Candidate for
Board Member; Alisal Union School District; Trustee Area 2

As a School District, Alisal needs to slow growth by becoming active in the City of Salinas' General Plan Process. As a District we are running hard to keep up with approved growth in our area. Our School District receives 400 additional students per year. This wrecks havoc with our abiliry to offer a quality classroom instruction. We can not build classrooms and hire teachers fast enough.

As a District our objectives are to provide a quality education for all students across the diverse District. This means one year's annual growth toward oral fluency and the acedemic skills required by our standards established for English Language Learners.

All schools will exceed both State and District identified Academic Performance Index growth [API] targets.

We need to establish a school district characterized by: high academic achievement high scores on STAR and SABE standardized tests distinguished schools more varied academic opportunities positive discipline high self esteem equitable access to resources and programs across the District Expansion of Music and Fine Arts instruction Expansion of Early Childhood Education [pre-school] programs
at all ten school sites Honest and clear communications at all levels

But as a District all aspects of our instructional program are challenged by growth. This growth makes it difficult to ever get ahead of the demand for expanded facilities. This growth postpones our ability to lower class size further and eliminate [YRE] Multi-Track Year Round Education.

Growth puts demands on our resources that delays the re-establishment of neighborhood schools and better accomodating the needs of families.

Unless we are able to effectively respond to student growth demands,as a District we will not be able to provide neighborhood schools, maintain a quality staff, establish a good reputation, and focus on quality instruction and on positive school and community relations.

I am dedicated to see this through to a positive result. As a School Trustee I will not only ensure that we stay focused on quality instruction and providing the necessary school facilities, but I also will take the lead in working with other Salinas residents in convincing the City of Salinas in slowing the rate of growth over the next 20 years.

The repercussions of tremendous growth frustrate our efforts to provide a quality education and a quality of life we all desire for our families.

Thank you.

Gary Karnes