|
The questions were prepared by the Leagues of Women Voters of Santa Clara County and asked of all candidates for this office.
See below for questions on
Finances,
Instruction,
The Future
Click on a name for candidate information. See also more information about this contest.
|
1. How would you determine that the schools are using federal, state and local funds wisely and fairly and how would you report your findings to the community?
|
Answer from Kathryn Ho:
The district must set its budgetary priorities based upon a thorough analysis focused upon student needs and use of measurable goals. I will ensure that the Board continuously monitors timely compliance of these priorities and assure that funds be focused upon student programs instead of administrative overhead. Compliance to these measurable goals should be reported via the District website, District newsletters to parents, occasional press releases, and Board meeting updates. Community responses to these reports must be seriously considered by the Board for possible appropriate actions.
Answer from Avrum "Avie" Katz:
As a Head Teacher, I have had the experience of personal responsibility for budget spending and reporting to the District. As a Board Member, I am aware of funding requirements and mandated programs, and I monitor the financial reports to ensure that spending is in line. This information is reported to the community through the district's annual reports. Additionally, I have maintained a high profile among county and state elected officials in an effort to keep abreast of issues and decisions that may affect our schools.
Answer from Don Mackenzie:
I have formal training in finance, have worked as an auditor, and have built and installed financial accounting systems. The District's official accounting systems are properly funds based. I believe a cash flow style report could be better understood by most citizens and I would like to see the District publish an unofficial report in that style.
Answer from William "Bill" Wilson:
As a Fremont Union High School District Board Member I will ensure that the board works with the new superintendent to establish a rigorous planning process that a) establishes priorities for programs b) analyzes the fiscal impact of significant board decisions. I will make sure this process is transparent to the public and district budget information is readily available.
Answer from Barbara Ann (Filippi) Nunes:
As an WASC (Accreditation) trainer it's part of the process for me to be updated on the regulations pertaining to the use of district and school funding. As a former principal I was responsible for the appropriate use of funds and involved the school's site council in the process. Therefore, as a Board Member I am well prepared to monitor the District's budget and the individual school plans when they are placed on the agenda. I support the District's practice of including funding use and information in the annual reports to the community as well as in parent newsletters from the schools.
|
2. Are the schools offering instruction appropriate to the diverse educational abilities of all the students?
|
Answer from Avrum "Avie" Katz:
The educational needs of our students are constantly evolving. Presently, our curriculum and our grading standards tend to be geared toward the highest achieving students in our district. When the bar is raised, many students struggle to keep up. As a district, we must remember that our number one goal is to provide the best education for our students, and that means that all students must benefit from the coursework we offer. The district needs to take a close look at the various learning styles of our students and direct our attention to providing a curriculum that is also accessible to students who have scored in the lower 40%.
Answer from Don Mackenzie:
While our schools' API, AYP, and similar scores are excellent, it is important to recognize these are composites from a broad range of student capabilities. I applaud recent changes to our classes for students struggling with Algebra and continuing attention to those learning English. I support providing the broadest possible curriculum to meet the needs of all our students.
Answer from Kathryn Ho:
FUHSD is diverse as reflected by the different level of achivement among our five high schools. To meet this challenge, we have added double-block courses this year for students who struggle with Algebra, and intervention programs for students who have not yet passed the California High School Exit Exam. However the District also needs to work harder on programs that enhance the success of high achieving students to accomplish their high aspirations.
Answer from Barbara Ann (Filippi) Nunes:
Our students have continually scored well on State and National measurements. However, our Long Range Plan recognizes the need to address "Personalized Learning." This means more attention to individual student needs. We need to reinstate or create programs that best prepare our students for post-secondary options. Improvement of curriculum offerings and teaching strategies are a on-going priority.
Answer from William "Bill" Wilson:
The district is offering excellent educational opportunities. But it needs to do more to provide options that meet the needs of all students. The district must be comprehensive in providing programs that meet the needs of students with various levels of achievement and educational goals. We also need to make sure programs are available in all of our schools. To move toward this goal we must establish priorities and be creative in finding additional efficiencies to free up funds for these programs.
|
3. Where do you want the District to be five years from now? What steps should the District take to get there?
|
Answer from Barbara Ann (Filippi) Nunes:
Through the efforts of community involvment in our Long Range Plan development we have a blueprint for the future. We need to address the following major areas from the plan: "Personalized Learning, Powerful Teaching and Learning, Partnerships with Parents/Community, and Building an Effective and Responsive District Organization.
We need to build a public image that provides for contining support for finances for our schools.
Answer from Avrum "Avie" Katz:
My overall vision for the district is to bring student learning to a level that reflects that of new world educational standards so that students will be better prepared to enter the competitive marketplace of the global economy. In order to achieve this, we must build upon our already solid academic programs while recognizing that higher levels of performance on an international scale are attainable. There are many steps that need to be taken in order for us to achieve this, but I believe we need to start by taking a close look at our teaching and curriculum. We must ensure that both of these components promote genuine learning and understanding of the subject matter rather than promoting a competitive grade-driven environment. It is also important that each high school offer a wider variety of languages and more AP level language classes. At the board level, it is crucial that we reconnect the district with the various ethnic and cultural groups in the local community. Additionally, we must find a new Superintendent who will embrace this vision and lead us successfully toward district goals.
Answer from Don Mackenzie:
While continuing to support our high achieving students, I'd like to also see more effective programs for students that struggle with school. Continued fiscal prudence is important with the planned increase in reserves. We should continue efforts to provide professional development for our teachers and standardize curriculum among our schools.
Answer from Kathryn Ho:
In five years, the District should have programs that set post-graduation goals for each student starting at the 9th grade with academic road maps of what classes students must take and what grades they must maintain to achieve their graduation goals. A database will track each student's progress to be reviewed by counselors and parents who will help keep them on track.
Answer from William "Bill" Wilson:
Five years from now I want the District to be a model of how to serve all students in a diverse community. Our community serves as a great example of how people from all over our country and the world can accomplish great things by working together. Our school district should likewise be an example of how we can work together to achieve excellence.
Responses to questions asked of each candidate
are reproduced as submitted to the League.
Candidates' responses are not edited or corrected by the League.
The order of the candidates is random and changes daily. Candidates who did not respond are not listed on this page.
| 
League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
