League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Alameda County, CA February 4, 2014 Election
	Douglas M. "Doug" Ireland Answers Questions Candidate for Board of Education Member; City of Piedmont

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

Questions & Answers

1. What is your opinion on the School District’s use of Capital Appreciation Bonds versus Current Interest Bonds?

The District has experience in raising money through bond issuance. There are a variety of structures available to the Board in terms of interest rates, maturities and payment schedules. Until the requirements are established, it is premature to designate which form of payment is preferable. In most cases, a hybrid structure allows the District to manage the new issue against its outstanding debt given legal constraints, and current and future taxpayers' capacity and willingness to pay.

2. How should the School District support implementation of the Common Core Curriculum?

The District should continue to do what it is doing - ongoing professional development and parent education. Teachers are working with administrators and outside consultants to integrate the new standards into lesson plans and assessments. There are educational forums for parents and stakeholders to learn how the new curriculum will impact student learning and assessments. There will need to be enhanced technology available for test administration for all students. These practical implementation procedures are currently underway.

Ultimately, the board, in partnership with the administration, teachers and parents, will need to balance our goals and priorities with this state and federally mandated program.

3. How will the District’s budgeting process be different under the Local Control Accountability Plan?

LCAP requires formal documentation of community and parent engagement in the process of program and budget development. There will be formal reporting mechanisms to meet the LCAP standards regarding attendance, agendas and minutes, and the District will continue to solicit input from a host of community sources. Effectively today, the site councils, curriculum forums, parent clubs, budget committees and support groups all provide the District feedback about curriculum, facilities and spending. From that input, priorities will be set by the Board and implemented by the administration.

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Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League.  Candidates' statements are presented as submitted. 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: January 13, 2014 17:47
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