League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Alameda County, CA November 6, 2012 Election
	Charmaine Marie Banther Answers Questions Candidate for Board Member; Castro Valley Unified School District

The questions were prepared by the League of Women Voters of the Eden Area and asked of all candidates for this office.
Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

Questions & Answers

1. (School funding priorities) With school district budgets throughout the state cut to the bone, what would you cut and what would you avoid cutting if Prop 30 doesn't pass and "trigger cuts" to education are implemented?

I want to work together with the community to prevent unnecessary educational cuts and anything that hinders student learning. Castro Valley Unified currently has a healthy reserve to weather the "trigger" if Prop. 30 does not pass. If cuts are to be made in the future, I would like to convene community forums to gather input about the priorities of all stakeholders.

2. (Board Member effectiveness) How would you go about improving student achievement, gaining the trust of the teaching and classified staff, and ensuring transparency and open communication with parents?

I would work with Castro Valley teachers and encourage curriculum innovation. Our schools have been hindered by the one size fits all approach of "no child left behind". With the introduction of the Common Core Standards in 2013-2014, Castro Valley teachers should be empowered and given the professional development to create curriculum that will take our schools to the next level. I would hope to gain trust with the certificated and classified bargaining units by listening, working hard and keeping my word. I plan to make myself easily available to the community through email and attendance at community events. I also plan regular meeting with both bargaining units to listen to concerns.

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Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League.  Candidates' responses are presented as submitted. 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 3, 2012 21:48
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