League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Santa Clara County, CA November 2, 2010 Election
	Anna M. Strauss Answers Questions Candidate for Trustee; Santa Clara Unified School District; Trustee Area 2

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?

Having attended SCUSD school board meetings on a regular basis, I have come to have a greater appreciation of the complexities involved within a school district. I would immerse myself in learning exactly how money comes in to the district and how it is being spent. I would take a very close look at our budget, going line by line, speaking to teachers, principals, staff, parents and students to help prioritize and become more efficient in maintaining and expanding the district's successful programs.

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

I believe that SCUSD has done a good job at identifying the groups that need additional support and challenges. The district hosts several schools of choice and paths to choose from -- Milliken Basics+, Washington Open, Mission Middle College, High School Academies, Downtown College Prep Charter School, and a strong vocational curriculum. Yet, with a student enrollment of more than 14,000 students, more resources and choices are needed to meet the needs of a diverse student population.

3. Where do want the district to be 5 years from now? What steps should the district take to get there?

In addition to continuing it's focus on closing the achievement gap, especially for those students who fall in the district's large socio-economically disadvantaged category, I would like the district to keep programs strong, identify and meet other areas of academic and student needs, and adequately address the facility needs of a growing population. One of the most vital ways of meeting these goals will be in choosing a new superintendent who has a strong record of excellence, has a vision that challenges the norm, yet is a collaborative and inspiring leader.

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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.

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

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Created from information supplied by the candidate: October 5, 2010 20:24
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