|
The questions were prepared by the Leagues of Women Voters of Santa Clara County and asked of all candidates for this office.
See below for questions on
State and Federal Funds,
Instruction,
Future
Click on a name for candidate information. See also more information about this contest.
 |
1. How would you determine that the schools are using federal, state and local funds wisely and fairly and how would you report your findings to the community?
|
Answer from Jaime Rosso:
I have personal commitment to visit every school at least once annually listening to administrators, teachers, students, staff and parents. I ask questions and listen to concerns. As a board member I participate in study sessions to review budgets and spending and establish priorities. I have a focus on targeting district resources that support improving student achievement for ALL students and addressing equity to make sure all students needs are being addressed. I raise issues at board meetings to make sure important concerns are handled in an appropriate manner that supports the needs of students and our schools.
Answer from Mark Good:
Careful analysis of the budget is required, together with ongoing evaluation of District needs for the present and future. Complete transparancy of the budgeting process should be a given, along with providing more material online for the public to review.
Answer from Rhoda Bress:
School district budgets reflect a district's priorities, and school board members are responsible for ensuring that every dollar received from the government is used to promote student achievement and district goals. This is accomplished through study sessions devoted to budget development and constant monitoring of existing programs for their effectiveness. In these times of budget cuts and constraints, good business practices must be in place to ensure taxpayers get the most value out of monetary and human resources. I know that some of the best and most helpful suggestions come from those working inside the business. We need to continue engaging those "in the trenches," including teachers, classified staff, and paraprofessionals, about where they think there is waste and duplication of efforts and what funded programs and materials do not contribute to student achievement. Communication to the community can happen in many forms, including televised board meetings, guest columns in the local newspaper, and attendance and participation in community organizations and events.
|
2. Are the schools offering instruction appropriate to the diverse educational abilities of all the students?
|
Answer from Rhoda Bress:
The Gilroy School District has experienced significant academic growth over the past few years with increasing numbers of students in all subgroups designated as proficient or advanced according to standardized test results. Over the past few years, new programs to address specific student needs have been added. These include dual immersion, an early college academy, and a program for students who are at risk of dropping out or have already dropped out of school. However, there is additional data, such as the percentage of students continuing on to secondary education and continued high dropout rates, which prove there is still a lot more to do in order for all students to reach their full academic potential.
Answer from Jaime Rosso:
Our job as board members is to make sure that ALL students are making the progress necessary and expected to achieve grade level proficiency and to maximize student potential for every student. Our district leadership is very much focused on making sure students needs are being addressed. Test results are showing that we are making steady progress in improving student achievement. More interventions are being implemented to close the achievement gap that continues to of concern and priority for our district.
Answer from Mark Good:
The schools are offering the best instruction appropriate to the individual students, given the financial constraints within the district. Two particular areas of improvement needed are reinstatement of the cuts in the Elementary and Middle School music education, and opportunities for vocational education provided to high school students.
|
3. Where do you want the District to be five years from now? What steps should the District take to get there?
|
Answer from Jaime Rosso:
The district needs to continue to maintain focus on providing the support and resources necessary to continue improving academic achievement and success for ALL students. There can be no excuses for students not making the necessary progress to achieve grade level proficiency. Teachers and educational leaders and parents need to be held accountable to making sure all students are being successful. Teachers need to be given all the support necessary to move students forward. The District must continue to recruit and retain high quality teachers that provide high quality instruction to all students. Interventions need to be provided for those students that need it. All students need to be challenged to reach their full potential. Within the next 4 years I would like to see all schools surpass the state achievement performance target score of 800 as measured by the Achievement Performance Index (API).
Answer from Mark Good:
The District needs to be financially sound and continue its improvements in academic achievement. Vocational opportunities must be provided to all high school age students in addition to the opportunity to attend college. The music programs that have been cut should be reinstated and improved upon.
Answer from Rhoda Bress:
Academic excellence is both my top priority and my vision for the Gilroy Unified School District. With rigorous classroom experiences and equal opportunities for excellence, Gilroy graduates will leave with the skills needed to be successful in college and in the work force. The highest standards must be set for all factors impacting student achievement, especially those closest to the classroom. These include curriculum, instructional materials, adequate supplies, teachers, teacher support, student preparedness and conduct, parent involvement and support, academic culture, student wellness, and professional development. Everyone involved in the education of our students + teachers, parents, administrators, classified staff, paraprofessionals, school board trustees, and students themselves + must be held accountable.
Responses to questions asked of each candidate
are reproduced as submitted to the League.
Candidates' responses are not edited or
corrected by the League.
The order of the candidates is random and changes daily. Candidates who did not respond are not listed on this page.
| 
League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
