OK, I’m guilty. I’ve been remiss in BLOGGING and focused on campaigning and meeting people: parents, community members and business leaders.
Several of you have commented that you can’t figure out what I stand for based on the generalities expressed herein, and certainly, the limited number of BLOG posts don’t help.
I agree completely.
So – Here’s a synopsis of some of the big issues:
1. Data Center – do not agree that District should spend any money, let alone Prop S money to help fund a District Data Center at Serra High School. Kids will lose as Prop S money is siphoned off from the use approved by the taxpayers, namely, repair and maintenance of specified school projects.
2. PLA – I am against the PLA. Without quantifiable data, I go by my Company’s experience that shows you add about 40% to the bid by using PLA’s – kids lose and it’s not the District job to fund or provide for SD workers but to prioritize the benefits to the kids in the District – they are the client, their education is the Districts sole deliverable
3. Parcel Tax – Don’t waste money pursing an idea that won’t pass. Not only have taxpayers continually voted down tax increases, but, there is no confidence that a parcel tax, a regressive tax, with money delivered to the general fund, will change the Districts ability to properly manage the funds they have.
4. Arizona Immigration Law – I believe in free speech for all. On your time and at your expense. The District Board meeting is not the place for a bully pulpit, especially during this budget crisis. The focus needs to be on funding the classrooms, providing the tools the teachers need, and lowering class size. Not making political statements. Plus, if the resolution is printed and sent out, our research shows it would be the annual copy budget of 2 schools.
5. A-G requirements – important considerations with a variety of pending State legislation that needs to be watched closely. Once gain, the “arts” are being challenged for elimination and to get around the A-G requirements: there is a pending State bill (AB 2446) to eliminate the “arts” as an A-G requirement. We need to raise our voice to stop the ongoing threat of the elimination of the “arts” as part of the curriculum.
6. Budget Reform – some details, limited by time and space….. STOP DEFICIT SPENDING, SPEND WHAT YOU HAVE WISELY, DEVELOP A 5 YEAR STRATEGIC BUSINESS PLAN with contingencies for the “surprises” such as last minute legislation that changes revenue formulas and budgeting oversight requirements. Plan for enrollment decline, changes in revenue, changes in expenses, and windfalls and “surprises”. Prioritize to the classroom and tools the teachers need. Develop a concrete and comprehensive implementation plan that includes all levels of participants to maximize the investment and shorten the Return on Investment (ROI). Example of poor implementation – i21 Smart Boards. i21 – great idea, nice windfall, poor planning and poor implementation of equipment procurement and installation. Result: wasted money, kids lose.
7. Special Interest priorities versus kids first – i.e. cutting 5 student-teacher days from the school year the next 2 years followed by a 7% pay raise for all collective bargaining units – hhhmmm How does this demonstrate a kids first priority?
That’s all for now – hope this helps…. Vote on June 8th!
