By Patrick F. Hauk

Recently, a TIME magazine report: ( AOL Keyword: Local Public Schools or http://aolsvc.digitalcity.com/losangeles/public_schools/ ), placed Monrovia High School #653 out of 1788 high schools in California, for their California Standardized Testing and Reporting ( S.T.A.R.), a substantial drop from last years rating of #540/1600. While neighboring high schools were rated under 200. ( ie: Glendora High School-180/1788, Temple City High School-160/1788, and Arcadia High School-50/1788, to name a few.) I find it absolutely insulting that Bruce Carter would decide to run for a 3rd term on the school board and that Superintendent Louise Taylor would continue on, after seeing the results of our students testing & our High Schools rating. I am outraged that the parents have trusted these individuals to make decisions on behalf of our children, and the current school board and administration have failed miserably.

I also believe the current school board "tricked" the taxpayers of Monrovia into, "footing the bill" for the renovations of the schools through the recent Bond issue, while not having the additional monies "in the bank". Bad judgement and financial irresponsibility on the part of the current school board and administration.

Thirdly, I had the fortunate opportunity to substitute teach at my Alma Mater, Monrovia High School, January 2000. As excited as I was, I was also disturbed with the fact that I wasn't "fingerprinted", as required by State Law. Every other district that I worked for, I not only was fingerprinted, but I had to wait 3-6 weeks for them to clear, before I could set a foot in a classroom with any students. A huge security and safety risk to our children and possible lawsuit. I also was amazed at the amount of unauthorised visitors who would be on the High School Campus, ( Food Deliveries would be made to classrooms during instruction time.) I also complained every week to the Principal that I had no working locks on any of the doors in my classroom. I had to put a chain and lock on the door when I left at the end of the day. I bring up these matters in light of recent tragedies, not in condemnation, but to take a "pro-active" policy toward safety & security of our students. As a father, I want to know my children are safe when I drop them off at school each morning.

Lastly, as a teacher and a single parent, I know how difficult it is to live paycheck to paycheck. Every person knows teachers are not paid what they are worth. Instead of just talking about it, let's be the first district to do something about it. Monrovia has always been a trend-setter in America. Lets be the first to raise the teachers salaries to a professional level. Monrovia is an All-American City. That should include our schools. Let's reward our teachers not our administrators. Let's learn from our failures, "Let's be Pro-Active".

I run for Monrovia School Board to give my word that when I'm elected I will be responsible for your children's safety and education. Not just the normal lip service of career politicians, but my word as a father, a teacher, and a product of the Monrovia schools.