Statement of intentions

By Paul J. Ruiz

Brief outline of my ideas and plans for the district

Our children deserve teachers who are enthusiastic, creative and dedicated. The recruitment and retention of this type of teacher is a difficult task, and I believe, is one of the primary goals of the school board. Along with good educators, parental involvement is vital to ensuring that our children's education continues after they return home.

Improvement of test scores is another area the school board must oversee. We must be accountable for impartial, proper evaluation of this data. This includes yearly testing and the constant assessment of our children's progress and development, as well as a review of the testing process itself.

Finally, the board must closely monitor fiscal responsibility. With the imminent increase in attendance expected by new housing developments, the board must find innovative ways to stretch education funds. A majority of the money provided to the school district should be spent on education, teachers' salaries and supplies, not on administration. Our children need to come first.