The Malibu Times sent a questionnaire to eight candidates running for four seats on the Board of Education for the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District. They were given the same time frame to respond and were limited to 150 words per answer. The first profile was printed on Sept. 2, and a new one will appear in the newspaper each week through Oct. 21. To access previous profiles online, go to www.malibutimes.com. Click “Archives” on the top right. Choose “Advanced Search Options.” Select Sept. 1 as the start date and type “Meet the Board of Education candidates” in the search box.
Name: Barry Snell
Birth date: April 16, 1955
What is your education and employment history?
I went to public school in East Orange, N.J. I have a BA Degree from Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA. and a Masters in Taxation from Golden Gate University. I am a CPA and have been in business for 25 years, specializing in forensic accounting in the family law area and trust and estates.
How did you become involved in school issues? What has your involvement included?
I became involved with the PTA about 10 years ago. I have been the chair of the SAMO High African American Support Group and VP of Health and Safety for the PTA council. I started a Dad’s Club at SAMO high school.
There is a feeling by many in Malibu that this city is an afterthought for school district officials. Why does this sentiment exist? What can be done to change this feeling?
I believe that the sentiment exists for a number of reasons. First, people in Malibu, because of the distance do not get to see and talk to Board Members as frequently as many folks in Santa Monica do because no Board Members live there. In addition, school issues regarding Malibu are usually discussed in committees where the majority of the committee members are from Santa Monica so Malibu members’ voices are not as strong due to the numbers (i.e., BB projects). Finally, until Laura Rosenfield got on the city counsel for Malibu, there was not a public official in Malibu that worked to establish a working relationship with the staff and the members of the Board in a way that will benefit the city and build consensus on issues that relate to Malibu and their interest.
How have you tried to interface with Malibu residents, including education and city leaders? What have you accomplished?
Since I have been on the Board, I have made an effort to visit the schools and be available to meet with parents and go to various activities in the city. I have met with all of the principles at each of their schools and with PTA members and teachers and counselors at the high school. I am very well known in Malibu and know many of my parents on a first name basis.
I receive emails and telephone calls from Malibu parents on a regular basis, which I believe has helped in resolving issues that help in building better feelings towards the Board and the school district.
Other than Board meetings, how many times have you been in Malibu in the past year? With whom have you met? What have you learned?
In the past year I have been to Malibu at least twice a month other than board meetings. I have met with Laura Rosenfield, city counsel member, each of the principles at all of the schools. I have met with parents from Point Dume regarding the charter school discussion, with Webster parents regarding teacher layoffs and funding. I took a tour of all the schools in May to determine their needs and to learn how budget cuts would affect their school. I went to a fundraiser at the Jewish Temple in Malibu. I went to the flip-flop ball and the memorial for Emily Shane. I went to the school choir and play for Point Dume. I met with Kathy Wisnicki regarding Malibu issues. I have been to the tennis fundraiser hosted by Wendy Sidley for Malibu High school.
What is your opinion on the demand by some Malibu parents for the formation of a Malibu school district?
Malibu parents will have to discuss the viability of the formation of a Malibu school district. I am not opposed to the idea, however, I believe this discussion will have to engage the entire community. I do believe that due to the financial crisis in our state it will take some time for the formation to happen.
What is your opinion on the effort to make Point Dume Marine Science Elementary School a charter school?
I have no opinion at this time on the effort to make Point Dume Marine Science Elementary school a charter school. Until I see an application and have a good understanding as to the request for a charter school I feel it would be premature to comment on their charter school effort.
Is the school district doing all it can to solve budget issues? Are there concepts that have not been tried?
The school district and the Board are working very hard on solving the budget issues. We are looking at alternative revenue sources and we have continued to make cuts as appropriate to reduce the school district’s deficit spending. The 1/2-cent sales tax initiative that is going on with the city of Santa Monica is a new concept that will possibly generate $6 million dollars for the schools annually.
What is your experience dealing with budgets? How about legislation?
I am an accountant and have dealt with budgets for both public and private entities for my entire adult life. I have worked on two parcel tax campaigns and one bond measure during my time with the school district.
How many people are in your immediate family, regardless of whether they live at home? Feel free to mention their names and ages.
My three children:
Brandon Snell, 23, an ocean lifeguard for the county of Los Angeles, Santa Monica Beach.
Bryce Snell, 21, a student at SMC and works part-time at my office as an accountant.
Brooke Snell, 19, a student at SMC and an avid writer of poems and spoken word.
What are your interests and hobbies not involving school issues?
I love to play beach volleyball. I still play basketball once a week.
I snow ski. I love to read newspapers and listen to music, mostly Motown sounds or jazz. I ride my bike daily. I am a member of Agape International Spiritual Center. I love to eat good food.