League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Santa Clara County, CA November 4, 2014 Election
	Donna Foster Ruebusch Answers Questions Candidate for Board Member; Morgan Hill Unified School District

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

Questions & Answers

1. How would you determine that the schools are using federal, state and local funds wisely and fairly and how would you report your findings to the community?

It is the responsibility of a board member to provide oversight and stewardship for district revenues. I have extensive experience on district budget committees and recently participated in the LCAP budget implementation. The school district budget reflects priorities for focus academies, dual immersion curriculum,smaller class size, more resources for technology, science and music as well as integrating Career Technology at the secondary level. The budget is a public document that should be accessible on-line and as revised posted to the district web site. I participated in district planning to create new communication tools. The result was the creation of videos and pamphlets highlighting each school site K-12. The videos are posted on the district and school web sites. Measure G funds are allocated based on district-wide planning and input from each school community. Technology infrastructure is in place. Building modernization has begun and the next steps require creating sustainable equipment replacement.

2. Are the schools offering instruction appropriate to the diverse educational abilities of all the students?

In the past three years the District has made strides to change curriculum delivery. Test scores, graduation rates, college entry and declining drop out rates reflect this progress. MHUSD has a 97% graduation rate- one of the highest in the State. The establishment of elementary focus academies which integrate math/music (JAMM), technology and engineering skills (STEAM) into the core curriculum and DIME a dual language immersion program have resulted in rising student achievement. Facilities have upgraded infrastructure to support 21st century learning and there is increased technology at all sites. Expanded curriculum choices at the secondary level and an integration of Career Technology in core academics can create real-world connections for students. I believe a broad-based curriculum that offers athletics, math, music, art and drama are important elements in educating the whole child.

3. Where do you want the District to be five years from now? What steps should the District take to get there?

As a governing board member I hope to expand programs, such as the Focus Academies, so that parents have choices to best meet the needs of their students. Continued steps to engage parents and community members in decision making is critical. Collaboration between teachers and parents creates student success. Utilizing technology to reach more parents/community members and students will improve our communication. The district needs to work closely with the city to develop neighborhood school sites that accommodate our growing population. Within five years we will need a new elementary school north of town and a middle school in towards the southern end of Morgan Hill. Facility and modernization updates begun under Measure G will continue. Ongoing input from each school community will be important to prioritize distribution of those funds.

---

Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League.  Candidates' statements are presented as submitted. The answer to each question should be limited to 400 words. Direct references to opponents are not permitted.

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

Candidate Page || Feedback to Candidate || This Contest
SmartVoter Home (Ballot Lookup) || About Smart Voter

---

Created from information supplied by the candidate: September 29, 2014 14:48
Smart Voter <http://www.smartvoter.org/>
Copyright © League of Women Voters of California Education Fund   http://www.lwvc.org
The League of Women Voters neither supports nor opposes candidates for public office or political parties.