Platform for Education

By Kimberley Beatty

Federal, State & Local Reform

I have the knowledge and the judgment to expand what is great about our school district and to make change where needed. I also believe that we cannot rise to true excellence without having local control of our finances and our policies. Too much is dictated by Sacramento. As school board trustee I intend to continue to advocate for reform at the state level.

Federal Reform

• The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) should be overhauled to focus on the whole child and not simply test scores.

State Reform

• Local school districts need more flexibility to allocate resources where needed. More categorical programs should be released.
• Revenue Limit Funding needs to be equalized and no longer based on an outdated 1970's tax formula.
• Average Daily Attendance (ADA) formula should be revised or alternatively eliminated.
• K-12 should receive a greater share of property tax revenue because of the inherent need for stable funding.
• The Kindergarten cut off date should be changed to September 1st (must be 5 years old by 9/1), saving the state $700 million annually.

Local Reform

• Encourage expansion of innovative programs such as: The Academies at Los Pen and Black Mountain, AVID, single gender math and science classes, Spanish language academy, Compass Learning, MAPS, internships and other school/business relationships.
• OCIS should be reviewed and possibly expanded in middle and high school.
• Fine arts, including: band, orchestra, drama, art & music need to be offered and fully funded, as does physical education in elementary school.