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LWV League of Women Voters of California
Kern County, CA November 5, 2002 Election
Smart Voter Political Philosophy for Jesus M. Garcia

Candidate for
Board Member; Bakersfield City School District

[photo]
This information is provided by the candidate

Q: Why did I decide to run for the BCSD Board of Trustees?
My decision to run for school board is based on my view that this is the next logical step in my demonstrated commitment to education and the local community. I have also been encouraged by a diverse set of local community, business, education leaders and BCSD parents that I have worked with personally on issues important to our areas youth. Please visit my website for a partial list of people that have endorsed me http://www.jesusgarcia.org.

Q: Why am I qualified to serve on the BCSD Board of Trustees?
I posses the ideal qualifications to serve on the BCSD Board of Trustees, some of these qualifications include:

  • With four young children, two in BCSD schools, I have the vested interest in ensuring that all BCSD students have the best opportunities for a quality education.
  • A product of public schools and graduate of UCLA and UC Santa Barbara, I am a product of great teaching that began in elementary school.
  • My working knowledge of educational policy issues will help me make decision based on the long-term best interest of the education of our children. I am not an ideologue that will take as blind fact the opinions of narrow political interests.
  • My ability to listen and related to the diverse needs of our community will help me base my decisions on the real needs of children.
  • My knowledge technological issues facing education will help me guide the district in this very important area.

    Q: What qualifications and background do I have for handling a budget the size of the Bakersfield City School District's?
    I have experience reviewing and approving budgets.

  • In my capacity as a Board Member of the California Child Care Resource and Referral Network I was kept informed of budgets totaling over $1 billion for child care, child development and early children's education. These monies coming from a varied of sources including Calworks, Proposition 10 as well as foundation grants. A review of the agencies budget is a normal part of the quarterly meetings I have attended over the nearly five years.
  • As Chair of the DAC I represent all the parents throughout BCSD that review and sign off on the annual expenditures of Federal and State funds for Title 1 and State Compensatory Aid.
  • In my current position with the Superintendent of Schools I am assigned to the District Advisory Division who's main function is assist Kern County school districts prepare their annual budgets for submission to the State Department of Education. As requested I supply student demographic and enrollment information for these reports.

    Q: What role will I play as a member of the Board of Trustees?
    I represent a transition in the type of board member that will sit on this very post. I have working knowledge of the social, economic and demographic forces facing our school district and California education as a whole. I am a consensus builder and will strive for cohesive decisions on issues, however I also intend to address head on relevant areas of emerging debate. I have a strong commitment to increase communication between parent, teachers and the administration and see technology as a means to facilitate this task.

    Q: Overall comments about our educational system
    I have trust in public schools and the many fine professionals that work in education. I trust that teachers and administrators will do their job, sometimes under difficult and changing conditions. I believe that public schools can strengthen families, create good jobs and help sustain our economy. A strong public school system is a resource that must be supported so that it can continue to reap rewards for generations to come.

    Leadership # Accountability # Results
    Vote Jesus Garcia BCSD School Board November 2002.

    Leadership # Accountability # Resultsesus M. Garcia
    For BCSD School Board PO Box 458
    Bakersfield, CA, 93302-0458

    Phone: 661.326.8683
    Email: VoteGarcia@aol.com
    Website: http://www.JesusGarcia.org
    ID# 1246911

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    The League of Women Voters does not support or oppose any candidate or political party.
    Created from information supplied by the candidate: October 14, 2002 17:27
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