League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
	Alameda County, CA November 4, 2014 Election
	Candidates Answer Questions on the Issues School Director; Oakland Unified School District; Trustee Area 2

The questions were prepared by the League of Women Voters of Oakland and asked of all candidates for this office.     See below for questions on Community Involvement, Student Success, Educational Equity, Staff Quality and Diversity Click on a name for candidate information.   See also more information about this contest. 1. How do you plan to get parents and the community more informed and involved in educational policy and programs? Answer from Aimee Eng: During my campaign, I have already been active in outreaching to and talking with parents at each of the school sites in District 2. I have met with PTA leaders, parents, and community stakeholders to listen to each of their respective concerns and ideas. I look forward to continuing to be in an ongoing dialogue with parents, school staff and leaders, and community members to ensure that policies are developed with key input of those who are impacted. 2. What will you do to raise the incentives and motivation for students to study, stay in school, and choose a skilled trade or a college career? Answer from Aimee Eng: Student learning should be engaging, relevant, and fun. Programs such as OUSD's linked-learning academies help bridge the gap between the classroom and real world experiences. As a School Board member, I would seek to expand successful models and programs within the District in order to increase graduation rates for all students. 3. What is educational equity? Using your definition, how will you address the most critical issues of inequity facing Oakland public schools, and how will you attempt to resolve this issue as a school board member? Answer from Aimee Eng: Education equity is the idea that all of our students should have access to a high-quality education experience. In Oakland, the "achievement gap" is the most critical example of inequity facing our schools. As a School Board member, I would work to expand successful programs and ensure that students receive the support they need. 4. What can the School Board do to hire and retain high quality teachers and encourage diversity among staff? Answer from Aimee Eng: The School Board can create policies to incentive high quality teachers to stay in Oakland and promote a diverse workforce. Some examples may include: Establishing more support systems for new teachers (teacher-residency program) and a compensation structure that rewards retention of early career teachers Identifying professional development and leadership opportunities for teachers who wish to advance skills Providing increased paid time for professional planning, preparation, and collaboration Strengthening support services in schools so teachers can focus on content and curriculum Working with City Council and Mayor to identify key potential opportunities to incentive Oakland teachers residing in Oakland (first-time home buyer program for teachers) Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League.  Candidates' statements are presented as submitted. References to opponents are not permitted. The order of the candidates is random and changes daily. Candidates who did not respond are not listed on this page.