League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Santa Clara County, CA November 6, 2012 Election
	Heidi Emberling Answers Questions Candidate for Board Member; Palo Alto Unified School District

The questions were prepared by the League of Women Voters of Palo Alto and asked of all candidates for this office.
Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

Questions & Answers

1. What steps need to be taken to foster better communication among the school board, superintendent's office, and the local school communities?

School board meetings must be effective, efficient, and accessible ways of doing district work. Discussion items must have clear goals and outcomes, reflecting district priorities and annual goals. An additional, mid-year board retreat would clarify progress. An open, transparent process encompassing the policy work of the board and subsequent implementation by the Superintendent and staff improves communication with parents and community members.

2. What approaches would you support to help all students achieve their educational goals, whether they are college bound or not?

Every student should be supported to reach his or her individual educational goals, whether choosing a college or career path. The recent adoption of A-G graduation requirements raises expectations for all students. To address achievement gap issues, the district must focus its efforts on the early learning years, to create a strong foundation for future academic, personal, and professional success.

3. How should PAUSD address potential budget cutbacks?

PAUSD must plan carefully for potential trigger cuts from the state, the consolidation and elimination of important categorical funding, and a protection of our financial reserves in this difficult economic climate. The district must make budget decisions based on our core values, priorities and long-term strategic plan. We are fortunate to have a strong educational foundation (PiE) and PTA community supporting our our schools.

4. Do you see instituting a pre-school program for children younger than the "early 5s" age, as desirable for the PAUSD, and if so, have you any ideas on how it might fit into the K-12 structure?

The first few years of a child's life are a particularly sensitive period in the process of development, laying a foundation in childhood and beyond for cognitive functioning; behavioral, social, and self-regulatory capacities; and physical health. A longitudinal RAND study showed that for every dollar invested in high-quality early learning environments, society saves $7 or more in future interventions. Our district could build on the success of its current kinder-preparedness program for children who have never attended preschool, "Springboard to Kindergarten."

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Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League.  Candidates' statements are presented as submitted. Direct references to opponents are not permitted.

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

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Created from information supplied by the candidate: September 12, 2012 13:06
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