines

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Four-term Hillsborough School Board member, twice chairwoman

WEB SITE: www.carolkurdell.com

STEPHEN GORHAM
AGE: 30

EDUCATION: Southern Illinois University, bachelor of science in electronic systems technologies; Florida State University, master of science in information studies

FAMILY: Married to a Hillsborough middle school teacher, two children

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE: Since 2005: Hillsborough Community College, director, networks and telecommunications/chief security officer; project manager/systems engineer, Northrop Grumman at U.S. Central Command; petty officer second class, Navy, 1999-2002; current officer candidate, Florida Army National Guard

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Unsuccessful run for Florida State Senate, District 10, 2006

WEB SITE: www.stephengorham.com

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