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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.
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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?
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Answer from Frank Chavez:
Itemized expenditures whether they are for special programs, coaches for new teachers, field trips, consultants, seminars, etc., and where the funds are coming from are presented to the Board for approval or not. The Board does not volunteer information to the public, but all information is available to the public, upon request from the District Office.
Answer from Kim Mesa:
The key to wisely using funds is to establish district-wide goals and objectives and align our budget to support them. Goals help set the direction for the school district and identify priorities. Goals also provide accountability throughout the district. Achievement toward goals can be measured, reported on, and used in evaluating programs, the Superintendent, and district employees. The district should annually report on their progress toward reaching stated goals and objectives at a public meeting. The Board should use the report to review, revise and establish new goals for the future.
Answer from Joe Espinoza Frausto:
When test scores increase and they can be reported to by the superintendent or a public relation person.
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2. Are the schools offering instruction appropriate to the diverse educational abilities of all the students?
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Answer from Frank Chavez:
We believe that all students can learn the same way and our students are proving it by improving in their achievment levels year after year. We are slowly eliminating the soft bigotry of low expectations.
Answer from Kim Mesa:
Alum Rock staff regularly assesses student progress toward state standards and uses the information to target curriculum and instruction to the needs of each student. Intervention programs are offered district-wide for those students who need additional assistance,instruction and support. Opportunities for students who are academically advanced are available through the Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) program. The district also provides support to English Language Learners, providing additional instruction and support to insure oral and written language development. Alum Rock continues to provide music through multiple programs including: Elementary Instrumental Instruction, Middle School Band, District Jazz Band, and a District Mariachi Band. While there is always room for improvement, the district works very hard to help all students achieve academic success and reach their individual potential. Our continuous rise in academic achievement over the last five years is a testament to the dedication of Alum Rock's staff and the hard work of all district students.
Answer from Joe Espinoza Frausto:
There to areas that need improvement and they are English language learner and special education. This is an issue that all districts are struggling with.
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3. Where do you want the District to be five years from now? What steps should the District take to get there?
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Answer from Frank Chavez:
The District will be one of the highest if not the highest achieving District in Santa Clara County where it once was many years ago, five years from now. The District must have a stable long term Board that can retain a Superintendent for 5 years or more. A superintendent that can assemble a dedicated talented management team that will have the ability to retain teachers for long term employment.
Answer from Joe Espinoza Frausto:
I would like to see all students at grade level in five years, but I also understand this a great challenge. This goal can be achieved by hiring highly qualified teachers and providing proven research-based instructional strategies inservice to the teachers.
Answer from Kim Mesa:
I know that Alum Rock will become a High Achieving School District. It is by working together as a school district and community that we have made progress toward excellence in our schools. There is more to be done, and I know that with thoughtful governance and a well-trained Board Alum Rock will continue to make progress toward that goal. The district needs to continue to focus on curriculum and instruction, while also providing flexibility in our programs to develop best practices for teaching and learning. Highly qualified and dedicated teachers, along with involving students in their own academic success, will also move the district forward. Increased parent involvement is also very important to support our children on their road to success. We all need to work together to ensure that all Alum Rock students get the quality of education they will need to become successful adults in a constantly changing world.
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.
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League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
