League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Butte County, CA November 6, 2012 Election
	Robert W. "Bob" Purvis Answers Questions Candidate for Board Member; Butte County Board of Education; Trustee Area 1

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

Questions & Answers

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?

We must analyze expenditures carefully and eliminate those that do not have a positive impact on children's learning. Top budget priorities should include educational programs which will prepare children for the future.

2. What are the key benefits and drawbacks to parents selecting schools for their children, including the relatively new phenomenon of charter schools?

Parents should have the opportunity to select schools which they feel are best for their children. This would include public schools and public charter schools.

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?

Charter schools are accountable the same as other public schools because they are funded by the State. Governing Boards of Charter Schools should adhere to the Brown Act.

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?

Access to the arts in public schools is a challenge because of significant reduction in funding since 2008. Basic skills instruction is a higher priority than the arts, and will receive more funding until the definition of minimum basic skills is changed. Certainly, the state can mandate the inclusion of the arts in the K-12 curriculum. As a result of reduced funding in California schools, many valuable programs have been eliminated.

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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.

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

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Created from information supplied by the candidate: September 20, 2012 22:46
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