League of Women Voters of California
Santa Clara County, CA November 5, 2002 Election
	Frances R. "Fran" Kruss Answers Questions Candidate for Board Member; Mountain View-Whisman School District

The questions were prepared by the League of Women Voters of Los Altos/Mtn. View Area and asked of all candidates for this office.

Read the answers from all candidates.

Questions & Answers

1. The California High School Exit Exam results showed that a number of Mountain View-Whisman graduates did not pass the Exit Exam on their first try. Given that the math portion of the Exit Exam tests mostly seventh grade math standards and the English Language arts portion requires strong English language skills, how do you plan to address these related issues at the kindergarten through eighth grade preparatory levels?

Academic Summits were held last winter, in January and February 2002, to review Student Test Data. As a Board we approved the developement of a Strategic School Plan that focuses on narrowing the "Achievement Gap" and on promoting "individual student success." This plan includes a year of staff developement focused on Strategic Schooling. We have literacy coaches at most schools and multiple lead teachers at all school sites. We have many students that are English Language Learners (ELL) and there is a continuing need to focus on language acquistion, which is ongoing. I want to applaud our teachers for their dedication and committment to student success.

2. Where do you want the Mountain View-Whisman School District to be five years from now? In your view, what steps should the district take to get there?

Analysis of student data will assist us in evaluating program success and student achievement. I would like to see the MVWSD be a "District of Choice" for teachers, students parents and administrators. We need to work with school staff, parents and community to develope a Strategic Plan. A plan that will guide our district over the next five years. We need a plan to drive our budget, not a budget that drives our plan. We need to obtain stable annual funding, ensure that required programs are fully funded, and obtain additional funding sources. We need more flexibility in the use of our funds.

3. How would you create a climate of inclusivity, respect, and openness so that diverse members of the community could be brought together to address the educational needs of Mountain View-Whisman children?

During the last eleven years, as a School Board Trustee and a member of the Mountain View community since 1978, I have always celebrated the diversity of our community. I have had the opportunity to work on boards and committees that are inclusive (site councils, PTA, CHAC, SCCSBA Executive Committee, Whisman School Board). Our board and teaching staff need to reflect the diversity of our students and community. Providing opportunities for involvement at school sites and on district committees will assist us all in building an inclusive community.