League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Santa Clara County, CA November 7, 2006 Election
	Avrum "Avie" Katz Answers Questions Candidate for Board Member; Fremont Union High School District

The questions were prepared by the Leagues of Women Voters of Santa Clara County and asked of all candidates for this office.
Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

Questions & Answers

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?

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.

2. Are the schools offering instruction appropriate to the diverse educational abilities of all the students?

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%.

3. Where do you want the District to be five years from now? What steps should the District take to get there?

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.

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Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League.  Candidates' responses are not edited or corrected by the League.

Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

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Created from information supplied by the candidate: October 13, 2006 22:24
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