League of Women Voters of California
Stanislaus County, CA November 4, 2003 Election
	Connie S. Chin Answers Questions Candidate for Board Member; Modesto City Schools; 4 Year Term

Read the answers from all candidates.

Questions & Answers

1. Talk about planning locations for new high schools, using the new Gregori High School as your example.

It makes common sense to site our Modesto area high school campuses proximal to current and anticipated housing, namely the Village I and Salida areas. Modesto City Schools must move forward with the construction of two high schools due to critical overcrowding in our five current facilities. The planned 80acre Grigori site near Kiernan and Stoddard roads will serve both the Salida community and the NW Modesto area, providing a well situated location for a high school, as well as community sports and arts events. In addition, the proximity of high school students to businesses can be a win-win for job shadowing, internships, and other business/school partnerships. I believe it is essential to plan for the economic development of our community and I support a plan to develop business parks. However, the city, county, and school district can and must cooperate in planning and paying for infrastructure, commercial, and recreation uses, plus a buffer zone for high school traffic and noise.

2. With the prospect of continued dwindling resources, cite your priorities for staffing and programs, and identify those that you would reduce.

The core of education is the qualified and prepared teacher in a well-equipped classroom. I will strive keep cuts away from the classroom. Therefore, I would direct cuts towards capital expenses (such as new furniture), travel, staff attrition with reassignment of responsibilities, and administration. I would reduce the frequency of some maintenance tasks such as landscaping and outdoor cleaning; and I would recommend that programs be evaluated for their effectiveness towards academic achievement, school safety, and teacher preparedness.

3. How should the Board of Education respond to parents who object to specific instructional material based on religious grounds? How would you respect the rights of all students?

We are a public school that serves a diverse community of families from myriad religious backgrounds. I have always supported and encouraged the right of parents to full and informed participation in our schools. Therefore, the District should respect the wishes of parents to access to curricular content, speak with staff, and request alternative materials. Students who opt out of literature or certain movies should be respected for their choices and graded fairly on their alternative assignments.