Orange County, CA November 3, 1998 General
Smart Voter

Where I Stand on the Issues

By Ali Abdolsalehi

Candidate for Governing Board Member; Laguna Beach Unified School District

This information is provided by the candidate
The Answers to a series of questions regarding issues within Laguna Schools
1. I have already been accepted to a andvanced three year Ph.D. Program in Psycho-Dynamic Neurosciences.
2. I am running because of the fact that I am proud to associate myself with Laguna Beach. I truly Believe in its great potential and I want to be a part of its appraisal. I am committed to public Education. As a graduate of the Laguna Schools I have a debt of gratitude and a vision of improvement from a first hand experience. I want to utilize the limited resources that are available in hopes of success. I want to and have the capability to get people involved, to inspire, to shed light where there is sometimes darkness. I also want to implement new technology that is much needed in our districts. I want to administer personal seminars regarding access of data and utilizing processing utensils in the ever changing world of cyber integration. I want staff members to hand out syllabi on floppies and accept papers over e-mail. I want to introduce a very proactive role in the district. I want to seek federal revenue. I want to introduce students to their environment and the power of a community. Furthermore I feel that I have more time to invest in Laguna than any other citizen. Mainly because after I've finished my studies I can apply them to the district, every day. Whereas in comparison, everyone else has bills to pay, a family to take care of and a committing business that calls for their constant attention.
3. Public Education. I feel that public education is a child that is taunted and feels insecure about itself and what it has to offer. I want to see a competitive market. Laguna Beach Unified is small enough where the benefits of a private institution can be extended to that of a public system. More one on one time between students and teachers, quality education, Variety in classes, AP, Vocational, and various strength levels.
4. As a human being I believe every suggestion should be considered with an open mind. Yet, studying the point of view impartially is the equalizer in the previous equation. I'm not for or against anything without consideration, but I also refuse to be a rubber stamp in passing unreasonable legislation.
5. Issues of controversy should be treated openly and objectively. Everything is learned through healthy dialogue because in that respect, an issue becomes a Social Science in which communication is the Key element.
6. The curriculum that we speak of needs to be added to and cultivated. We need to offer more and take diverse ideology and place them into the realm of convergent education. For example, the integration of the sciences, or the application of mathematics in the Humanities.
7. The three biggest problems. On this topic, there might be a lot of dissension. But, I will explain my personal philosophies regarding this topic. I can only make judgments based on what I have observed in recent history. From this principal I have seen a distinct lack of management and responsibility. This stems from the numerous Super Intendents our district has shuffled through. The various firms we have hired to find us our super indentdents and also the numerous law firms that we hire to defend us after the district officials feel as if they have been mistreated. All so they can settle out of court. Also problem 2: I have asked students and parents if they can name any of the school board members, and only 1 out of ten were able to offer an answer. I feel that this governing institution should show itself and introduce its role to America's future. Also problem three, is one that is fundamentally basic, and at first may seem crude, but a certain reality non the less. There is a blatant lack of Common Sense. This stems from many sources. Hard headed individuals who won't accept aid from the federal government in fear of a rights dispute. The incapability to distinguish unproductive behavior. And also the lack of compassion the board has for its citizens when it comes to addressing the issues openly-aside from the closed sessions.
8. My solutions to these problems are simple. Analysis, Logic, and Personal Involvement. When these three elements are properly instigated, then we are 3 steps closer to the answer
9. The role of federal government has been neglected in my opinion. I know of several new programs that Laguna can qualify for, and I look forward to investigating those avenues.
10. The state role should also be one of support if not, even more support than the federal, due to its responsibility to its sub-urban cities and educational districts.
11. Obviously, Local Role in education should be Tremendous. Without a doubt support should come from every corner and resource possible. From the Home, the Teachers and Advisors in the community at large, for these are the people we see everyday and have the most influence towards us.
12. I believe all children are at risk students. I encourage a establishing a center within the district that is available to students in order to answer any and all questions they may have about Sex at any time during the work day.
13. In terms of endorsements I expect nothing from anyone. I welcome all those who wish to aid, and wish to come to an understanding of any faults in my logic from those who disagree with me.

Thank you for your time, Sincerely: Ali Abdolsalehi Candidate for Laguna Beach Unified School District

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Created from information supplied by the candidate: October 20, 1998 10:37
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