League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Butte County, CA November 6, 2012 Election
	Erik C Lyon Answers Questions Candidate for Governing Board Member; Chico Unified School District

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

Questions & Answers

1. In light of existing and anticipated budget cuts in every governmental service and shrinking tax bases, what are your ideas to keep education in our district the creative and productive experience our children deserve?

I foresee an annual campaign to raise money for our school district. We have an incredible community and putting together something on a large scale, where the whole town can get involved and even bring people in from outside Chico. Create an even on a similar scale to Taste of Chico with all proceeds going directly to our schools. I have no doubt that the community would not only support an annual event like this but would generate much volunteerism, and increase pride in our schools and Pride in Chico

2. What are the key benefits and drawbacks to parents selecting schools for their children, including the relatively new phenomenon of charter schools?

Key benefits are competition and choice. Not all kids fit easily in the same learning styles and variety, options and choice can give all students greater opportunity for success. The main draw back is students leaving the traditional public schools, taking the money for their education with them. We need to figure out strategies to offset this and learn to manage the change since I do not see charter schools going away, nor would I want them to.

3. Charter schools are public schools supported by taxpayer dollars. How should they be held accountable to the public? Should their governing boards be required to adhere to the Brown Act?

All schools need to be held accountable to the public and all governing boards should adhere to the Brown Act.

4. There is widespread agreement –- and adopted learning standards –-affirming the role of the arts in a complete education. And yet, among schools and districts across the state, access to the arts is inconsistent or nonexistent. How should the state ensure that the arts have their rightful role in every K-12 curriculum?

When i grew up, it was about the three R's. Not sure when we all decided learning to draw and paint was a critical life skill. I've gotten along fairly well with a total lack of artistic ability. Do i wish i could play an insturment or paint a fresco? Definatly, but it has never held me back except when playing pictionary. I would like to see scores on reading, writing and arithmetic go up before we spend too much energy and resources on the arts. My daughters seem to be getting plenty of time doing arts and crafts at school, as my refrigerator can attest to.

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Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League.  Candidates' statements are presented as submitted. 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: September 9, 2012 20:25
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