Response to O.C. Register and Tustin News Questions

By Tammie K. Bullard

A: The Tustin Unified School District has already set a standard for the wise use of Measure G Bond funds. This summer in Phase I of the Bond Program, 12 schools received major renovations totaling nearly $40 million. The work included 1,057 doors with hardware replaced, 176 bathrooms demolished and rebuilt, more than 10,000 sq. ft. of ceramic tile set, over 2,000 yards of concrete poured, 74 box trees planted, 124,000 sq. ft of asphalt laid, 160,000 sq. ft. of roof torn off and replaced, eight free-standing faculty bathrooms installed, and the list goes on.

The Board has already taken the appropriate steps to continue using the money wisely by directing staff to begin Phase II of Measure G. Phase II will include the seven schools that did not receive Measure G work this summer and will involve completing similar projects as the Phase I schools received. This will put all schools on equal footing. The Board has also directed staff to create facilities standards to assist in the planning for Phase III.

Q: What do you see as the future of the three district school sites (two elementary and one high school) assigned on the former Marine base?

A: For several years, I have been one of the Tustin Unified School District's liaisons to the Tustin City Council. We have met regularly and we continue to make progress on having three world class schools on the former Marine Base.

Q: The No Child Left Behind legislation raises the bar of accountability each year, how should the district deal with this issue?

A: For three years, the No Child Left Behind legislation has been in place. Each year, the bar is raised higher and TUSD exceeds the new higher standard.

The State Department of Education has released the Academic Performance Index (API) test scores and TUSD showed a positive increase rate compared to state and county school districts. The District average score for 2004 is 771-- up 14 points from 757 in 2003.

TUSD tied with another school district for most progress of all 12 unified school districts in Orange County and outscored the state average growth of 10 points.

We continue to show that in the six years API has been calculated, the District continues to have a pattern of growth at every one of our schools.

Among the highlights: The highest API growth over six years occurred at a Title I school (188 points). For the second year in a row, 11 of 17 elementary schools scored above 800. All middle and high schools met or exceeded their API goals. Ladera Elementary School is the highest scoring school in Orange County at 958. Some 26 schools in Orange County reached 900 plus, and 5 of those schools are in Tustin.

Q: The district has gone through three years of tight budgets. What are the first priorities for the district budgeting process?

A: My first priority has always been the classroom. I have been a leader in demanding this, and this year School Services of California, the authority on school budgeting, audited our District and wrote: "The District operates a lean administrative model." "TUSD is an unusually efficient operational system." and "The District is nearly a textbook example in utilizing categorical funding to support high priorities." I have always, and will continue to spend your money wisely.

Q: What do you see as the most important issues the district faces in the next four years?

A: The District faces four main issues. First, to continue to increase student achievement for all students, by raising the bar for everyone, and closing the gap between our non-English speakers and others. We need to ensure those students who are in the middle are not overlooked as we strive to bring up the bottom and challenge the students at the top. Second, to continue to manage limited financial resources wisely as we face more years of tight budgets. Third, to continue the positive momentum of using Measure G funds to best benefit the students. Fourth, to continue to work to draw the District together into a more cohesive effective community both north and south and east and west.

Q: What are your best qualifications for the job?

A: The best predictor of future success is past successes. I have an eight year track record of improving our schools.

Since elected in 1996, I have dedicated myself to improving student achievement, providing leadership, and ensuring Tustin schools are recognized as outstanding. I have worked with parents, community and staff implementing proven curricular programs and prudent policy.

Last year the State rated ten Tustin schools as a 10 and all others above average when compared to demographically similar schools. Also the District has the second most California Distinguished Schools in the County.