Political Philosophy for Art Pedroza, Jr.

Candidate for
Governing Board Member; Santa Ana Unified School District

Our public schools are the cornerstone of our society, in that they are responsible for educating the majority of our children, and preparing them for college and the workplace. However, in Santa Ana the public school system has let us down. We have the highest drop-out rate, and the lowest SAT and Stanford 9 test scores in Orange County. Until we either fix the system, or provide meaningful competition via school vouchers, our community will fail to attract or retain quality families.

We must concentrate on the basics, if we are to once again provide our young people with a sound public school education. That means emphasizing phonics and traditional math, and most importantly English language instruction for all students.

Our teachers need to feel safe in the classroom, and as such we need to enforce zero tolerance for illegal drugs, and weapons.

We also need to provide teachers and students with textbooks and other supplies, including, where appropriate, computers. Our schools also need more school nurses, and better libraries. These are basic resources for public school education.

We must also continue to provide new schools, so as to decrease overcrowding. In particular, we need more fundamental schools. Parents shouldn't have to camp out overnight in order to ensure that their children have access to safe campuses and English language instruction.

In summary, we need to bring accountability back to the Board, end wasteful spending and make education first in Santa Ana.