League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Santa Clara County, CA November 4, 2014 Election
	Claudia Tercero Answers Questions Candidate for Board Member; Alum Rock Union Elementary School District

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. How would you determine that the schools are using federal, state and local funds wisely and fairly and how would you report your findings to the community?

The first step will be to establish a budget making process in which parents have the power in the final decisions. Second, build in regular presentations to the School Board and general public by District staff and school Principals on the YTD status of their budgets and the goals that those budgets are meant to support. Third, make all budget information easily accessible and user friendly. Fourth, ensure that all budget discussions are conducted in a manner in which parents can actively participate.

2. Are the schools offering instruction appropriate to the diverse educational abilities of all the students?

Currently we have some excellent charter, traditional and small schools that are a perfect example of a diverse portfolio of schools that cater to a diverse population. All kids do not learn the same; therefore it's important our parents have options to fit the needs of their children. In the future ALL our schools should be high performing giving the children in our community the tools they need to be ready for high school, college and life in general. It is important that District leadership work form a united front to set the example for the continued collaborations that are needed amongst campuses. Each school needs to know what the other schools are doing to continue the districts growth.

3. Where do you want the District to be five years from now? What steps should the District take to get there?

-I'd like to expand the rich, diverse portfolio of schools that cater to the needs of Alum Rock families. Not only do we need a rich mix of school options, we need all traditional, charter and small schools to meet high standards that result in excellence across the District.
-Support all District principals, teachers and parent leaders to receive ongoing, high quality professional training and establish accountability measure to ensure that schools collaborate to share successful teaching strategies.
-Deepen partnership with organizations that offer parent involvement programs to strengthen our PTAs, school site councils and independent parent-led organizing committees.
-Expand STEAM classes in all schools (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) and target facility investments in upgrading the technology infrastructure of our classrooms.
-Deepen our partnership with the Alum Rock Foundation to secure greater support from the Silicon Valley region for school transformation in Alum Rock.

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Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League.  Candidates' statements are presented as submitted. The answer to each question should be limited to 400 words. 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: October 29, 2014 12:36
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