The Issues

By Priscilla S. Cox

Growth: Elk Grove Unified School District student population is growing at an extremely rapid rate. To adequately house students, our district needs to build about three schools per year. Our high schools are currently impacted with Sheldon High School having the highest enrollment in the county of Sacramento. To meet these challenges, my experience in supporting funding, running successful bond campaigns, and working with the community is critical to our continuing to build and maintain quality schools. Our Board has also been diligent in maintaining all of our schools at high standards.

Teacher Quality: As a former teacher, I realize the importance of supporting and collaborating with our teachers, administrators, and support staff. Our Board has worked with our unions to prioritize our goals to include class size reduction in intermediate grades, implement improved technology, and offer quality staff development. I strongly support hiring the best teachers which includes competitive pay, good benefits, timely recognition, and overall support. Our Teacher Education Institute has received national recognition and I have given workshops at school board conferences on its value so other districts could utilize our success.

Budget: State funding for education is in a precarious position and current educational reforms require monetary support. In addition, health benefit costs are rising dramatically. There will be a few years of critical budget analysis and tough decisions. With my focus on the importance of supporting successful programs and keeping budget cuts "away from the classroom," I will make informed decisions that will maintain our excellence in education.

Educational Reforms: In the last few years, there have been numerous reforms, particularly in the area of accountability. Teachers are concerned about the number of tests and the amount of instructional time spent on testing. The emphasis on standardized testing and the resulting consequences have driven curriculum, textbook choices, and staff development. I have served on several state committees for test review and support streamlining tests to cover the same goals. Though I believe test scores are an important success indicator, I also support a balanced curriculum, with inclusion of the arts, science, and social science at elementary levels. I support expanded opportunities for all students whether in the areas of visual and performing arts, athletics, or career-oriented academies. Our overall mission is to "provide a learning community that challenges ALL students to realize their greatest potential."

Safe Schools: One of our top priorities is maintaining safe learning environments for students and staff. Our Board has effectively implemented a common sense zero-tolerance policy toward acts of violence, sale of drugs, and possession of weapons at school. We have also developed and supported a school security force which is active on our secondary sites to prevent incidences as well as react quickly. Our expulsion rate has dropped dramatically over the last few years in response to our efforts. We formed a community task force to help us develop a civic values and ethics program for our schools. Keeping our schools clean and well-maintained set the high standards for safe, secure schools. We encourage parents on campus as we must work together with our community to effectively provide the best schools for our children.

Parent Involvement: As a former teacher and an active parent volunteer in the schools, I realize the importance of involving parents in the education of their children. It has been rewarding to be part of the effort to support the many active parents at the elementary level and increase the opportunities at the secondary level. The latter has been one of my prime goals since I realized, eight years ago, when my older daughter entered 7th grade these avenues were suddenly non-existent! I co-founded a PTSA at my daughter's high school and worked diligently to support the hiring of Parent Volunteer Coordinators at the secondary level. We now have many parents involved, active, and networking with other parents and the community as they help students succeed.

Academic Achievement: One main role of the School Board is to set policy which will provide students the opportunity for achievement in core academics. Our current challenge is making sure all students have access and high standards of preparation, regardless of socio-economic background or other factors outside our school environment. Our district reflects rich diversity with over seventy different languages. Our Board strongly supports the efforts of our federally funded Title I schools, Twilight, AVID, Academies, Healthy Start, and many other successful programs for intervention and support. Our elementary test scores are exemplary, including our Title 1 Schools, and we are attentive to our high school standardized test scores. We have dramatically increased the college-going rate and the enrollment in AP and honors classes. We have instituted accelerated programs at our elementary schools. The pre-algebra course I volunteer-taught for three years to 6th grade students is now part of this program. I also serve on the state committee to review textbooks for adoption and alignment to the state standards. Along with other Board members, I attend many school events and visit classrooms regularly. My experience in curriculum, my dedication to being informed, and my connection to our community are helpful to our Board decisions on texts and educational programs to support academic achievement for all students.