From the 2010 election:
QUESTION: How would you propose addressing the traffic and congestion concerns that have resulted in some schools since the Etiwanda School District reduced its busing program?
QUESTION: How would you propose addressing the traffic and congestion concerns that have resulted in some schools since the Etiwanda School District reduced its busing program?
Currently, the best thing we have going for our highly congested traffic at school is the courtesy and respect parents and school leaders show for each other and for our students as they focus on student safety.
The formula used by the state of California to fund student transportation is out of date and unfair. It has not been adjusted for increases to student enrollment since 1980. Community members can visit our district web site under "voice your concerns" to easily contact their state Assembly member and state Senator to urge them to create a new transportation funding formula that is fair and based upon current enrollment. In the meantime, we have created additional drop off areas, moved a crosswalk, and worked with the city to encourage the completion of Wilson Road From Wardman Bullock to East Avenue. I care about getting students to school safely.
QUESTION: How can the Etiwanda School District address the loss of state funds for education?
One of my priorities as a governing board member for Etiwanda School District is to be fiscally responsible so that maximum dollars reach the classroom. Our district has addressed the loss of state funds by making cuts to stay within our budget. We suspended transportation, eliminated administrative positions, implemented employee pay cuts, furlough days and cuts to student programs.
We are doing our best to keep the impact of those cuts from reaching the individual students in the classroom. I understand that we need to provide the teachers with the facilities and materials they need. As we make decisions about which services we continue to pay for and which things we cut from our budget my concern is on the Etiwanda student. I will monitor the affects in the classroom as we make cuts to remain fiscally solvent. I support the district motto of excellence in education despite financial challenges.
If elected, what will be your top three priorities in the upcoming year, and how do you plan to achieve them?
One of my priorities is to use our resources effectively. We will use technology to help our students excel, our administrators lead and our community stay connected. We will target the specific needs and learning styles of all students to better provide the support necessary to achieve success. We will provide a safe environment and sense of community for both our employees and students. I believe that our leaders must model the core values of the district in word, thought and action. I seek to communicate the high expectations of the Etiwanda school district in a clear and supportive manner. I will work toward the common goal of student achievement and success. I make every decision with the children in mind. I know that the decisions we make today may show their impact much later. I feel the weight of that responsibility every day. I encourage and support communication between home, school, and the community.
Another priority is to maintain excellence in education. As we make decisions to remain fiscally solvent I will monitor the affects in the classroom. High test scores can be attributed to a community which supports the education of children. We have parents and families who value education and are consistent and supportive of our schools, a district administration which provides the teachers with facilities and materials they need, a school site administration which provides direct supervision of teaching, and teachers who are hard working professionals and challenge every child in their classroom to do their best. It is a successful partnership between the schools and families of the Etiwanda School District. I support the district motto of excellence in education.
Finally, Priority number one is to be fiscally responsible so that maximum dollars reach the classroom. All students of Etiwanda School District should have a strong foundation in reading, writing, and arithmetic. As we make decisions about what services we continue to pay for and which things we cut from our budget my concern is on the Etiwanda student. I will do my best to provide the teachers with the facilities and materials they need. I will visit campuses on a regular basis observing firsthand what is happening in our classrooms.
