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The questions were prepared by the League of Women Voters of Butte County and asked of all candidates for this office.
See below for questions on
Education Funding,
School Selection,
Charter School Accountability,
Arts in the Schools
Click on a name for candidate information. See also more information about this contest.
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1. In light of existing and anticipated budget cuts in every governmental service and shrinking tax bases, what are your ideas to keep education in our district the creative and productive experience our children deserve?
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Answer from Eugene M. Massa, Jr.:
We need to capitalize on the distance learning capabilites that advances in electronic technology and the internet is providing. With today's technology, being able to bring classes and teachers into one's home without the need to travel and on timelines that meet each person's needs is critical to an affordable education for all.
Answer from David Bruce Vodden, Trustee:
Work within existing community college system to secure all available resources to maintain B/C top ranking among 112 community colleges. Continue to place student needs first moving forward. Retain the highest quality instructors and staff to meet agreed upon goals and achieve the mission of the college. Look for new and creative sources of revenue. Keep the experience and exceptional abilities of the current board of trustees in place to assure quality leadership and decision making.
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2. What are the key benefits and drawbacks to parents selecting schools for their children, including the relatively new phenomenon of charter schools?
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Answer from David Bruce Vodden, Trustee:
The key benefit is having choices and the opportunity for more direct involvement. The disadvantage is making such critical decisions based on feelings, emotions, and non-objective criteria. The public educational system is not perfect but it is far better and more qualified to educate our children than some would have us believe!
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3. Charter schools are public schools supported by taxpayer dollars. How should they be held accountable to the public? Should their governing boards be required to adhere to the Brown Act?
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Answer from David Bruce Vodden, Trustee:
Accountability at all levels should be the same and enforced. The Brown Act protects the public. I cannot imagine an argument one would make for Charter schools, or any public funded service entity to be exempt from the Brown Act?
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4. There is widespread agreement –- and adopted learning standards –-affirming the role of the arts in a complete education. And yet, among schools and districts across the state, access to the arts is inconsistent or nonexistent. How should the state ensure that the arts have their rightful role in every K-12 curriculum?
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Answer from David Bruce Vodden, Trustee:
"State ensure?" I would say the challeng/issue lies below the State level.
Answer from Eugene M. Massa, Jr.:
State mandates are not the answer, as unfunded mandates currently create many problems for our local school districts. Funding incentives beyond costs would allow school districts to leverage art based funds into critical needed areas. This would provide the incentive for schools to provide arts and maintain their current curriculums.
Responses to questions asked of each candidate
are reproduced as submitted to the League.
Candidates' statements are presented as
submitted. References to opponents are not permitted.
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
