League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Santa Clara County, CA November 6, 2012 Election
	Joan Barram Answers Questions Candidate for Board Member; Foothill-De Anza Community College District

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

Questions & Answers

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.

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.

2. What do you see as the role of the Board in labor negotiations?

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.

3. To which constituencies and by what process should the Board evaluate the performance of the colleges?

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.

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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.

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

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Created from information supplied by the candidate: October 1, 2012 10:43
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