Provide safe schools and quality education for our children

By Amin David

New and innovative ideas without "state mandated" scapegoating

First, keep our schools safe and hold board members accountable. Current board members want to be reelected while the drug/alcohol crime rate increased each of the last four years. According to the California Safe Schools Assessment 2000-2001, weapons possession has been up every year since 1999.

Second, raise test score performance: According to the California Department of Education, our grades 7-11 students score below county averages in both Math and Reading.

Third, keep students in school. Dropout rates for every grade in the district are unacceptably high.

Fourth, end political favoritism. It is wrong for friend to appoint friends to elective offices. Three of the current five board members were selected, not elected.

Another step for better schools: I back Proposition 47.

My track record of listening to those who care about children and families? This is my 25th year holding informal weekly conversations to do just that.