League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Santa Clara County, CA November 4, 2008 Election
	Rhoda Bress Answers Questions Candidate for Board Member; Gilroy Unified School District

The questions were prepared by the Leagues of Women Voters of Santa Clara County and asked of all candidates for this office.
Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

Questions & Answers

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?

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?

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.

3. Where do you want the District to be five years from now? What steps should the District take to get there?

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.

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Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League.  Candidates' responses are not edited or corrected by the League.

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

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Created from information supplied by the candidate: October 18, 2008 19:19
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