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4 Mr. John Conover, 104 W. High Street, said that the School Board is a vital part of the community. He said they need a vision and the ability to communicate. He said Alvin Edwards raised four children and at least three foster children and built up a leading black church of which children are always a part. He said Rev. Edwards has served on City Council and has a Ph.D. in education. He said he understands the race issue but brings healing. Ms. Angela Ciola, 419A Park Street, supported Lou Bograd and Karen Waters. She said we need leaders who know and understand what is needed. She said Mr. Bograd is intelligent, candid and insightful and understands budgets, schools programs and state and federal laws. She said Ms. Waters has the ear of the community and also knows the schools. She said the two would make a wonderful team. Mr. Peter Kleeman, 407 Hedge Street, said each ward has qualified candidates. He urged Council to heavily weigh to areas most in need of greatest support which he believes are wards one and two. He said he would suggest that Council select three of the following four candidates: John Gaines, Karen Waters, Peggy Van Yahres and Alvin Edwards. He said they all communicate well, have energy and fit in with existing Board members. Mr. M. Rick Turner, 1663 Brandywine Drive, supported John Gaines. He said there is no one more qualified. He said Mr. Gaines is a man of commitment, integrity and vision, and has served the community throughout his life. He said he taught, served as principal and was part of the administration of Charlottesville Schools. Mr. Noah Schwartz supported Karen Waters. He said she "gets" things that are needed to overcome the achievement gap. Mr. David Toscano, 628 Evergreen Avenue, recommended Alvin Edwards for the School Board. He said he served with Rev. Edwards on Council and he has long experience as a parent, foster parent, pastor and as a Councilor with budgets. He said Rev. Edwards is committed to addressing the achievement gap and is a real team player. He said he is inspirational, has energy and is a healer, which is needed now. Mr. Gate Pratt, 413 9th Street, N.W., President of the l0th and Page Neighborhood Association, said he was asked by the Neighborhood Association to support John Gaines because he is a champion of issues of concern to the community. He said he is courteous and helped bring improvements to the neighborhood. He said he had a long illustrious career in public education and would be a positive asset to the School Board. Mr. Andy Block, Albemarle County resident, said he works with low income Charlottesville students and supported Karen Waters and Lou Bograd. He said we can no longer tolerate business as usual and need new leadership. He said Ms. Waters will help reach families and will help close the achievement gap. He said Mr. Bograd is grounded in education policy and law and is talented and intelligent. Ms. Olivia Boykin, 307 Montevista Avenue, supported Karen Waters. She said Ms. Waters worked with Emily Couric. She supported John Gaines, a former educator, and said he would work well with the Board and advocate for children. She also supported Alvin Edwards, her pastor, who is an advocate for the community and children. She also supported Joe Mooney who would bring experience and mannerism to the Board. She said she does not recommend reappointment of Peggy Van Yahres. Ms. Mary Turner, 340 l0th Street, N.W., supported Karen Waters. She said Ms. Waters has worked with children in turmoil, is a good person, and has a lot of love for children. Ms. Beverly Jones, 754-A Prospect Avenue, said she supports Karen Waters. She said Ms. Waters has done a lot for the community and children and healing is needed. Mr. Herbert Porter, 509 7 lA Street, supported John Gaines because of his history, commitment to the community, caring and compassion and old school values. He said