|
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 Rudy N Nasol:
Our adopted budget defines the District's priorities on how we use local, State and federal funds. By sharing the budget with our community in a public forum allows them to see how we effective allocate the monies we receive from various sources.
Answer from David J. Neighbors:
My education and career as an accountant give me an understanding of financial statements. My participation on the District's Bond Oversight and Budget Committees has educated me on the methodology of the District's financial reports and the flow of monies from the state to the District. My focus is putting children first and making sure we spend the money first and foremost in the classroom. As a governing board member I will advocate for complete transparency of the District's finances.
Answer from Richard Claspill:
Regular procedures are currently in place. These information would be examined for effectiveness and highlighted in district and school newsletters in a timely fashion.
|
2. Are the schools offering instruction appropriate to the diverse educational abilities of all the students?
|
Answer from David J. Neighbors:
As a public school district, we must be focused on meeting the needs of all students. We must do our part to close the achivement gap for Latino and low socio-economic students and to prepare Berryessa students to compete for the best jobs in Silicon Valley. The district has programs to meet the needs of all student from our highest achieving to special needs students. However, funding for programs to meeting the needs of our students who are failing behind need to be protected and expanded.
Answer from Richard Claspill:
Yes. There is room for improvement. At risk students should be targeted with more effective programs to bring up test scores and cater to individual needs.
Answer from Rudy N Nasol:
The various program offerings for our students allows us to provide educational opportunities to all our students irrespective of their learning capabilities. We have programs for gifted children, english language learners,
autistic students and other students with special needs.
|
3. Where do you want the District to be five years from now? What steps should the District take to get there?
|
Answer from David J. Neighbors:
Five years from now I see our District using expanded resources generated from private industry and investment from our community to provide an extraordinary educational experience for the children of our community.
Answer from Richard Claspill:
We need to turn away from the fear factor that has harmed parents, student, teachers, and the community and begin an era of the joys of education. With the passage of Measure W, more effective grant writing, systematic approach to donations from community businesses, and coordination of fundraising, money can be raised to start new programs. The best school districts in the state have more funding. I see Berryessa School District at par with Palo Alto, Evergreen, and other distinguished school districts within the next five years.
Answer from Rudy N Nasol:
BUSD is one of the lowest funded district in the county. I would like to create a local revenue stream where we can augment the State and Federal funds so we can continue to improve the academic performance of our students. Enhance curricilum in math, reading and science. Retain highly qualified and experience teachers. Continue to improve and update classroom technology for staff and students.
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
