LA Times Candidate Questionnaire

By Celia Jaffe

Celia's responses on topics such biggest problem of the school district and best decision of the board

Residence: Huntington Beach for 23 years

Occupation: Governing Board Member, Huntington Beach City School District; officer in Orange County level PTA

Education: B.A. in English & M.A. in Education from Stanford University

Experience as an educator: 5 years classroom teaching

Previously elected or appointed positions:
Trustee is my only public office; I've been elected or appointed to many school-related committees and PTA officer positions

Community organizations you belong to:
local school PTAs, Huntington Beach Educational Foundation

Why should constituents vote for you?
I have devoted myself, for many years as a volunteer and now on the school board, to Huntington Beach City School District. With care and concern for our students, I have been able to adopt the painful budget cuts necessary to keep the district afloat during years of decreasing state funding, while the educational program has not only remained largely intact but in fact shown strides forward. All our schools are now above the Academic Performance Index goal of 800, and more than half are over 900.

What do you think is the biggest problem facing your district and how do you plan to address it?
Dwindling budget in the face of rising educational expectations and requirements is the problem facing every district in our state. I will continue to closely scrutinize all expenses, contracts, and financial commitments; encourage creative thinking in terms of restructuring operations or stretching our funds to the max; keep the safety and educational experience of our students first and foremost; support our administration in seeking grant and categorical funding; advocate with the legislature for better support for our public schools; and express gratitude and appreciation for the outstanding job our teachers and support staff do every day with our students.

In the last year, what is one issue that you think the sitting board members handled well and why?
We on the board have put in place a far-reaching energy savings project which includes solar panels on several sites, efficient light fixtures throughout our facilities, and replacement of the worst air conditioning units in the district. No additional public funds were sought for this work as savings in our electric bills and tax incentives will cover the financed construction costs. I am proud that we are one of the first school districts in the state to take this environmentally responsible and fiscally sound step. We're putting our wonderful Huntington Beach sunshine to practical use.