League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
	Santa Clara County, CA November 2, 2010 Election
	Candidates Answer Questions on the Issues Board Member; Morgan Hill Unified School District

The questions were prepared by the Leagues of Women Voters of Santa Clara County and asked of all candidates for this office.     See below for questions on Funding, Instruction, Future Click on a name for candidate information.   See also more information about this contest. 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? Answer from Claudia M. Rossi: I would determine whether the schools are using all funding sources wisely by conducting a needs assessments and collaboratively developing benchmark measures to hold the district accountable to the effective of the programs. I would have the members of the Morgan Hill Unified School District cabinet report on the progress of the implementation of these programs and ensure that there are progress monitoring systems in place to ensure adequate use of funds that are tied directly to student achievement and the core goals of the district mission. Answer from Kirsten Francis Carr: A board member has a fiscal responsibility to the entire community to ensure funds are being used in the best manner possible for the students. As a board member, one must read, talk, listen and be a part of the process. A board member is a liaison between the district and the community and must provide an open line of communication. Answer from Ron Woolf: I would work closely with the Assistant Supt. for Business and review line items and expenditures in the budget. I would maintain contact with site Principals, Home and School Club Representatives, and other parent groups to be sure funds are distributed fairly. I would listen to the needs of staff and students to be sure the present programs are properly funded and add new expenditures in those areas where catagorical funds are available. 2. Are the schools offering instruction appropriate to the diverse educational abilities of all the students? Answer from Claudia M. Rossi: The schools are in the process of ensuring the that the diverse needs of their constituency are met. This can be accomplished by making sure that we continue to engage all stakeholders in order to ensure that the diverse needs of the students are being met. This can be accomplished by having Study Circles and opportunities to engage in constructive and critical discussion grounded on a sincere desire to provide all students and families with a voice. Answer from Kirsten Francis Carr: Students all learn in different ways, and at different rates. The key is to finding the method of teaching/learning that works for each student. MHUSD continues to find creative programs to do just that and I would work to expand those opportunities and look for more opportunities for those students who need a different approach. Answer from Ron Woolf: First of all, all ability groups should be appropriately placed with a teacher that is properly credentialed for that group. Next, the instructional materials should be current and the curriculum should meet the needs of the groups. Finally, there should be made available after school Homework Clubs, Saturday Academies, or summer classes just prior to the start of the school year. The State test scores should be reviewed to provide additional services for those with the greatest needs. 3. Where do want the district to be 5 years from now? What steps should the district take to get there? Answer from Claudia M. Rossi: By actively fomenting parental involvement and collaborative decision-making, the district will be poised to close the achievement gap among all subgroups while continuing in a tradition of excellence for all students. Answer from Ron Woolf: Five years from now the Morgan Hill Unified School District should have all schools above the API 800 level. A greater involvement by parents, total staff collaboration, and added emphasis on needs of ELL will results in increased test scores. In addition, graduation rates need be at least 95-98 percent. We need to track all students to see why they drop out of schools. They needs to be an emphasis on providing information to those students who want to be in alternative education. We need to have site leadership that encourages positive reinforcement for all students and staff. Parents need to have methods of providing input to the district so that when problems arise they will be handled appropriately. Answer from Kirsten Francis Carr: MHUSD continues to make great strides toward providing a top notch, quality education for all of its students and I hope 5 years from now finds us celebrating our successes while looking toward the future. Being able to strengthen programs which are already working instead of having to focus on test scores would allow teachers and the entire school community to truly educate the community members of tomorrow. Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League.  Candidates' responses are not edited or corrected by the League. Answers must not refer directly or indirectly to another candidate. The order of the candidates is random and changes daily. Candidates who did not respond are not listed on this page.