Frequently Asked Questions

By Chris Thompson

FAQ's. A series of commonly asked questions and my answers to those questions.

Quite simply, I decided to run because I don't believe that the District Office is consistently responsive enough to concerned parents and community members. Friends, acquaintances and myself have experienced a less than satisfactory level of concern about real problems at the school level. I believe that the lack of a current FSD parent on the board could help this.

Do you think that the existing school board is committed to education?

Definitely. I actually believe that every member of our current board brings excellent background to the table. Unfortunately, its very nearly the same background.

How are you different?

I have four children. My 2 year old and 4 year old will be starting Fullerton Elementary Schools soon. My 8 year old and my 11 year old attend Beechwood Elementary right now. I live the life of a Fullerton School District Parent every day. I have a degree in Business and every other candidate and board member has an education degree. I work hard and I am held accountable every day of my life. No Board Member or candidate understands the life you live and schools that you want for your children better than I do.

Why is a business background helpful?

The Fullerton School District waffled for years on the re-opening of Maple Elementary to all grades K - 6. It took leadership from individuals including myself to convince the board that it was fiscally responsible to take the necessary steps to make this happen for the hundreds of kids who were bussed out of their neighborhoods, limiting parent support of their education.

A few more reasons:

• Budgets

• Human Resources Management

• Cash Management

• Procurement

• Capital Financing

• Negotiations- Might be a good idea to have just one businessman on the board.

Absolutely. Just like it is District Staffs job to manage the teaching that takes place at our schools. A School Boards job is to provide oversight, vision, and leadership in all areas of District Management.

Do you support lowering the school bond threshold to 55% from 2/3, Proposition 39?

No. I am a fiscal conservative. It should never be easy to raise taxes. Many school boards in need of additional funding have successfully passed bond measures under current law.

Are you an advocate for teachers?

Definitely. I believe that excellent teachers should make an excellent wage. My children have had nothing but terrific, caring, hard working teachers. If you ask teachers what they need most right now, most will answer that they need teaching materials and textbooks that are in alignment with the standards that they are held accountable for. Nobody will make that happen faster than I will.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Please feel free to email me additional question and I will do my best to respond as soon as possible. If I'm going to ask for your vote, you have a right to know where I stand on the issues. I am always available by phone. My cell phone during the day is 714-814-9700 and my number at home during the evening is 714-255-1787.