What is the biggest issue facing the...

What is the biggest issue facing the school district?

We are in tough financial times. After cutting millions in the

last few year’s budgets, there is little left to cut that would not

be painful in some way. Student programs need to feel as little

(budget cutting) impact as possible. And, the struggle of escalating

costs for completing site modernization is another very real fiscal

concern.

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

The Huntington Beach City School District has successfully and

impressively grown test scores over the years. Our talented teachers

and staff are clearly deserving of great appreciation and admiration.

But to maintain such impressive scores, we cannot neglect continued

staff development and cross-pollination opportunities. I believe our

district embraces staff development as a priority to grow student

academic success. I personally support continual staff development

and district wide sharing of ideas and programs to benefit all

district students’ educational experience.

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

take priority?

Student programs come first! We need to be frugal and mindful of

the resources needed for teachers and the classroom environment.

Class size reduction should be embraced and remain in future district

budget plans. Developing staff and creating (and maintaining) a

healthy staff environment is paramount for trickle down success;

teacher to student. Budget planning needs to focus on educating the

students while removing barriers that would allow insightful attempts

at seeing new areas for improved budget management.

How can school board members better communicate with parents and

the community?

Board members need to be more accessible and visible outside of

board meetings. Many parents have not had the opportunity to meet and

talk with a board member; yet they would appreciate the opportunity

to do so. Board members govern the district that parents are acutely

in-tune with on a daily basis as they embrace their loving child

after school each day. Board members should visit the schools and

attend parent organization meetings like PTA and PTSA. Board members

(or the district) might want to host a “Get to know the Board” event

that allows a forum for dialogue with parent and community members.

There are ample opportunities to be visible; the community wants to

know their board members. I will be the board member that is visible

and accessible. I want to know and understand the issues and concerns

of my local district community.