This is an archive of a past election. See http://www.smartvoter.org/ca/scl/ for current information. |
| |||||
| |||||
Candidates Answer Questions on the Issues Board Member; Morgan Hill Unified School District | |||||
|
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
Use of Funds,
Appropriate Instruction,
District Goals
Click on a name for candidate information. See also more information about this contest.
Answer from Bob Benevento:
With the concurrence of my fellow trustees, I would encourage the Superintendent and his cabinet to provide a needs assessment plan and work collaboratively to develop a series of goals that are measurable, attainable and able to be completed within a given timeframe. This needs assessment should reflect the broad spectrum of the district's goals, from Student Achievement (curriculum and programs); Dedicated and Qualified Employees (classified, certificated and administrative); Responsible Financial Practices (balanced budget, required reserves, positive financial audits); a Safe, Healthy & Sustainable Environment (a Facilities master plan, Energy efficiency, healthy living through proper diet and activity, and Safety and Security on all campuses); and Partnership through Communications (with homes, schools and community).
The only accurate and true way to assess the finances of the district is to have an independent auditor provide a district assessment. This is something the district has done for as long as I have been affiliated with the school system and should continue to do so. The information gathered in this audit is available to the public and reported at a school board meeting.
Answer from Bob Benevento:
In our district we continue to address an expanding population of English Language Learners, a growing number of students from a lower Socio-Economic stratus, students of parents with higher levels of achievement in education and the business world, and students with special education requirements. The district strives to serve all equally and I believe does a very good job, but there is always room for improvement.
The greater challenge, in my opinion, is to present lessons that are rigorous, relevant and based on reality. If we raise expectations, challenge students with rigorous academic work, and demonstrate a real world relevance, I believe students of all levels and abilities will respond to the challenge. If we can make learning fun along the way, I think we can achieve academic excellence at all levels. As the district's technological capability expands and as it brings additional electronic resources on line, I believe the upside is limitless. I believe the goal should be to develop life-long learners. I am a strong believer that we need to develop Career Pathways for our students, exposing them to career options as early as seventh (7th) grade and presenting them with options that will prepare them for a productive life after secondary school, whether that be in college, in the military or public service or in the skilled workforce.
Answer from Bob Benevento:
How will we get there? We need to continue to focus on goals and objectives that will help our students continuously improve. We need to hold ourselves accountable, not just the Board, not just the Superintendent and his staff, not just the teachers and administrators, and not just the students. We, as a community of parents and stakeholders in the city of Morgan Hill, need to hold ourselves accountable for the future of our children. We need to continue to develop our local and regional business alliances, our relationships with sources of higher education, our alumni relationships, our community foundations and whatever other resources we can marshall to provide For Our Students, For Our Future. Lastly, we need to actively pursue any and all options to reform our irrational school financing system.
The order of the candidates is random and changes daily. Candidates who did not respond are not listed on this page. |