League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Santa Clara County, CA November 4, 2008 Election
	Carmen Montano Answers Questions Candidate for Member; Santa Clara County Board of Education; Trustee Area 5

The questions were prepared by the Leagues of Women Voters of Santa Clara County and asked of all candidates for this office.
Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

Questions & Answers

1. What experience and training would you bring to this office?

I have 8 years experience as a School board Trustee. I have approved balanced budgets, administered successful programs to narrow the achievement gap. I know, as a teacher and mother how board policies affect our children's education and how state legislation impacts our local schools. As a school teacher , I will bring my insight and first hand knowledge of the challenges that face education. I will strive for policies to advocate fairness and look out for the best interest of all students.

2. What changes, if any, would you recommend in the County's special education programs?

The county Office of Education needs to advocate for more state and federal funding on behalf of all school districts. The high cost of Special Education has become a concern to all school districts. There is also a lack of certificated Special Education teachers in the county. We need to create better incentives and programs for teachers to be trained as Special Educators. There also needs to be a concerted effort from all County Office of Education Boards to advocate against NCLB because it is an impediment to the success of Special Ed. students and teachers. Forming partnerships with the university education departments and the community is one method to find solutions.

3. What should be the role of the County Board of Education with regard to charter schools?

It is necessary that the county Office of Education have an accountability policy set for Charter school permits. Comprehensive follow up is important to ensure that Charter schools are teaching to state standards and that their API scores are rising every year. SCCOE needs to work closely with the lead agency for the common goal of producing positive academic results.

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Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League.  Candidates' responses are not edited or corrected by the League.

Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

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Created from information supplied by the candidate: November 3, 2008 12:39
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