League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Alameda County, CA November 4, 2014 Election
	Elsie "Jeanne" Kinkella Answers Questions Candidate for Board Member At-Large; San Leandro 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. What specifically can a board member do to ensure that the education equity gap is narrowed or closed for all students?

I remember a generation ago when gender equity was an issue. Girls were not performing as well as boys, especially in math and science, and they often were not scheduled into these classes. A serious effort was made to correct this inequity. Teachers attended training workshops to learn teaching methods and management skills that focused more attention on girls and on their active participation in class. A "take your daughter to work day" was established to introduce girls to the work place. I wondered then, and still wonder, why not a "take your son to work day" too? An introduction to the work place would have benefited both girls and boys. We can see now how successful that effort to get rid of gender inequity in schools was. We no longer assume that girls can't do well in math and science because of their gender. Young women are graduating from college at, in some cases, higher rates than young men, and leading successful, professional lives. There is no reason why the education equity gap cannot be closed for all students. But we cannot wait another twenty years. With a concentrated effort by the Superintendent, the School Board, Principals, Teachers, Parents and Community Leaders, this inequity can and must be rectified. The School Board must take the initiative in this effort and find solutions.

2. What is your long-term plan to assure that your jurisdiction has enough money to meet operating needs and service demands?

The School District has many obligations for which it must budget. The underlying budgeting philosophy must be one that always keeps student needs at the forefront, and prioritizes those needs in a prudent, frugal manner. Expenditures must be channeled in ways that best serve our students and support teaching and learning.

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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.

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

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Created from information supplied by the candidate: October 10, 2014 21:42
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