The Issues: How Do the Candidates See the Future?

Based on test scores, Benicia has the best schools in Solano County.  Because of the good schools, property values in Benicia are in better shape than other cities in Solano County. 

Maintaining good schools for future generations of Benicia students and property owners is part of the responsibility of the Board of Trustees of the Benicia Unified School District.

Today’s question:

Please describe Benicia ten years hence and how will your services positively affect that vision?

For the sake of not taking up too much space, I will respond from a 30,000 feet perspective. I will gladly discuss ground level issues if desired.

My goals are continued fiscal solvency, advocacy and curriculum which enhances the life of students

A) Fiscal solvency: With proper focus on monies, we can prevent layoffs and maintain our quality staff. Fiscal solvency also allows us to become a desired employer. Turnover of staff is a common problem for districts that have financial concerns. In addition, solvency allows us to continually enhance BUSD’s course offerings. Finally, we will have well maintained and clean schools

B) Advocacy is important to the success of education. Parents must be a part of the process. We must also gather input from students. I think a perfect example is B.E.F. They have supported our schools wonderfully. I hope with even more support they take on longer-term projects such as increasing Honors courses. Parents, students, staff and all other stakeholders must have a method to voice their ideas, concerns and thoughts.
C) We need to focus on a curriculum which allows for the following when it comes to teaching our students:

1. Less emphasis on testing and more on learning; our kids simply take too many tests
2. Pathway programs opportunities in middle school through high school
3. Career tech opportunities in middle school and high school
4. Collaborative programs with labor unions that will enhance education jobs options for BHS graduates.
5. Continuum of education. The grade school courses should flow into the middle school’s, which should flow into the high school

1. Would like board and the sites (teachers, staff, students and parents) working together as a team with everyone’s goal of providing the best for the students.
2. Would like to have all textbooks on Kindles, iPads or equal. This would reduce the wear and tear, damage of textbooks. They can easily be updated and we won’t have to ask what to do with outdated books, etc. This would also help students with two homes.
3. All classrooms with the newest technology / smart classrooms.
4. Would like to see the school district receive all its funds due from the state
5. Would like to see all sites using alternative energy sources

Let's see: no textbooks to carry, all studies are done online. Class sizes, due to less staff and less money, and computer use, have doubled. Learning is measured by the test and correct answers online responses. That's if we continue to cut and not provide further funds to amend the deficiencies, which are accumulating, and blindly accept the alternatives offered by online education,
Or,
Benicia continues to have outstanding teachers who, despite the constraints of short funds and legislative burdens, provide students with opportunities in environmental studies, the arts (including drama, dance, visual arts, construction, graphic design, music and literature) matched by community involvement in service, resource management and social responsibility. Funds are found by donations to education fund to augment the state and federal sums.  In other words, the future is very in flux—technology, funds, goals—means to achieve the goals—are urgent concerns to resolve in the next decade.

One of my first actions as trustee will be to strongly encourage the creation of a multi-year “Vision for Education” that will guide curricular and spending decisions and ensure all actions of the board and district are strategic and intended to bring about this vision. 

As a board member, I will be active in ensuring that BUSD retains its reputation as a high-performing school district. In order to do this, we must:

• Make student learning the most important factor in all decision making
• Make responsible decisions about district finances
• Better utilize the expertise of our staff at all levels of decision making
• Ensure our technological infrastructure is up to date
• Implement a functional apprenticeship and vocational education program
• Empower community members to contribute meaningfully to BUSD

In 10 years, I hope that my efforts will have helped BUSD to grow into a responsive, cutting edge education institution, where teachers are valued as experts and students empowered to be lifelong learners.