The questions were prepared by the the League of Women Voters of Los Altos-Mtn. View Area and asked of all candidates for this office.

See below for questions on Test Scores, Education a Priority, New Superintendent

Click on a name for other candidate information.   See also more information about this contest.

Answer from RoseMary Sias Roquero:

Standard of excellence that each and every learner in our community will have equal access to a college preparatory curriculum.

• Workshops for entire school community including Special Education and ELD, accessing Advance Placement and Honor courses in high school.
• Workshops/Seminars beginning in preschool through middle school informing our families the academic road map to college. MVWSD administrators will set the standard of information for all schools to disseminate through oral and written formats in English and the predominate second language of the school.
• Fully credentialed proactive experienced teachers and administrators, with proper subject matter certification dealing with the student population being taught.

Answer from Michael G. "Mike" Kelly:

First we need to look at those schools that are succeeding. Find out what makes those programs different from the low scoring schools. Then we need to cross-level those programs to the low scoring schools.

Those students to whom English is a second language are the key to our becoming the "district of choice". We need to look hard at ways to speed up the English language development these students to level the playing field which will result in higher test scores.

Teachers and students must have the proper texts and material to succeed. They must be trained in the use of these materials and the internal assessments.

The leaders of this district have to assume responsibility for the educational health of our schools.

Answer from Gloria L. Higgins:

There are two major strategies the district must use to improve education for under performing schools, sub-groups and students. First, school leaders, including the Board, must make success for every student a priority. I am pleased the Board is well underway in setting goals and benchmarks for success and I am looking forward to continuing that work. Second, the Board and administration must use assessment data effectively. Specifically, the administration, teachers and staff must be well trained to analyze data and to use that analysis to improve instructional strategies. As a Board member, I will continue to support teachers with the professional development and collaboration time necessary to affect growth.

Answer from Fiona Walter:

In order to improve test scores, the following must occur:

• Examine teaching models used at successful similar schools to determine what is working and what is not.
• Apply lessons learned from successful schools to those that are struggling.
• Assist struggling schools when possible with additional resources.
• Use test data in conjunction with technology to more efficiently alert staff to children in need of intervention, thereby providing timely assistance for at-risk students.
• Ensure that children attend preschool before kindergarten. Children who have had classroom experience prior to kindergarten are better prepared mentally and socially for school.

Answer from Juan C. Aranda, Jr.:

I will visit the local high schools to extract available data as to the academic entry level of all of the feeder school students. I would want to raise the academic standards in the low performing schools. I would want to ensure that all students had the opportunity to learn academic subjects so that they can all be prepared for high school and for college. This takes textbooks, good teaching and high expectations for all of our students.

Answer from Gloria L. Higgins:

Communication is the key to building consensus on any issue. I believe it is important to develop and nurture relationships with all parents and community members, to respect a parent's choice for their own child and to respectfully disagree when necessary. The biggest benefit of a public education is the opportunity it provides to learn with students from different backgrounds and experiences. Events like the Community Dialogues hosted by the Los Altos Community Foundation and the League of Women Voters give us a forum to promote the benefits of public education and to model the skills and attitudes we want our children to acquire.

Answer from Michael G. "Mike" Kelly:

Parents need stay involved. Do not accept mediocrity as a standard. And never give up. Be involved in your children's education. Join Site Councils and PTA's if you can. Always try to provide a good space for your kids to learn be it in the classroom, or at home. Our children are going to be faced with difficult decisions in their future. Decisions regarding our environment, Social Security, and so on. They deserve a quality background in thinking and learning so that they are prepared. For them and for us.

Answer from RoseMary Sias Roquero:

I believe the majority of parents value the priority of public education. I have worked with families from all walks of life including those that have left their country and loved ones for a better life and education for their children.

• COMMUNICATION- Begins with me, respectful, open, inviting and dignified with my community. Expecting the same values from every person responsible for our active, engaged learners.
• Workshops- how to prepare an active learner for College.
• Parent outreach especially with the Latino Community.
• Parental Assistance Information Centers at each school site.

Answer from Fiona Walter:

Communicating the benefits of strong public schools to all parents will lead directly to support of those schools and to making public education a priority. Forums and community outreach programs are two possible avenues through which this can be accomplished. The benefits of public education are numerous and affect all members of the community. Local schools gain strength from their community and give back to that community though good citizenship, dedication to home neighborhoods, public service projects, and much more. Home values increase when public schools succeed. Well-educated children are an asset to the community today and become tomorrow's leaders.

Answer from Juan C. Aranda, Jr.:

I will encourage involvement through open meetings, access to the curriculum, and full communication. I have always had, and I will continue to have an open door policy. Parents must feel that their concerns about their children's education are taken seriously and acted upon. With a responsive district, we will have responsive parents.

Answer from Juan C. Aranda, Jr.:

A person selected to lead a district must have proven abilities. I would expect solid experience in leadership and communications. I would also expect experience in negotiations, strong understanding of curriculum base and budget. Other qualities include the ability to evaluate new personnel in the hiring process. The superintendent must be demanding, expecting accountability from all, if standards are not met. The superintendent must be someone who will do outreach into the community, set reachable goals, and ultimately be motivated to act to benefit our children, our greatest asset.

Answer from Fiona Walter:

The new superintendent must communicate effectively with all members of our community, including teachers, staff, parents, and local businesses. This person should have experience at many levels: parent, teacher, principal, administrator. They must understand the curriculum and standards necessary to ensure the academic success of 4,300 K-8 students. They must also recognize our district's diversity and provide creative ways to leverage this asset while still successfully educating every child. Finally, this person must be committed to our district for an extended period of time. Consistent leadership at the superintendent position is paramount in achieving academic success for all students.

Answer from Michael G. "Mike" Kelly:

The first quality needed is loyalty to the district. We can not afford to have a succession of two year "wonders". We need stability at the top.

We need someone with high standards that expects nothing but the best from the administration, teachers, and students.

Finally, we have to have someone that embraces open dialog about education in this district.

Answer from RoseMary Sias Roquero:

I'm appreciative of Eleanor Yick decision to lead the MVWSD through June 2005.

• Commitment to the position for at least 4 years.
• Personable, intelligent, sense of humor, good health, sound mind.
• Setting and achieving high expectations for a diverse student population.
• Excellent verbal and written skills. Respectful, dignified, proactive, lifelong learner and leader.
• A "Mover and Shaker".
• Knowledgeable, appreciative of MVWSD's diverse cultures and socio-economic populations.
• A former Teacher, Principal and Superintendent.
• Knowledge of strategies and curriculum for all learners from gifted to at-risk.
• Has successfully practiced the concept of "Collegiate and Collaborative Interaction", improving school from within.
• Successful financial experience managing a district with declining enrollment.

Answer from Gloria L. Higgins:

The superintendent serves as the instructional leader of the district and as a bridge between the district and the community. Above all the new superintendent must put students first. He or she must be a collaborative leader, not only with the leadership team within the district, but also with community groups and government. He or she must be proactive and knowledgeable about curriculum and education funding and policy. And he or she should have experience as a teacher, a principal and administrator.

The order of the candidates is random and changes daily.