My responses to questions from concerned parents
4) What is the single biggest challenge this school district faces, either now or in the future?
Although most of us think budget challenges are biggest, I personally believe collaboration among parents, teachers, non-teaching staff, policy makers, and students is a much bigger challenge.
In addition, we have many other challenges that we constantly face (like maintaining standards, safety, health education, maintenance of facilities, libraries, and implementing newer technologies to name some.)
5) What do you think about the specific cuts selected to balance the FCUSD budget for ‘08-09?
Although cuts are inevitable to balance the budget, some cuts (like reducing Library services) are not acceptable. Once school organizations like PTAs and PTOs start paying for what should be inclusive services, a precedent is set and then the board can opt out of the responsibility of paying for those services. What we need is a long term plan to manage the budget rather than a short term leash. That’s one of the fundamental reasons why I am running for school board. Our planning must be more proactive than reactive.
I understand the need to manage emergencies but the emergencies shouldn’t take precedent over long term goals. Either we alter our approach or we will continue down the same path, falling in the same holes over and over again. The school board needs to hear from their constituents and charter a new direction for fiscal policies.
Well said (especially Q 4). It is apparent from many committees and especially the recent state budget process. We need to be involved and collaborate. If we leave our egos and self centered agenda’s outside the room and collaborate we can make much more progress in our daily lives (in faster and efficient manner). Kevin Smith, Rancho Cordova