League of Women Voters of the Cincinnati Area Education Fund
Hamilton County, OH November 6, 2007 Election
	Julie B. (Bernsen) Brook Answers Questions Candidate for Board Member; Sycamore Community School District

The questions were prepared by the League of Women Voters of the Cincinnati Area and asked of all candidates for this office.
Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

Questions & Answers

1. What are your qualifications for office? (50 word limit)

I have a BAUP and MBA in Finance and Human Resource Management. My work experience includes Real Estate Finance, Management Consultant, and Substitute Teacher. I was appointed to a private School Board, Board of the Sycamore Flying Fish, and the Blue Ash BOSA-BOZA. Volunteer positions: Girl Scouts, room-mother, and PTA/PTO.

2. What plans do you have to address your top three priorities? (100 word limit)

My three priorities represent three sides of a tripod. Without each side, the other two will be unable to stand alone. If elected I will represent the District Taxpayer (side 1). My responsibilities will include communicating Taxpayer philosophies to the Sycamore Administration, Teachers and Staff. In turn, it will be imperative that I communicate to the Taxpayers the requirements of supporting an effective and efficient school system (side 2). Through communication of true facts and by educating each other, we can work together for our common goal of ensuring every Sycamore student receives an "Excellent" education (side 3).

3. What is your position on amending the Ohio Constitution with regard to the funding of public schools? (150 word limit)?

School funding relies heavily upon the wealth and generosity of district residents through self-imposed levies. Beginning in 1991, the constitutionality of Ohio's school funding was challenged, and demands were placed upon the state to revamp the current system thus spawning a movement calling for "equity in education". Proponents demand that Ohio equalize state-wide per pupil expenditures (PPE) falsely believing that equalizing will result in higher state-wide PPE's. In fact, research has shown that school finance equalization result in lower state-wide PPE's, increased private school enrollment, and lower home values.

Any amendments to the Ohio Constitution must ensure that thriving school districts will not be negatively affected. Sycamore has worked diligently to develop an education system that is effective and efficient. If elected it will be my responsibility to educate district taxpayers on the importance of guaranteeing that amendments to the Ohio Constitution improve impoverished districts but not devastate our own.

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Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League.  Candidates' statements are presented as submitted. Word limits apply for each question. Direct references to opponents are not permitted.

Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

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Created from information supplied by the candidate: October 15, 2007 16:32
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