Position Paper

By Charlene Metoyer

I have a rich, varied background working with the Newport-Mesa Unified School District which will add knowledge and experience to the board.

We need to maintain the excellence of the schools and to get positive press about successes (i.e., graduates attending Ivy League-type schools) and tout the advantages of children going to school with their neighbors. All students need to receive an outstanding education directed at mastering the rigorous academic standards for all students. Every school varies in small ways as to the extent of "electives" and "field trips" they can offer. But every school offers what their students need.

College, Career & Technology Education

Twenty-first century students need awareness and training to be successful in their post-graduate world. All classrooms need to have the tools to support the technological demands placed on our students. From elementary school through graduation, students need to be exposed to various pathways which will allow them to be active participants in the global job market. Teachers need training and tools to support and guide their students as they master skills which they will need to follow their passions.

Budget and Funding

The main funding priority is to remain solvent, while keeping our employees competitive with other districts and other industries. With that assumption, funding should be balanced and weighted toward the sites. Administration knows that we are in the business of teaching and that occurs at each campus. Health benefits and staff compensation should be examined to make sure we are still in the top 25% of the county.

Early Childhood Education

Early childhood education is a part of our social structure now, especially since so many households are dependent upon two-parent incomes. I think there should be Pre-K classrooms on every campus and there should be a natural transition into Kindergarten, thus eliminating the need of a formal Jr. K classroom.