C.S.E.A. Endorsement Candidate Questionnaire

By Lisa L. Pellicano

Responses from Lisa Pellicano

They are the union for school workers or non certificated staff. Each person belongs to a local chapter, which feeds into an area, which feeds into a region, which feeds into a state which feeds into a national association.

2. What are your views on Governor Schwarzenegger's agenda for public education?

I do not believe that Mr. Schwarzenegger is educational friendly as evidenced by the huge cuts taken in education over the last several years. I do understand that he is not alone to blame, but there must be a way that legislation can be made to work for the people. Leadership is not just in name alone and he must not have the skill to reason with others.

3. What are your views on the contracting out of classified jobs?

I believe that contracting out of services diminishes our employee pool and opportunity for employee's to learn other skills. There is no reason that jobs should be contracted out if it is a service that is regularly used by an employer. Depending on the service that is being sent out an employer can hire a current employee with dependable work ethic and track record, assuming that he or she possess the skills involved in that position. This is a wise use of tax payer dollars in a school district setting.

4. What individuals or groups outside of the district will be working on your campaign?

I have a large support group that consists of parents mostly within this school district. I have many contacts through my PTA work at schools and through Little League. I also have many co-workers that live in the area that will help support my campaign efforts.

5. What do you view as the role of classified employees in the district?

Classified employees are the backbone of a school and school district. United in one common goal with administrators and teachers; we facilitate learning. We are the employee's that clean the classrooms and campus, drive the busses, maintain the buildings and grounds, enroll the students, tend to the sick children during school, prepare the lunches and help assist teachers educate children. We literally "open the school doors" to children.

6. Have you attended any district Board meetings? What do you know about the district?

I have attended board meetings off and on during my 15 years of employment with Centralia as a parent and as a C.S.E.A. representative. I have regularly attended board meetings over the last year. I have a wide range of knowledge about this district on several levels. I have been a parent of three children in this district. I have worked at school sites and I have worked at the district office for the last four years. I have a unique view of this district that no other candidate will be able to offer.

7. Tell us what approaches you would employ to hold District administrators accountable for the management of district resources?

I want to look at what specific criteria a program is held to in order to be considered an effective program. I believe that grant money is not an answer to regular business or services that we provide. Grant programs need to be fully funded. I will ask good questions for clarification that will be relative to operations due to my personal knowledge of the district. I will be able to speak directly to operations and hopefully be able to "talk out" or bring up potential issues that administration may not be aware of due to their limited knowledge of operations. Their area of expertise may not make them aware of operational familiarity. I am reasonable and an independent thinker. I think that these qualities are extremely important as a potential board member. Board members do not need to function as predictable, single-issue advocates; they should have an open mind, listen to all sides of an issue, and make strategic choices for the well-being of the district. Strong decision- making requires analysis, the balancing of needs and concerns, and the ability to see the long term implications of an action.

8. How accessible do you plan to be to CSEA before making decisions that effect classified employees?

I plan to be open to parents and all staff. My vision is to be a more hands on board member and make myself more visible at schools and the district, not just at meetings or a school event. I welcome input or information from any employee throughout the district. I want to be approachable to everyone including the community. It is the one way to ensure that I am representing my community is by open communication.

9. What are your specific views on the Single Payer/Universal Health Care?

I am in support of Universal Health Care. I believe that all people that are currently paying for health care are paying for the uninsured through higher premiums. Everyone should have access to health care in America regardless of employment or a pre existing condition.

10. Why do you want to be a Governing Board member?

I believe that I possess unique knowledge regarding this district. I am fully aware of the time commitment and will devote as much time that is necessary to research areas to be prepared to make informed and well thought out decisions. I believe that I am a viable candidate within this community and that I am respected for not only the volunteer positions that I have held but also my work ethic. A school board member is a powerful way to support student success and strengthen my community. Effective school board members contribute their unique talent while collaborating and working as a team with other board members.

11. Please list four to five qualities of a good Governing Board member.

These would be the fundamental qualities that I would look for in a candidate not in particular order: Personal Commitment and Diligence, Knowledge, Advocacy, Stewardship, Integrity, Vision and Leadership.

12. Tell us what you know about the "Brown Act"?

The Brown Act was enacted in response to mounting public concern over informal, undisclosed meetings held by local elected officials. City councils, county boards, and other local government bodies may have avoided public scrutiny by holding secret "workshops" and "study sessions". The people in the State of California, in delegating authority, insist on remaining informed so that they may retain control over the groups they have created.

13. Who would you seek input from before you vote on an issue?

It may depend on what material was presented for a particular vote. Did the material adequately cover the subject? Were relevant questions asked and answered? Who presented the information? Who may have provided input on the presentation? Were all departments considered for input? What questions did other departments have if any relative to the material?

14. Do you believe that all district employees should have access to Health and Welfare benefits?

Yes I do believe in access for all employees. I also think that a minimum number of hours worked should apply, as in the difference in full time and part time. One key reason that individuals choose public service is that although a comparable pay rate to the corporate job market maybe less- benefits, retirement, and job security draw in potential employees. It is important for the industry to continue to draw people into the educational field and thus drawing in top candidates.

15. Do you believe Governing Board members should receive Health and Welfare benefits?

In my opinion I think that offering benefits may lure a candidate to run for this office, since this is not an occupation or opportunity to support a family with an annual salary. For our particular small district the option to be included in a group rate is a major advantage for a person that holds outside employment for a good salary, but may not qualify for benefits for a certain reason. I am not implying that we should offer salaries to board members, but it does make one consider why a candidate would want the responsibility of this job and limits the position to those individuals that are either retired, supported by another, or not need to earn a living.