MY VISION and PLEDGES

By Carmine S. Forcina

Below is my vision for Elk Grove Unified and how I intend to accomplish this when elected to the EGUSD Board of TRUSTEES.

My vision for the district is one of hope where the district is once again looked at as an educational model by all districts in the state. I see a district where partnerships are encouraged, where cadres of volunteers are developed, where equality exists between all schools, where teachers have the materials and resources necessary to address the individual learning needs of students, where all stakeholders are treated with respect, where all district personnel behave in a manner that fosters respect, where the budget process focuses on district priorities that have been established by the entire community. I see a district that puts children first.

ONCE ELECTED, I WILL:

1. RESTORE BALANCE

I want to restore balance between the needs of the district and all stakeholders. I propose to hold a series of meetings in each trustee area in order to allow all stakeholders an easier opportunity to participate in the development of district-wide priorities. The priorities once approved by the board would guide all budget decisions.

2. ENCOURAGE OPEN COMMUNICATION

This items has several components. I want to rotate board meetings around the district in order to enhance parent and community member participation. As part of this process I propose to put all board agenda items on-line along with all back up materials as well as announcing board meetings in individual school site newsletters. I want all staff and community members to know that I will be available to them in person, by phone, internet or email whenever they feel a need to discuss an issue.

3.PROMOTE CLOSER RELATIONSHIPS WITH NON-PROFIT COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS

I propose to meet with non-profits in order to encourage their participation with individual school sites. The involvement by non-profits at Prairie City Elementary is a model for school-community partnerships and should be promoted throughout the district.

4.WORK TO CLOSE THE ACHIEVEMENT GAP BETWEEN AFRICAN AMERICANS, LATINOS AND ALL OTHER LEARNERS

As a board member I would ensure that individual sites in consort with district staff work to identify the learning style and needs of it's african american and latino students. I would have staff provide learning opportunities for parents so that parents understand how to set up a productive homework environment, how to place importance on homework with their student(s), and where to seek help. I would also encourage african american and latino community members to work with students before, during or after school as teachers, mentors or sharing their profession thus providing good role models for students. I would have human resources develop a comprehensive recruitment process in order to attract more black and latino teachers.

5. ENSURE ALL FUNDING BE BUDGETED IN SUPPORT OF STUDENT LEARNING

I would propose a zero base budget system where those that develop budgets no longer would base their budget on the previous year's budget. Instead, they would start with zero and using the board adopted priorities would have to show how their budget proposals support those priorities. Dollars freed up in this process could be used to further support district priorities.

6. TREAT ALL EMPLOYEES FAIRLY

I would advocate for all workers, in order to provide fair and equal treatment. I would support differential settlements for employees since there are large differences in pay between employees. No one group would be singled out for rewards at the expense of other employees.

7. PROVIDE ENHANCED LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES FOR BOTH SLOW AND ACCELERATED LEARNERS

Using funds freed up through the budget process hire or expand the hours of existing paraprofessionals. Teachers would then be able to work with the learners addressed and work on remediation or enhancement and/or direct the work of paraprofessionals that would carry out the teaching responsibilities.

AS A TRUSTEE ON THE BOARD OF EDUCATION, I PROMISE THAT

• I will always put children first.
• I will always ask the hard questions.
• I will always be available to all stakeholders.
• I will never lie.
• I value your vote.
• I will not disappointed you.