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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
Budget,
Labor Negotiations,
Performance Evaluation
Click on a name for candidate information. See also more information about this contest.
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1. Given the fact that budgetary restraints will continue, what programs do you support and what programs would you cut and why? Please be specific.
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Answer from Joan Barram:
The Foothill-De Anza district has been living with a budget crisis for 3 years. Our revenues have already declined 15%. If Proposition 30 does not pass in November we will lose another 6%.
My priorities are for protecting and strengthening programs that address our core mission of Transfer Preparation, Career Training and Basic Education, plus services to help students succeed.
Savings have come from prioritizing and right-sizing. We have modified health benefits to save $5 million per year. We are using sustainable practices and conserving energy. Solar panels are saving us almost $1 million per year.
Many recreational classes have been moved to self-supporting Community Education.
We take every opportunity to generate additional revenue through entrepreneurial partnerships, grants and donations.
With careful planning and the support of our professional faculty and staff Foothill and De Anza will continue to be great schools, offering quality programs and services to Silicon Valley students.
Answer from Betsy Bechtel:
Foothill and De Anza Colleges are incredible community resources that I will continue to work very hard to preserve and enhance. We must maintain quality programs and retain our excellent teachers in the face of fiscal constraints. Students must have access to essential classes required for transfer to four-year colleges. Our communities and students also rely on vocational training programs, such as dental hygiene, nursing, respiratory therapy and many more essential programs.
I support finding additional sources of revenue by working with local companies and foundations. Foothill-De Anza has received special grants that have provided essential support for important programs.
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2. What do you see as the role of the Board in labor negotiations?
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Answer from Betsy Bechtel:
Board members must listen and weigh carefully the concerns expressed by employees while ensuring that the budget is balanced and the mission and goals of the District and the community are preserved. Employees must be treated fairly, collaboratively, and with respect.
Answer from Joan Barram:
The Board of Trustees is responsible for offering fair wages, good working conditions and benefits, a safe work-place, and collaborative decision-making processes. We negotiate in good faith and we respect all of our employees.
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3. To which constituencies and by what process should the Board evaluate the performance of the colleges?
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Answer from Joan Barram:
STUDENTS - The colleges should be evaluated on how well our students perform and succeed. Recent accreditations of both colleges have given them very high marks - especially commending both colleges on their Student Learning Outcomes, high transfer rates, and student engagement.
THE COMMUNITY - As a Board of Trustees we are responsible to the voting public to ensure that the colleges spend money wisely, maintain functional facilities and serve community needs.
THE ECONOMY - Our career training programs should be preparing the workforce that Silicon Valley needs to strengthen the economy and provide well-paid, middle class jobs.
Answer from Betsy Bechtel:
The Board of Trustees represent the communities who elect them and provide support through bond measures. At the same time in evaluating the performance of the colleges, the board must get feedback from students, faculty, and staff.
The formal process of evaluation involves various accreditation reviews for vocational programs and both colleges. These occur on a regular basis. In addition, the colleges financials are reviewed regularly by the State agencies responsible for community colleges.
The Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) at its January 2012 meeting reaffirmed both Foothill and De Anza Colleges' accreditation. The accreditation team in its most recent review stated, "The college and district are well-served by an exemplary board of trustees."
Responses to questions asked of each candidate
are reproduced as submitted to the League.
Candidates' statements are presented as
submitted. Please answer each question in no more than 400 words.
Direct references to opponents are not permitted.
The order of the candidates is random and changes daily. Candidates who did not respond are not listed on this page.
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League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
