What is the biggest issue facing the...

What is the biggest issue facing the school district?

The biggest issue facing the school district is the state

“borrowing” education funds and not funding schools at Proposition 98

levels.

What can be done to keep test scores on the rise?

To keep test scores on the rise students must receive the

education that enables them to meet standards. As a trustee I would

insure the resources of the district are directed to the classroom,

and that funds are maintained for class size reduction. Teachers also

need the opportunity to keep up with the changes in curriculum.

What needs to be done to bolster the budget? What programs should

take priorities?

To bolster the budget the district needs to continue to actively

seek grants (in 2003-04 the district received $2.3 million in

grants), lobby state Legislatures and the Governor to return borrowed

funds, establish a foundation and sell the district’s Bolsa Chica

property for more than $12 million.

To determine programs that take priority there needs to be an

evaluation process that includes recommendations from teachers,

administration and information on state and federal mandates. The

final step is board action.

How can school board members better communicate with parents and

the community?

School board members can better communicate by being involved in

community organizations and keeping the group informed concerning the

district.

The district newsletter needs to be reviewed and evaluated for its

effectiveness. The number of town hall meetings needs to be

increased.