League of Women Voters of California
Santa Clara County, CA November 7, 2000 Election
	Joseph S. "Joe" Kleitman Answers Questions Candidate for Governing Board Member; Proposed Mountain View/Whisman School District

The questions were prepared by the Los Altos - Mountain View League of Women Voters and asked of all candidates for this office.

Read the answers from all candidates.

Questions & Answers

1. How would you contribute toward the development of unity among the members of the new board and members of the school community to achieve harmonious merger of the new district?

Unity is achieved by being accessible, listening well, working together, and respecting others.

I will make myself accessible by holding regular open office hours, just like I did as Mayor. I will work hard to draw out information and listen to all sides on the issues that come before the board. I will work with other board members, parents and administrators to find creative solutions that serve the students, the district, and the taxpayers. Most importantly, I will conduct the business of the board in a respectful and approachable manner.

2. What is your vision for the newly merged district?

I see a single elementary school district making it much easier for cooperation between our schools and our city to occur. I see Mountain View's children reaping the benefits of less government. And, I see a much more efficient and effective way to provide each and every Mountain View child a superior education and parents with "better than expected" service.

3. What issues or events have shaped your decision to seek trusteeship on the school board?

1. I look forward to working on the merger. It will allow me to continue using my leadership skills and the governing experience I gained as a councilmember to improve for youth. Our children are a constituency I have always championed - and, they don't even vote - imagine that!

2. Many students have been left behind in MVSD - I don't want to see this happen in the merged district. I am motivated to create program which identify and addresses the educational needs of every child regardless of race or economic standing. District leaders must stop using our diversity as an excuse for underachievement!

3. The climate of distrust and the adversarial relationship between the district and teachers must change. We should honor and value our teachers so they don't quit the merged district.

4. I want to avoid poor community decisions and repair damaged relations brought on by the Cooper/Morgan school debacle. My extensive governing experience will help do this.