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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,
Instruction,
Future
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 Audrey Arancio:
As a district, we have access to state and federal requirements on how public funds should be reported and utilized. Our Measure G Committee should work hand and hand with the board to ensure public funds are used appropriately.
The Board should publicly report quarterly rather than annually as to how monies have been spent as a line of current communication to our community to maintain transparency. This can be done by posting a link on the district website to the monthly meeting minutes.
Answer from Danielle M.S. Cohen:
The public board meetings and state and federal requirements for budgetary reporting allow plenty of access to financial information about the district. Being prepared for board meetings, asking tough questions about what monies are being spent where, and understanding the legal and contractual requirements of the district allow me provide appropriate oversight.
Answer from Scott Kleinberg:
We work together as a board to monitor the use of public funds for our kids' education. We work with District administrators to make educational decisions that target improved student achievement, for every student.
It is critical that we continue to help low-achieving kids reach proficiency in all subjects, and I believe that supplemental resources and programs should be targeted here first.
Answer from Julie A. Constant:
As a School Board Member, I will take the time to thoroughly analyze the district's budget. I will use this information, coupled with my observations and experiences at our school campuses to determine if CUSD is using federal, state, and local funds appropriately.
I will report my observations and findings to the community during school board meetings, at school site visits, and at neighborhood association meetings.
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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 Scott Kleinberg:
We are, but as with everything, we can do better. It is critical that low-performing students receive the supplemental help they need to reach and maintain proficiencies.
During my 8 years on the board, we have improved our annual assessment scores in both Math and English for every school, and every demographic subgroup. This is a reflection of my and the board's ongoing efforts to ensure adequate resources are provided to every student.
Answer from Julie A. Constant:
The CUSD serves a very diverse community of families and children. While the vast majority of our children are served well, I will strive to ensure we provide a learning environment for all students, regardless of educational abilities.
With five children of my own I can clearly see that each child learns in their own unique and special way. In fact, my children's abilities range from requiring an IEP to being involved in GATE. My children have had district-level and county-level specialized instruction. These multiple perspectives will be instrumental in helping me make the best decisions for all children in the district.
Answer from Audrey Arancio:
While the district API scores have increased in language arts and math, I personally feel that we need to look at the whole student. Our higher achievers are not being challenged throughout our district and a balance for all students needs to be established.
Answer from Danielle M.S. Cohen:
The growth of Campbell students on the state academic tests demonstrates that a lot is going right in the CUSD classrooms. But there is always room for improvement, and it is my job as a board member to press our district to continue to improve for all children and ensure there are measurable ways to see that improvement.
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3. Where do want the district to be 5 years from now? What steps should the district take to get there?
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Answer from Scott Kleinberg:
Financially, we are one of the strongest school districts in the state. We have been able to maintain full-day kindergarten, small class sizes and key art, music and foreign language programs. Many other area districts have been forced to abandon these programs in response to the state's inability to govern itself, or to provide adequate funding for schools.
We have protected ourselves financially through careful negotiations, through innovative extra-revenue programs such as creating preschools and after-school care, and through aggressively seeking other sources of funding.
My vision for the next 5 years and beyond is that of a 'destination district' that is attractive to teachers for employment, to parents for strong academics and to students for interesting and diverse opportunities. To do this we will have to continue to grow our revenues and be very careful in managing our expenses.
Answer from Audrey Arancio:
In 5 years, I'd like to see our API scores continually improve; our district has been able to network into private industry for financial backing; we continue to establish a cohesive partnership with our community, teachers, administrators, and help create an environment that invigorates while challenges students, parents, and teachers to be more involved in their neighborhood schools.
Answer from Danielle M.S. Cohen:
In 5 years, I hope that our district is the place to be for students in Santa Clara County. This will mean we have continued to serve our students both academically and emotionally, and they are excelling in school and in life.
Answer from Julie A. Constant:
In five years I would like to see all schools in the CUSD performing at the highest level, with API scores that reflect the hard work and commitment of our children, our families, our teachers, and our administrators. I envision families moving into our district, with their decision primarily driven by the quality of our schools.
Our schools can achieve this if our district is committed to innovation, is continually looking for best practices, and challenges our children and teachers.
Responses to questions asked of each candidate
are reproduced as submitted to the League.
Candidates' responses are not edited or corrected by the League. Answers must not refer directly or indirectly to another candidate.
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
