League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Alameda County, CA November 4, 2014 Election
	Janice Friesen Answers Questions Candidate for Board Member; Castro Valley Unified School District

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

Questions & Answers

1. What specifically can a board member do to ensure that the education equity gap is narrowed or closed for all students?

Board members must be very clear with each other and with the superintendent that closing the achievement gap is of highest priority. That means the budget will support professional development at all levels. New hires in all classifications will be asked to demonstrate their understanding of the achievement gap and discuss their commitment to closing it. Presentations made to the board by schools and staff will address the achievement gap in some way. Board discussion with staff will frequently focus on the issue. It must be in our consciousness with everything we do as board members.

2. What is your long-term plan to assure that your jurisdiction has enough money to meet operating needs and service demands?

To continue our practices of the last 20 years. Namely, one time money is used for one time expenses and not for ongoing costs and obligations. Reserves are gradually restored for the next downswing in the economy. There will be one! Support our Education foundation. Begin identifying which of our facility needs must be met soon and plan a bond campaign to meet those needs. Begin discussion of our first ever parcel tax. Have all spending transparent and continue to communicate with our community our financial condition and needs. Castro Valley will not receive a large amount of new LCFF money so we need to be prudently cautious in our spending and look for ways to increase revenue (grants, donations, partnerships, smarter business practices) and conserve expenditures.

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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: October 8, 2014 12:47
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