League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Santa Clara County, CA November 4, 2014 Election
	Vladimir G. Ivanovic Answers Questions Candidate for Board Member; Los Altos School 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. 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?

Financial oversight of the Los Altos School District is the responsibility of the Citizens Advisory Committee on Finance (CACF), of which I am the chair. We advise the LASD Board on financial issues, and have done so for 20+ years. Such an oversight committee, in existence for so long, is possibly unique in California.

We work very closely with the District and we look at the entire gamut of financial expenditures and revenue. We annually provide the Board with a six year forecast which they use to guide their decisions in preparing next year's budget.

I am on the Enrollment and Revenue subcommitees, so I have detailed knowledge of LASD demographic trends and the variations in our revenue stream. Other subcommittees look at Expenses, Compensation & Benefits, Communication, and a 20-yr outlook.

We produce annually a legally-required report to the community on how parcel tax funds are being spent, and we also make an annual comprehensive presentation to the Board with recommendations on the financial state of the District.

2. Are the schools offering instruction appropriate to the diverse educational abilities of all the students?

Yes. The District spends approximately 20% of its budget on children with special needs, and does it well enough that surrounding districts send their children to LASD to be educated.

We have outstanding programs for English-language learners and for children with special needs. We offer differentiated instruction for children who can be mainstreamed, as well as special day classes.

For gifted students, we offer differentiated instruction, after-school programs, and advanced classes.

3. Where do you want the District to be five years from now? What steps should the District take to get there?

I would like to see all grades in all schools, fully engaged in 21st century learning, which includes the four C's (communication, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking), using project-based learning and appropriate technology to enrich and engage our children. We need to incorporate an explosion in our understanding of the neural basis of learning as well as modern computer and networking software and hardware.

I would like to see the school day lengthened and for us to reincorporate a vigorous arts program covering the fine arts, drama, music and dance.

I would like to see the District get out in front of issues of facilities and enrollment growth.

To get there we need to focus relentlessly on student achievement. We have an outstanding school system that brings many families to Los Altos, raises our property values, and provides the core of many vibrant communities. We need to provide our teachers with ample professional development so they can teach 21st century knowledge and skills.

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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.

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

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Created from information supplied by the candidate: September 26, 2014 11:38
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