San Jose, Mercury News Questionnaire

Name: Kristi Porter

City: San Jose

Seat: Governing Board, Oak Grove Elementary School District

Age: 57

Birthdate: 6/13/47

Occupation: Incumbent

How long have you lived in the city? I have lived in San Jose for 29 years, since March of 1975.

What leadership roles, if any, have you taken in government or community?

For the past 29 years I have been committed to quality education in our public schools in California, Santa Clara County and most specifically in the Oak Grove School District.

What is the most important issue in your election?

Maintaining the integrity of a quality education for every child in our diverse community, while recognizing the limitations of available funding. It is imperative to have a fully qualified teacher in every classroom, to have a clean, safe school environment, and to provide the programs that can help every child reach their potential. Children thrive on programs that include visual and performing arts, athletics, and small class size. It is also critical to be fiscally responsible with the available funds and to bridge the gap between the school and the community.

If elected, how would you deal with this issue?

I will continue to be an advocate for every child in our District, through policies that focus on high academic performance, fiscal responsibility, safe school environments and that embrace diversity. Creative ways are needed to provide the necessary funding for quality education. These include working with the business community and other stakeholders to take advantage of grants, partnerships and other means of increased funding. We have developed an aggressive 5-year Plan for the District which has resulted in 14 Distinguished School. I will continue to find innovative ways to provide competitive salaries for certified teachers, while maintaining fiscal responsibility. I will continue to work with and encourage our lawmakers to fully fund State and Federal educational mandates. I look forward to building upon the achievements of the last eight years and continuing the progress of our district.

Daytime telephone number: (408) 629-0181

Evening telephone number: (408) 629-0181

Email address: porter_kristi@yahoo.com

Mailing address: 6533 San Ignacio Avenue, San Jose, CA 95119

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