League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Alameda County, CA November 4, 2014 Election
	Saleem Shakir-Gilmore Answers Questions Candidate for School Director; Oakland Unified School District; Trustee Area 4

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

Questions & Answers

1. How do you plan to get parents and the community more informed and involved in educational policy and programs?

I expect to be informed regularly by parents, students, and teachers. I will hold regular office hours in the community to be available to my constituents. I will convene a community advisory board made up of stakeholders in District 4 to help me understand the issues that come before the school board and advise me on how to vote on agenda items.

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?

I will work to make the professional development for teachers more relevant to better equip teachers to work with the whole child and the family. I will introduce a program that provides scholarships to college for Oakland graduates that are in most need. This program will require regular parent/ guardian participation to receive the award. Through the linked learning model, I will work with local businesses to partner them with students who show an interest in specific career paths.

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?

Equity means providing the needed resources so that all students have an equal chance at success. The new budgeting requirements from the state require a base level of funding for schools based on enrollment and additional funding based on the needs of the students. Some schools will receive increased funding to address English proficiency, achievement gaps, and the needs of special needs students. As a board member, I will insure the implementation and direct staff to provide support in school site budget development.

4. What can the School Board do to hire and retain high quality teachers and encourage diversity among staff?

The board needs to identify funds that can be dedicated to increasing teacher salaries. The board can learn from educators the most impactful professional development that addresses the specific issues and needs in Oakland. The board can develop policies that provide incentives to attract and retain teachers such as housing subsidies and first time home buyers programs

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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: September 17, 2014 14:34
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