
1. Are you supporting Measure P, the $150 million Gilroy Unified School District facilities bond on the November ballot? If yes, why, and what are your priorities for the money? If not, why not, and how do you envision the future for GUSD facilities?
Yes, I strongly support the Measure P School Facilities Bond, because the need is clear. Overcrowding is a serious problem for the district that becomes obvious to those who visit Gilroy schools. Overcrowding in the schools negatively impacts the district’s focused efforts and steady progress to improve student achievement. Overcrowding is not just a school board problem it is a community responsibility. Measure P is a win–win proposition. It will provide local facilities funding and at a reduced property tax rate. Local funding can be leveraged with matching state funding to complete Christopher High School and mitigate chronic overcrowding at Gilroy High School. Other priority needs for funding will be to address the problem of overcrowding and growth districtwide. As recently reported in the Dispatch GUSD school have added at least 325 this year alone , nearly half the population of an elementary school. Immediate steps need to be taken to address overcrowding issues at Las Animas, Rod Kelley, Luigi Aprea, Antonio Del Buono, Rucker and Solorsano Middle Schools. Additionally Measure P will not increase property tax rates. This is possible because the property tax impact will be mitigated by the fact that Measure P will not become effective until a prior school facility bond -Measure J sunsets in 2011. Only then will Measure P become effective and at a lower tax rate. This will be a win – win for taxpayers.


2. Do you believe career and technical training should be an integral part of the educational offerings in GUSD?
Yes, I strongly support career and technical training opportunities for students. The district needs to continue to pursue multiple avenues to promote students success and reduce student dropout rates.


3. Our dropout rate in GUSD has been marked at about 26 percent. Are there some strategies you would advocate as a trustee to reduce that number, and what would be an acceptable number?
Any number of dropouts is unacceptable. GUSD is working to address the dropout problem in many ways, however we need to accelerate measures to of address student needs. Improving student achievement and success and getting students to grade level proficiency will go a long way to mitigating the dropout rates. GUSD is making steady progress in this regard. Providing meaningful and successful alternatives for students such as Advanced Path, TJ Owens Gilroy Early College, Mt. Madonna High, Cesar Chavez El Portal Leadership Academy are opportunities that our District provides for students. With a focus on providing quality instruction to promote improved student achievement and success at Gilroy High, and at the soon to be opened, Christopher High, there are many measures being taken to address student needs and reduce student dropouts. Additionally, I will advocate for more focus on career and technical training opportunities to help reduce the dropout rates. 


4. If elected, what would be your top three priorities and why?
The three top priorities would be to maintain the district focus on improving student achievement for all students , prioritize board focus on closing the achievement gap. Finally to insure a successful implementation of the GUSD Long Term Facilities Master plan including the successful opening of Christopher High , while assuring and maintaining instructional program equity with Gilroy High.
5. Describe what you think should be the relationship between Board members and the superintendent in terms of roles.
The role of the Board is to work collaboratively with the Superintendent to formulate the vision and establish the District priorities, goals and establish district policy. The Superintendent however is accountable to the Board. The Board is responsible and accountable to assure that the Superintendent implements the districts priorities , goals and policies. 

6. What makes you unique as a school board candidate?
I am the most experienced board member with a proven track record for service. I have maintained a strong commitment and enthusiasm to improve public education for all students. I make the time to visit schools and listen to concerns by all stakeholders. I am supportive and collaborative with fellow board members, parents, staff and students. I am a creative problem solver, decisive and focused on getting results. I am an effective advocate for Gilroy public schools.
6. What makes you unique as a school board candidate?
I am the most experienced board member with a proven track record for service. I have maintained a strong commitment and enthusiasm to improve public education for all students. I make the time to visit schools and listen to concerns by all stakeholders. I am supportive and collaborative with fellow board members, parents, staff and students. I am a creative problem solver, decisive and focused on getting results. I am an effective advocate for Gilroy public schools.
