League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Santa Clara County, CA November 4, 2014 Election
	Anne Kepner Answers Questions Candidate for Trustee; West Valley-Mission Community College District; Trustee Area 3

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. What experience and training would you bring to this office?

Attending community college transformed my life. As a business owner in Silicon Valley, I know the importance of an educated and prepared workforce.

I am the product of our local public schools from kindergarten through law school. I believe in and am committed to public education. Growing up in West San Jose, graduating from Lynbrook High, and earning college degrees from De Anza College, San Jose State University, and University of California, Hastings College of the Law, gives me a deep appreciation of our excellent public education system.

As the managing partner of a successful law practice in San Jose, I balance budgets, recruit and retain qualified staff, and actively engage in the community. Community colleges are critical to the success of our business and a thriving Silicon Valley economy.

I am committed to helping youth in our community reach their full potential and serve on the Board of Managers for the Central YMCA of Silicon Valley. I was appointed by the Santa Clara City Council to the Housing Loan and Rehabilitation Committee that addressed the needs of elderly home owners; I served for 8 years. Every year, I lead continuing legal education courses for practicing attorneys. I am a law professor at Lincoln Law School and know the important role teachers play in preparing and motivating students.

Having a strong education system is important to my family. My husband, Tom, and I are raising our three children in Santa Clara and putting them through local public schools.

I will use my skills as an advocate and consensus builder to provide balanced and representative leadership on the Board of Trustees of the West Valley-Mission Community College District. I would be honored to serve the community.

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

The Board provides guidance to the District negotiating team, and votes whether or not to accept negotiated contract terms with each of the bargaining units. Issues of Board concern are ensuring the continued fiscal stability of the District, while balancing the interests of students, employees, and community stakeholders.

3. What are your goals for the college? Are students, faulty and staff currently meeting those goals?

1. Ensuring Affordability. The cost of a California college degree has nearly doubled since 2007/08. It is more critical than ever that community colleges remain an affordable, high quality education option for all students.

2. Improving Pathways to College. There is a great opportunity to collaborate with local middle and high schools to identify and remove barriers to college readiness, ensure college curriculum and services meet students' needs, and close the achievement gap while increasing student success.

3. Expanding Academic Offerings. By partnering with local industry leaders the District can create education and vocational training programs so students are prepared to work in the ever-changing high tech landscape of Silicon Valley.

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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: October 7, 2014 07:12
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