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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
Funding,
Curriculum,
Goals
Click on a name for candidate information. See also more information about this contest.
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1. How would you determine that the schools are using federal, state and local funds wisely and fairly and how would you report your findings to the community?
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Answer from Andres Quintero:
Through continual audits and assessments of the various programs, we can determine if funds are being used effectively and in accordance to the law. At present, I hold meetings for the committees which I chair in the various school sites thereby providing an opportunity for community and parent engagement at the local level.
Answer from Claudia Tercero:
The first step will be to establish a budget making process in which parents have the power in the final decisions. Second, build in regular presentations to the School Board and general public by District staff and school Principals on the YTD status of their budgets and the goals that those budgets are meant to support. Third, make all budget information easily accessible and user friendly. Fourth, ensure that all budget discussions are conducted in a manner in which parents can actively participate.
Answer from Esau Herrera:
I would request that District administration prepare and report regularly on expenditures of the District, in an easy-to-read format for both community and trustee review. I would ask that such report also detail how effective or ineffective school programs are, so that ineffective programs can be improved or eliminated.
Answer from Khanh Tran:
The spending should reflect and facilitate learning and meet the needs of all students. All spending must be approved, accountable and audited by CPA annually.
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2. Are the schools offering instruction appropriate to the diverse educational abilities of all the students?
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Answer from Andres Quintero:
Alum Rock schools are providing an array of programs and services that meet the needs of our diverse student population. Furthermore, through the development of the local control accountability plan we have developed a thorough plan that seeks to meet the needs of some of our most vulnerable student groups.
Answer from Claudia Tercero:
Currently we have some excellent charter, traditional and small schools that are a perfect example of a diverse portfolio of schools that cater to a diverse population. All kids do not learn the same; therefore it's important our parents have options to fit the needs of their children. In the future ALL our schools should be high performing giving the children in our community the tools they need to be ready for high school, college and life in general. It is important that District leadership work form a united front to set the example for the continued collaborations that are needed amongst campuses. Each school needs to know what the other schools are doing to continue the districts growth.
Answer from Esau Herrera:
Yes, our schools recognize that children learn in different ways, and that teaching and learning should take into consideration those different learning styles and abilities. Our dedicated teachers and involved parents constantly strive to prepare our students for high school and also foster a college-going mindset in our students.
Answer from Khanh Tran:
It takes a village to educate a child. This includes parents, teachers, administrators, and support from elected officials. We trust our teachers and we value their teaching and guidance of our children.
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3. Where do you want the District to be five years from now? What steps should the District take to get there?
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Answer from Khanh Tran:
I see kids can't wait to come to schools; to learn and be awarded fun activities for their hard work with after school activities, sports, and competition. Our teachers and parents will be partners in educating kids. Our kids will score among the highest in the State for Science, Math, English, and History.
Answer from Claudia Tercero:
-I'd like to expand the rich, diverse portfolio of schools that cater to the needs of Alum Rock families. Not only do we need a rich mix of school options, we need all traditional, charter and small schools to meet high standards that result in excellence across the District.
-Support all District principals, teachers and parent leaders to receive ongoing, high quality professional training and establish accountability measure to ensure that schools collaborate to share successful teaching strategies.
-Deepen partnership with organizations that offer parent involvement programs to strengthen our PTAs, school site councils and independent parent-led organizing committees.
-Expand STEAM classes in all schools (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) and target facility investments in upgrading the technology infrastructure of our classrooms.
-Deepen our partnership with the Alum Rock Foundation to secure greater support from the Silicon Valley region for school transformation in Alum Rock.
Answer from Esau Herrera:
Every school needs to reflect a 21st century teaching and learning environment. The power of technology, coupled with the skills and experience of our classroom teachers, should be the standard in every classroom. But this shouldn't take 5 years. With focus and purpose, we can be there in 12-24 months.
We also need to have more small schools, where teachers and parents are more involved with the academic progress of each child.
We need an additional dual language school, as we currently have a waiting list for the one dual language school now in operation. Knowing English and at least one other language well will better prepare our children for success in life.
Answer from Andres Quintero:
I see Alum Rock as a strong robust district that is growing. I see us fully implementing many of the pilot programs that are at the beginning stages today. I see Alum Rock providing a quality and dignified education to each and everyone of its students. The steps that we must take as a district is to continue the positive direction in which we are heading. We must continue to engage in out of the box thinking which will make us more competitive and allow us to provide a high quality and well rounded education.
Responses to questions asked of each candidate
are reproduced as submitted to the League.
Candidates' statements are presented as
submitted. The answer to each question should be limited to 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
