League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Los Angeles County, CA March 5, 2013 Election
	Kate Anderson Answers Questions Candidate for Board Member; Los Angeles Unified School District; District 4

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

Questions & Answers

1. What is the single most important issue facing LAUSD today? As a Board Member, what would you do to deal with it?

Los Angeles schools were once the envy of the nation; everyone felt good sending their kid to public school. It is not that way now but it can be that way again. Every child deserves an terrific teacher and a strong learning community and right now, LAUSD does not do nearly enough to ensure either. Our current system of evaluating and supporting teachers is broken and we have far too much bureaucratic control and not enough local control. I would change both. I would also use the skills and experience I learned on the Oversight Committee in Congress to make sure that our money is being spent well and that every dollar possible is making it to the classroom.

2. How would you prioritize your local constituency in overseeing LAUSD management, setting District policy, and day-to-day decision-making?

I believe that the job of a school board member is to set policy and provide constituent services to stakeholders in the district. I do not believe that board members should, as a general matter, be involved in the day-to-day decision-making of the district.

3. What experience in general management, fiscal management, and budgetary oversight would you bring to the job of Board Member?

I have experience both in the private sector and in government. Specifically, I worked for Congressman Henry Waxman on the Government Reform and Oversight Committee conducting oversight of the executive branch. This experience will help me in ensuring that that LAUSD is spending our tax dollars efficiently.

4. How should LAUSD deal with its rapidly increasing costs for retiree and employee health care?

This is a complicated and difficult issue facing not just LAUSD but the city, state, and nation. We need to be thoughtful and considered in balancing the needs of our employees with the costs involved. I would be happy to discuss the complexities and nuances of this issue with anyone; please email or call my campaign office to discuss it further.

5. What part should standardized testing play in LAUSD’s educational programs?

As a parent, I am concerned about any educational program that would lead to teaching to a narrow test. I believe that arts, physical activity, and life skills that cannot necessarily be measured are essential to a good education. That said, well-designed tests that are measuring important skills are useful tools in understanding how students are progressing. In the right context, appropriate tests should play a role in an educational program.

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Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League. 

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

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Created from information supplied by the candidate: January 4, 2013 20:27
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