League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Alameda County, CA November 6, 2012 Election
	Thearse Pecot Answers Questions Candidate for School Director; Oakland Unified School District; Trustee Area 1

The questions were prepared by the League of Women Voters of Oakland and asked of all candidates for this office.
Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

Questions & Answers

1. (Teacher recruitment and retention) What should be done to support the recruitment and retention of qualified and experienced teachers in Oakland public schools?

As the Teachers Choice for School Board Director, I will ensure that our Teachers are provided with the support they need in the classroom. Teachers working conditions are students learning conditions. I will support a collective bargaining process and will always act on behalf and demonstrate respect for the expertise and views of our teachers.

2. (Training for skilled trades careers) Not all Oakland students will opt to go to college or a university after high school. How will you use your position as a School Board Member to support training for careers in the skilled trades?

I want to give our students the opportunity to explore many different levels of learning by offering them electives in the school that would introduce them to careers in the skilled trades.

3. (Disparities among ethnic groups) What specifically can and should be done about the disparity of academic achievement among various ethnic groups in Oakland, and what can and will you do as a school board member to address these disparities?

As a parent who raised my children through Oakland Public Schools as well as attending myself, we must engage our rich ethnic cultures and motivate them with a variety of challenging curriculum and activities. Every school site should have adequate school staff counselors to help guide and support the social and emotional needs of Oakland students in order for them to achieve a high school diploma. Our public safety is tied to the success of our schools.

4. (Criteria for approvals and closures) Do you support the opening of new Charter Schools at a time when traditional public schools are being closed or threatened with closure? What criteria should be used in deciding what schools should be closed and which new ones be approved?

I do not support opening any more than the current 40 charter schools that are already operating without supervision in Oakland. Charter schools do not support Union teachers, custodian and cafeteria workers. There is no evidence that Charter schools outperform our public schools. I will not support any more community public schools being closed. In order to approve a new public school there must be a need in the community where there is currently no school within a reasonable distance.

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Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League.  Candidates' responses are presented as submitted. Direct references to opponents are not permitted.

Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

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Created from information supplied by the candidate: October 4, 2012 18:24
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