Julie's Orinda News Interview

By Julie Rossiter

Julie discusses school funding, the new Common Core state standards, how to reconcile competing interests and her qualifications.

The new funding formula, while not ideal, is an improvement for the Orinda school district because it does result in increased funding for our schools. The intent of the Locally Controlled Funding Formula (LCFF) is to provide an equal base for all California school districts, and then to give additional funding to those districts with higher needs, defined as those districts with high proportions of English Language Learners, free and reduced lunch students and foster youth.

While I agree with the underlying goal of LCFF + to try to target funding to districts with the most need + the new funding formula ignores the fact that the Orinda school district remains one of the lowest funded districts in one of the lowest funded states in the country. Until California gets serious about adequately funding education, Orinda will have to continue to rely on the incredible generosity of our local community, and the parcel taxes and donations to the Educational Foundation of Orinda and school Parents' Clubs that our community supports.

Common Core Curriculum:

I think the idea behind the Common Core curriculum is a good one. The Common Core curriculum is based on the idea that going deeper into subject matter and focusing on understanding the reasoning behind concepts rather than just memorizing facts will result in greater knowledge and provide students with a stronger framework to build on in their lives.

I have three concerns regarding the implementation of the Common Core. First, our school district must ensure that our teaching methods align with the Common Core in a way that enhances our students' learning experience. Our teachers have been receiving intensive training and professional development in this regard, but we must make sure that they get the ongoing support they need. Second, we must make sure that the students in Orinda have the ability to take accelerated classes, particularly in math, so that those students who are capable can take the highest levels of math offered at Miramonte. Our board recently revised its board policy with regard to math instruction to ensure this result. Third, we must make sure our community understands that it may take the state some time to best align the standardized tests with the new curriculum.

Reconciling Competing Interests:

As a board member these past four years, I think the key to success is being an active listener. I welcome input from every member of our community: parents, teachers, staff and students. The more feedback we receive as board members, and the more voices we hear, the better we can truly reflect the needs of our community and make good decisions on behalf of our students.

As trustees, we must always collaborate closely together and work constructively toward continuing to improve our already great school district. One board member alone does not have any power + it is only through a consensus that decisions are made. Therefore, working to find common ground on issues, having meaningful discussions as a board and listening to both the people in our community and each other are key.

I'm not beholden to any special interest group. I am truly here to represent the students of Orinda and to do what's best for them. I have one overarching goal: to provide the best possible education for our students. As long as that goal is always kept in mind, then good decisions will be made and our district will continue to thrive.

Qualifications

... I do think that experience matters. While it is always good to have fresh ideas and new perspectives, [I would provide institutional knowledge and perspective.]

I am passionate about public education and ensuring Orinda continues as one of the best school districts in California. It has been a great privilege working with so many talented and committed people on the school board, at the schools and in the community, and I look forward to the opportunity to continue to work collaboratively to accomplish the board's primary goal: providing Orinda students with the highest quality education.

I have three children currently attending Orinda schools + a son who is a junior Miramonte, a daughter in her freshman year at Miramonte, and a daughter in third grade at Del Rey. I have been a long-time volunteer at their schools, and my family has actively participated in many community and sports organizations. I am also on the boards of the Friends of the Orinda Library and the Miramonte Parents' Club.

I am an attorney and practiced as a employment lawyer and business litigator for seven years before my son was born. My legal background constantly helps me in my role as board member, whether it's interpreting a contract, advocating a position, negotiating, or building consensus to obtain results.

We have had some great accomplishments during my first term. All five schools in the district were recognized as California Distinguished Schools. We maintained small class sizes and electives during the budget crisis. Our students' test scores are among the highest in the state. I'm proud of all that we've accomplished and look forward to serving for another four years.

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