League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Santa Clara County, CA November 2, 2004 Election
	Juan C. Aranda, Jr. Answers Questions Candidate for Board Member; Mountain View-Whisman School District

Read the answers from all candidates.

Questions & Answers

1. How would you improve test scores in low scoring schools?

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.

2. Do you have specific ideas regarding ways to make public education a priority among all parents throughout the district?

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.

3. Are there particular qualities and/or specific types of experience that you feel are critical for the new Superintendent to possess?

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.