COMMITMENT TO THE SERVICE OF CHILDREN

By Ron Lackey

MY MISSION IS TO PROVIDE GUIDANCE & SUPPORT & TO ENCOURAGE & PROMOTE OPTIMAL LEARNING ENVIRONMENT & RESOURCES FOR PUPILS

I pledge to promote the implementation of components of the recently-enacted federal law, LEAVE NO CHILD BEHIND(LNCB) Act, in the Capistrano Unified School District. LNCB is intended to improve elementary and secondary education. Features of LNCB include increased accountability, more choices for parents and pupils, greater flexibility for school districts and schools, and putting reading first.

President George Bush has stated, re the LNCB, that "If you lower expectations, if you lower the bar, you'll prevent learning. If you raise expectations, if you raise the bar...you'll promote learning."

In addition, I pledge to support the recommendations of the proposed California MASTER PLAN FOR EDUCATION--Kindergarten through University, for the future of schools in the Capistrano Unified School District. Features of the Master Plan include shifting responsibility for delivery of education to the governor's office, establishing a career ladder for teachers that rewards exceptional teachers for staying in the classroom, and more local control for the school district.

Once elected, I will team with the continuing members of the Board of Education, with employees of the school district, and with parents and with the community to strive to achieve the best possible educational program for pupils of the school district.

Thank you for your support and I look forward to seving you in the future.