League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Santa Clara County, CA November 3, 2009 Election
	Ken Riley Answers Questions Candidate for Board Member; Orchard School District

The questions were prepared by the the League of Women Voters of San Jose/Santa Clara 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?

Our number one focus is the kids. Every year as we assess what funds will be available in light of the state's economy, we ensure that the core programs of our district are maintained and cuts are directed towards other areas wherever possible. We are disciplined in the management of our funds and ensure that they are allocated with vision for the success of our students while maintaining legal boundaries. As the current Board President, I have oversight over the district financial records. All public financial information is presented in open board meetings and reviewed in detail allowing public input and questions. In the end our financial records show that we have been good and faithful servants of the public's monies.

2. Are the schools offering instruction appropriate to the diverse educational abilities of all the students?

We spend a great deal of time in our board discussions developing strategies for creating a better learning environment accounting for students that are far below basic to advanced. It is a living breathing strategy that has to adapt to the environment of each classroom while maintaining focus on the achievement of the California State standards. In my tenure, our district has constantly improved in our ability to reach kids and motivate them from wherever they are to a goal that they can see themselves achieve. We are determined to continue to strive for greater goals in this area being creative and flexible with the diverse population we have at Orchard.

Highlights

Increased Orchard's Academic Performance Index (API) from 653 to 754 (101 points !!) Led district from 40% deficit spending to Positive Certification Constructed Event Center and Solar Energy Panels Co-created the Youth Leadership Program Implemented Power School and Power Grade New Computers for Teachers and Students District-Wide

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

I envision the district achieving an API well into the 800's while reducing the number of students in the far below and below basic categories. I envision a district that offers our students opportunites that other K-8's cannot through our Event Center, go Green initiative, modern library, and new science facility. My vision includes shifting the culture of our school district from Good to Great, from Above Average to Excellence through our teacher's attitudes, developing their skills, available tools in the classroom, creating a modern environment for learning, and support from the district staff and board of trustees. Developing leaders within the teaching force and setting the example with the District leadership.

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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 20, 2009 08:32
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