Candidate Q&A

By Julie Rossiter

from the October 2010 issue of the Orinda News

The budget crisis in California is an ongoing, long-term problem with no easy solutions. The Orinda school district has done an excellent job maintaining critical programs, including art, music, physical education and library during these chal- lenging times.

It is only through the support of a dedicated community that the Orinda school district has been able to continue these programs. Our community has been generous in approving parcel taxes and in donating to EFO and the parents' clubs of individual schools.

The top priority for the school district is + and always is - to provide students with the highest quality education. We must continuously review and modify the district's strategic plan to ensure we are challenging our students and giving them the tools to succeed academically. In addition, we must continue to provide enrichment outside of just math and language arts. Science, the arts, physical education and other programs are also critical to developing our students into well- rounded individuals. As a board, we must work to maintain, streamline and improve upon these programs.

Moreover, we must work to keep pace with advances in science and technology so our students can compete with other students in California, the United States, and the world.

To maintain and increase our funding, we must make absolutely sure we are maximizing the amount of funding we receive from all sources: federal and state, public and private. We must creatively seek new revenue sources and must strategically utilize the funds we have.

Declining Enrollment and Budgets:

When school districts face declining enrollment, they encounter a decrease in funds from the state, as well as a potential decrease in private donations due to fewer families attending area schools. Ensuring that we keep our enrollment at sustainable levels is an important factor in maintaining and improving upon critical school programs. There are several ways to address any decreases in enrollment.

Utilizing combination classrooms (where two grades are combined into one classroom) and the strategic use of interdistrict transfers are two possible solutions already in use in the Orinda school district. While these methods can be useful, it is imperative that any decisions relating to combination classrooms and interdistrict transfers be made with the understanding that the school board's first priority is to ensure that existing students are not adversely impacted.

The Wilder development is one source of a future increase in enrollment in the school district. As families move in to the Wilder development, enrollment in Orinda schools should increase, and any need for combination classrooms or interdistrict transfers should, therefore, decrease. Making sure the Orinda school district continues its commitment to excellence in education is another way to combat declining enrollment. As long as Orinda remains one of the best school districts in the state, it will continue to be a highly desirable place to live, especially in light of cuts being made in other school districts across the state.

Class Size:

Since 1996, California school districts have received an annual subsidy for maintaining small class sizes through the class size reduction program. Traditionally, schools would lose the entire subsidy if their class sizes didn't meet the reduction requirements. These additional funds provided an incentive to school districts to keep class sizes low.

To give school districts more flexibility during the current budget crisis, the state legislature has changed the all-or-nothing nature of the subsidy, thereby allowing school districts to raise K-3 class size while still receiving the majority of the subsidy.

Increasing the number of students in each classroom is one way other school districts are saving money in these challenging economic times. Orinda has been fortunate to be able to maintain its smaller class sizes despite ongoing budget cuts.

While all possible avenues must be explored when facing harsh economic times, it is necessary to recognize that keeping class size low is important to the community and is something that should be protected if possible. Smaller class sizes give students the opportunity for more individualized attention and enrichment and are a very desirable feature of our school district. If any additional budget cuts are necessary, they should always be made with an eye towards keeping the cuts as far away from the classroom and, therefore, the students, as possible.

Qualifications:

My work and volunteer experience will make me an ideal school board trustee. I have the skills to think critically and analyze issues affecting the district. I am passionate about public education and ensuring Orinda continues as one of the best school districts in California. It has been a great privilege working with so many talented and committed people in this community, and I will enjoy working collaboratively to accomplish the board's primary goal: providing Orinda students with the highest quality education.

I am an attorney and practiced as a business litigator and employment lawyer for seven years before my son was born. I have significant experience solving problems, negotiating with others, advocating where necessary for change, and building consensus to obtain results.

I have three children in or entering the Orinda school district: a son in 7th grade at OIS, a daughter in 5th grade at Del Rey, and a four-year-old daughter in preschool. I have been very involved in their schools, and my family has actively participated in many community and sports organizations.

I am very involved in my children's classrooms and in the Del Rey Parents' Club. I am the school's legislative representative to the local PTA, was treasurer of its annual fundraising drive for two years, co-chaired the school's annual parent's party, and was co-chair of operations on the school auction. Each position has given me insight into the budget challenges facing the Orinda school district and experience working with other parents in the community. Additional information about me can be found on my website: http://www.julierossiter.org.