League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
	Santa Clara, Santa Cruz County, CA November 4, 2008 Election
	Candidates Answer Questions on the Issues Board Member; Lakeside Joint School District

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 State and Federal Funds, Instruction, Future Click on a name for candidate information.   See also more information about this contest. 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? Answer from Elise Stassart: I would certainly review Lakeside's current budget. I do not believe Lakeside is currently using their allocated resources wisely. I would promote the use of grants to support better extra-curricular programs,so Lakeside could use their regular funding to promote sound educational programs. Answer from Steven - (Cox) Cox: As part of the board, we review the budget in detail and discuss spending in detail. Any variance to the budget is documented and reviewed at the next board meeting. Lakeside does need to do a better job of communicating status and issues to the community. I propose to enhance the current Lakeside website to facilitate better community communications. 2. Are the schools offering instruction appropriate to the diverse educational abilities of all the students? Answer from Elise Stassart: I do not believe the MOU with Campbell Union School District is in the best interest of our students. It is disruptive to their education, to their relationships, and requires a two hour bus ride after school every day. I don't know many adults who would be willing to sit on a bus for two hours every day after work. Answer from Steven - (Cox) Cox: There is always room for improvement. Although the current state API scores show Lakeside is providing an excellent education to its students. 3. Where do you want the District to be five years from now? What steps should the District take to get there? Answer from Steven - (Cox) Cox: I'd like to see the community have a better understanding of Lakeside's status, educational programs, funding, and operational challenges. I'd like to see Lakeside maintain the high API scores and continue to provide a unique educational program to complement the mountain community. Answer from Elise Stassart: I believe it is in the District's best interests to consolidate with Los Gatos Union School District. Studies have shown that when rural districts with pupil populations of less than 200 consolidate with an adjacent school district, academic scores go up, taxpayers save money, and property values improve. Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League.  Candidates' responses are not edited or corrected by the League. The order of the candidates is random and changes daily. Candidates who did not respond are not listed on this page.