Candidate for
Governing Board Member; Lowell Joint Elementary School District

Questions asked by Jane Williams of the La Habra Journal:

1) What do you see the job of a board member to be? Where does it fit in the structure of the school system? What will be your primary interest, thrust, or goal?

The function of a school board member is to represent the interests of the citizens and taxpayers of the area they are elected from. A school board is to see that the philosophies and standards of the community they serve are reflected in educating the children of the community. In as much as the funding for the schools come from federal and state budgets, it is important that these standards also reflect the guidelines prescribed by federal and state mandate while still adhering to the community's values. In that financial resources are limited, it is extremely important that a school board member wisely allocate these resources while maintaining the above stated goals and standards. Like the Federal Congress, State Assembly, or City Council, the School Board is the public's representative governing body of the school district and are ultimately responsible for the success or failure in educating the community's children. As a school Board member, I will continue to focus on prudent fiscal management and providing the students with a strong academic program of basic skills with a well-rounded program of traditional subject offerings.

2) What is the greatest threat to Lowell Joint's schools and its education program?

As I see it, there are two threats. The most obvious is the continued decline in funding due to changing demographics and legislative mismanagement. The second is state and federal mandated requirements. I am a true Jeffersonian, in that I believe most matters of policy should be legislated and decided at the local level. This is particularly true when it comes to education. Issues facing Lowell Joint School District are not the same as issues facing districts elsewhere in the country or state, for that matter. Therefore, ideally, funds from Federal and State sources should not be contingent upon government policy. However, in that this is not an "ideal" world, as a Board member I will continue to remain in touch with our State and Federal legislative personnel such as current State Assemblyman Bob Huff and current State Senator Bob Margett, who have both endorsed my campaign.

3) What do you think a board, any board, will be able to change or accomplish if the economic situation remains as bleak for the state as is being predicted?

Continued prudent financial management will be absolutely critical going forward. It should be noted that, at the present, LJSD is within budget and has had its audit certified by Los Angeles County. Additionally, we have a 3% reserve in our budget. I believe that, as this District has always done in times of trouble by showing strong leadership, we will be able to rise above the monetary issues we are dealt. The District has outstanding teachers, administrators and staff who have proven throughout the history of the District a willingness to stand up when called upon. This past year when the District was facing unwelcome cuts due to mismanagement in Sacramento, the Board called upon a committee of stake holders in our District. This included teachers, staff, administrators and parents. This committee formulated a list of actions that would allow the District to remain within budget. Many of their recommendations were used by the Board in formulating a revised, balanced budget. I believe that this type of involvement is critical to helping the District remain healthy.

4) What part of the Lowell Joint education will you protect down to the last dollar in the general fund?

From the beginning of time, mankind has been taught by caring mentors. We live in a blessed time when we enjoy the sum of all that knowledge. Our forefathers often had little more than a book and a teacher to educate their children. I believe that all that I have accomplished in my life I owe to those who taught and mentored me. To this day I don't remember the textbooks I looked at or whether the chalkboards were green or black. I do, however, have each of my teachers etched in my mind. I believe, at all costs, we need to do everything we can to attract and maintain the best teachers. Our District is blessed to have some of the finest teachers anywhere. I would do everything in my power, down to the last penny, to see that that does not change.