SPECIAL PROGRAMS-Ten Points of Interest requiring attention

By Fel Anthony Amistad

Special programs need more attention and care. The Board of Education should be accountable and responsible.

Example: lack of bus drivers for the disabled can be resolved by hiring temporary working drivers until permanent ones can be employed. I will insure that this issue is resolved quickly and expediently. The board should hire drivers and pay them fair wages. It is not that hard to find drivers if the board simply excercises its responsibility to its constituency. I will make it my priority once I am elected to resolve this issue.

Example: Implementing the best programs in the region. It must not neglect the needs of its populace. For instance, busing disabled and implementing new programs for students may have been neglected by the board due to numerous agendas and other secondary priorities. It is obvious that starting new programs for the special needs of disabled students may mean more cost or challenges beyond the current board's duties. The San Mateo School System is one of the I intend to confer with her and her commission's advisory body to insure the fulfillment of the rights and needs of the disabled and handicapped. I will insure full accessibility of such programs to those deserving students and individuals. The current standards must be improved and enhanced so that all students capitalize and take advantage of the current opportunities.

(2) As a Board member, I will advocate the wise spending of our hard earned tax monies to implement such programs. My financial background as a successful businessman, banker, mortgage and real estate consultant means that I have the abilities to carry out my duties and responsibilties to the populace I serve. I will act and not promise. I intend to insure proper use of taxpayer's monies to useful ends.

(3) I will proactively seek corporate sponsors as well to sponsor summer programs to educate and train students during the summer. (4) I will also assist corporate sponsors in vocational trainig programs to insure all students become involved in such summer activities. {5} I also would promote computer literacy and training among all students who wish to enter a competitive market at a younger age. It is advantageous that our talented students maximize the accessibility and opportunities in the technological fields.

(6) As a parent and high technology supporter, I would initiate talks with high technology firms to provide free software and hardware for our schools. I would advocate cooperation among firms and schools to allow free use of technological tools of the trade to improve special education. (7) Moreover I will promote all students to vocational jobs regardless of abilities. Let students be challenged and allowed to choose their fields of work.

(8) I want to provide ample supply of school materials from our libraries and facilities. (9) I want teachers to receive fair compensation, especially those teaching special education. (10) I want accountability of board progress reported on the internet so that parents, teachers and students can understand and observe school board decisions. I want accountability. The citizens deserve to be counted and feedback is vital to the board's duties.