League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Alameda County, CA November 6, 2012 Election
	Mary Pippitt 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?

One of my top priorities is maximizing financial resources for engaging, equitable student learning. If we need to do more with less then that more needs to be directed to kids and classrooms! A board of education's primary goal is education of our children and our budget should reflect this priority. Kids first! Classrooms First! Teachers First! Identifying areas of greatest need and prioritizng the budget will guarantee that the monies are spent wisely and appropriately. That being said, the process of prioritization would need to be done collaboratively with a broad representation of students, teachers, staff, administrators, parents, and community members. Only then could the community be assured that the decisions made would be the best for ALL stakeholders and include a broad knowledge base and perspective.This reflects my priority for open, collaborative decision-making.

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?

Student achievement can be improved. Castro Valley Schools can be one of the best in the nation. Our schools are good, safe, and sound. Now we are ready to reach for best!Make changes; changes that will make our schools some of the best in our country. Accomplishing this will involve acknowledging the capacity of everyone, the expertise of our teachers and staff; the willingness of community volunteers and community partners working together; thinking outside the box to find powerful solutions that will transform our schools. We need change that will bring opportunities for our next generation; better engage our students in opportunities that foster creativity, problem solving, and higher level thinking. Powerful solutions that will reinstate arts education and music in all our classrooms. If everyone is at the table; if everyone is involved in this process than it will be an open and transparent process. Trust is gained through actions; actions over time. This coming together for the future of our children's education will start us on that road. Staying together for the long term will build the collective trust necessary if our kids are to receive the best Castro Valley can offer.

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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: September 29, 2012 13:29
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