OC Register Questions

By Carrie Buck

The OC Register asked the candidates to discuss a few topics. I have attached my responses.

Furlough days were a temporary fix this year. Further cuts cannot be continued. Students and teachers need all available instructions days to master the curriculum. Losing days puts more pressure on teachers and students to keep on target. Little time is available for re-teaching struggling and emerging students. Parents and students will see an increase in homework to compensate for lost instruction time. Other solutions are necessary. All additional revenue sources need to be pursued.

2.Text scores for poor students lag behind those of their wealthier classmates. What steps would you take to eliminate the achievement gap in the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District?

All of our schools have students from different socio-economic levels and with different learning abilities. Available resources we currently have, such as computer labs, must be made available to the students who do not have access at home. Utilizing student mentors and tutors is another way to provide additional academic support. Families in need must be connected with community services and programs. Teachers sharing their best practices will also continue to close the gap.

3.. What are the skills, qualities or accomplishments that make you the best person for the job?

I have had the unique opportunity to work with administrators, teachers, parents and students in our district. I have learned firsthand about the district's programs, performance, curriculum, and technology, as well as the significant funding issues facing us. I have implemented new programs and events that encourage health and fitness, family involvement, and community service at Rose Drive Elementary. I utilized our community for volunteers and outside resources to fund these programs and events.

4.Over the last several years, schools have trimmed instruction days, increased class sizes and dropped programs. What actions should your board take to minimize the impact of these cuts on students?

Our district has taken drastic measures due to budget cuts. It is especially important now that we share best practices between teachers and schools. There are teachers at every school that continue to see increased growth from their students despite the cuts. Meeting in grade level or subject related clusters will generate a discussion of ideas and what works best. Additional funding through grant writing teams can address specific needs at individual schools.

5.A recent movement has urged linking teacher evaluations and pay raises to students' academic performance. Do you agree with this idea? How should it be implemented in your district?

Test scores can be an objective way to evaluate a teacher's effectiveness. However, since there are additional resources and support staff that contribute to a student's success, student performance should not be tied to pay raises. Teachers and principals need to use test scores to determine areas of strengths and weaknesses and where additional support or training is needed. This analysis can then be used to increase effectiveness and set goals for teachers and schools.

6. What two promises are you willing to make? On what are you unwilling to compromise? Be specific and concrete.

I promise to pursue any and all available revenue sources and to develop grant writing teams to support the specific needs of our schools. I promise to increase communication with the school board by actively engaging our teachers, parents, and community about district priorities. I am unwilling to compromise on my promises and the high expectations I have that the PYLUSD will graduate good citizens who are prepared to work or attend college.