MBUTA

By Marilynn Merritt Holcomb

Answers to questions from the Manhattan Beach Unified Teachers' Association

2) How long have you been living in Manhattan Beach? I have lived in the City of Manhattan Beach from 1986-1992 and from 2000 to the present (11 years).

Do you now or have you ever had any members of your family attend any schools in the MBUSD? Yes. My daughter attended Meadows Elementary School, Manhattan Beach Intermediate School (now MBMS), and Mira Costa High School. My nieces have attended Pennekamp Elementary School, Manhattan Beach Middle School, and currently attend Mira Costa High School. My mother and aunt both graduated from Mira Costa High School.

Describe the experience. I intentionally moved into this district because of the high caliber (high API score) schools. My daughter enjoyed her "school life" experience in Manhattan Beach. We were especially grateful for the music program. She began her music education with Ms. Emily Sanders in elementary school, continued at the intermediate school with seven quarters of Chorus as her elective with Mrs. Levine, and participated in the choral program at Mira Costa with Mr. Heideman. Her exposures to music in grade school lead her to select Music (Vocal Performance) as her major in college. She also participated in the Advanced Placement, Honors, and Academic Decathlon programs at Mira Costa, which assisted her in getting an academic scholarship for college. My interaction with the teachers, counselors and principals were always positive.

3) Have you or a member of your family ever been employed by the MBUSD? Yes. My daughter was employed as the primary grades music (choral) teacher for three years. She provided young students with an opportunity to be involved in and inspired by music while they were still relatively uninhibited. My sister was employed as a teacher's aide for several years. Based on her positive experience in the classroom as an aide, she went back to college and received her teaching credential; she is currently a substitute teacher for the MBUSD and other local school districts. [Currently, my father (high school/English), stepsister (elementary school/fourth grade), and her husband (middle school/math) are teachers for other districts in Los Angeles County.]

4) What do you believe to be the most pressing problems facing the district? I believe three issues facing the district are: (1) promoting good communication between the board members, administrators, parents, and teachers, (2) seeking ways to empower the classroom teachers to help and encourage the students successfully in meeting state standards, and (3) ensuring students have access to all types of programs for a well-rounded education (such as choral music and physical education in elementary grades). Plan: review and evaluate MBUSD financial reports, and seek input from MBUSD educators and parents looking for ways to improve/solve communication/classroom challenges.

5) What do you see as the strengths of MBUSD? The major strengths of the MBUSD are the committed teachers, involved parents, and motivated students. You do not achieve the high-test scores earned in this district without a dedicated team effort: educators, parents, and students encouraged by an outstanding support staff (board members, administrators, and classified staff).

6) What will you do as a Board member to assure that teachers have the support and materials needed to successfully assist students in meeting state standards? In order to assure that teachers have the support and materials needed to assist students successfully in meeting state standards, the input of teachers is crucial. Therefore, I would meet with the teachers to hear directly from them regarding their needs. After hearing their needs, I would meet and confer with the other board members to seek ways we could make the classroom needs of teachers a reality.

7) What role do you see for the Board members in facilitating the effective administration of schools? I see the role for board members in facilitating the effective administration of schools as one of an advocate for and a bridge between parents/students and teachers/administrators/support staff.

8) If elected, what method(s) will you use to communicate with teachers, classified staff, parents, and students? My methods of communication would include face-to-face discussions, telephone calls, email, fliers, and/or whatever method(s) would best suit the given situation.

9) Why are seeking an endorsement from the Manhattan Beach Unified Teachers Association? I am seeking the endorsements of the two groups of people (parents and teachers) that have the most influence and impact on the students of this school district. Teachers are working directly with the students day-in and day-out in the classroom. As a board member, I want the input, support, confidence, and trust of the teachers in Manhattan Beach.