Green Party of Alameda County Endorsement Questions

By Janet C. Gibson

A more "intimate" Q&A about positions I've taken and what I've done while on the board for the past two terms.

I am eager to continue using my experience, knowledge, training, and expertise which will be crucial for leading our school district during the coming years. I care deeply about the children, youth, and families of our school district and feel that I can make a difference in sustaining, improving, and developing the best possible education system for the City of Alameda. For me, this elected position is not a "stepping stone" toward another political office. It is the venue through which I can best serve my community.

Qualifications<Please give a brief summary of your background and qualifications for the office of AUSD Board of Education

As an AUSD teacher of 31years, an Alameda parent and grandparent, and a two-term School Board member, I have been deeply involved with the district for the past 40 years. I bring long-term knowledge and historical perspective of AUSD's system. I will be able to use this understanding as we evaluate the present and plan for the future of our schools. I also have been involved with developing education practices and principles at state and national levels through both teacher and school board associations.

A. What issues can you point to in your time as an incumbent that have had a positive impact?

During my first term (with Alan Nishino as Superintendent), I insisted on an open and meaningful process to select Alameda's "Teacher of the Year." Up to that time, a teacher was always selected behind closed doors by a small group of administrators. Since that time, the process has followed transparent guidelines set up by the county and state.

I have been told by former school board members that, prior to my terms, closed sessions with the superintendent and cabinet often turned into "teacher bashing" sessions. This practice stopped when I joined the board.

A few years ago, I was the only school board member who voted against sending "pink slips" (lay off notices) to every teacher in the district. I knew this was not necessary and would only demoralize our teachers.

I have been fiscally conservative when it comes to escalating administrative salaries and strongly pushed to get rid of all the "perks" (car allowances, etc.) written into our superintendent's contract.

B. As an incumbent what can you tell us about your service on the school board and share with us what decisions you have made in this capacity that you believe made a difference in the functioning of the school district.

Public participation at school board meetings has been important to me. When community members come before the board during oral communication, it is important that they know how to receive answers to their questions and concerns. I have tried to facilitate this process by asking clarifying questions and making sure that speakers know whom they can contact to receive followup to their issues.

During my second term there was an attempt to "shorten" board meetings by placing oral communications at the end of the meeting (too late for many people). I worked with a League of Women Voters's representative to bring this to the board's attention and helped to restructure meetings to encourage public involvement.

I openly shared my dissatisfaction with our last Superintendent and helped to bring about a change in leadership.

5) Budget<In the coming period, school budgets will be facing severe shortfalls. How would you propose dealing with this crisis?

Of course, we must continue the long hard struggle to try to change the way our state funds public education and the inequities in the way funds are distributed. However, we will still have to deal with the budget crises at the local level. We have been making cuts for almost 8 years now, and are now facing the loss of programs and personnel that are essential to a quality educational program. Passage of two parcel taxes has given us a slight reprieve but we have to look beyond the next four years. We need to involve the community through education and discussion of the best options and choices.

One expensive practice that we need to discuss is our tradition of small neighborhood schools. I personally feel that neighborhood schools are a great asset, and would like to explore models that might help save them by cutting administrative expenses. We need to look at how charter schools are able to run on smaller budgets and then apply for waivers to the state in some areas. Another approach would be to use small schools on a "year around" model with "A" and "B" schedules.

There may be some untapped sources of ongoing revenue in the district. I have had discussions with community members who believe that Kauffman Auditorium might be able to generate substantial income for performing arts entertainment.

6) Accountability <

A. Concretely and specifically, how will you make yourself accountable to the voters who elect you?

The public deserves to hear the deliberations of board members during school board meetings and the reasons behind each member's vote. I have made it a practice to openly state what I think and feel before a vote is taken. When issues come up that generate community interest and involvement Board members receive many Emails and some phone calls. I make it a practice to read all correspondence, take notes and try to address these concerns during our deliberations.

B. How can the voters participate in holding you accountable if you are elected?

I am happy to talk and meet with members of the community individually or in groups to hear ideas and receive feedback about board activities and actions. My phone number email, and address are available and I am happy to respond to the public.

During my first term I held public monthly meetings at someone's house or a coffee shop. If there is interest for this, I would gladly make myself available.

Endorsements<

A. Who has endorsed you so far The list is just developing.

I have been endorsed by the Alameda Democratic Club, and hope to be endorse by several other organizations which still must have their process. A wide variety of individuals and public officials such as Doug Siden and Lonnie Hancock are endorsing me.

B. Who do you expect to endorse you?

I hope to be endorsed by the Alameda Education Association, the other district employee groups, and the Central Labor Council. Last time I was endorse by the Alameda Times Star (Oakland Tribune Group) In both my previous elections I received the highest popular vote from the citizens of Alameda.

8) Campaign Funding<

A. How much money do you currently have for this race?

None

B. How much money do you plan to raise?

Around two thousand dollars or less

C. Where will the money come from?

Individual contributions

D. Describe sources of financial contributions for your campaign that you would refuse to accept (if any).

I would not accept any funds that had "strings" attached, or that I perceived was given to influence my vote.

9) Is there anything else you would like us to know about you?

I have many contacts within the educational community and do a lot of independent research on the issues which are presented at board meetings.

Thank you, this was an excellent group of questions.