Candidate for
Trustee; Sacramento City Unified School District; Trustee Area 7

The motto of the Sacramento Unified School District is "Putting Children First." To achieve the most success, we must also put the family first. This is becoming more difficult as societal norms continue to move away from the traditional family unit, and toward greater acceptance of such situations as a high divorce rate, living together arrangements, and other alternative life styles. Educators should do all they can to promote the values of the traditional family, while at the same time offering the best possible assistance to children, parents and guardians in less ideal situations. There needs to be a comprehensive effort enlisting the help of faith-based institutions, local community organizations, along with teachers, parents and guardians, to instill values that will return our society and educational institutions to moral and intellectual greatness. Children should be taught to respect all human life from conception to natural death, and to strive for lofty goals in terms of personal discipline, family values, education, vocational and professional achievement.

The SCUSD needs to make sure that every student has all of the activities, academic/college prep, vocational, and elective coursework needed for a well-rounded educational experience, and especially to be able to compete in the modern job market in whatever career path they wish to pursue. More high schools should offer vocational curricula, in addition to the smaller schools specifically designated for that purpose. The new "Common Core" teaching methodology must be carefully applied so that students (and parents) do not become overburdened with theory being emphasized over age-appropriate basic knowledge. Academic offerings in addition to the math and language arts "teaching to the test" subjects should include more of the others, such as the earth sciences--including astronomy--seemingly diffused within what is called "integrated science." We need all of our programs in arts and music.

There must be no more neighborhood school closings! Those that were-- should not be used just as warehouses, awaiting possible sale. Fortunately, one of them has become a charter school. Every effort must be made to reincorporate ALL of these sites and facilities into the mainstream of our educational system! All of our district schools deserve a "charter school"-type atmosphere.

In attending school board meetings, I have seen presentations and/or mention of some great programs and projects, along with a few questionable items or issues, occasionally offering public comment, pro and con. As a substitute teacher in various school districts, I have occasionally told students: "Be hungry for knowledge, like you're hungry for lunch. Knowledge is power! Power to the people! YOU are the people!" Let's empower the students, parents, staff, and leadership of the SCUSD with both traditional family values and progressive academic/professional leadership--I ask for your support on the Nov. 4th 2014 election ballot -- VOTE! -- RALPH MERLETTI for Sacramento City Unified School District, Governing Board Member, Trustee Area 7.