1. TVUSD teachers are a dedicated group that makes Temecula the envy of other districts in southern California. The teachers in our district as a whole work hard and test scores in our community are reflective of this. I will continue to support the teachers' efforts to receive a competitive salary structure that reflects our local demographics.
However, the need to provide competitive salaries is offset by budgetary concerns regarding classroom sizes, construction costs, and other administrative needs. The Californian and EdSource have both published reports regarding teachers' pay. A review of those reports gives insight into the issues and the complexities that impact the salaries of teachers. We need to fairly balance budgetary constraints with the need to stay competitive.
TVUSD teachers now have a contract that I believe is fair after the protracted disagreement that became ugly. I believe that the question of fairness in past negotiations was overwhelmed by an atmosphere of lack of respect and distrust. Although teachers now have a fair contract, I believe that they were not treated with the fair degree of respect during the protratcted contractual dispute. A more proactive role could have been played to avert the ugliness.
2. The district just issued a plan to improve its public image by hiring a consultant and outlining a series of steps intended to reverse a negative image. Although the hiring of Dr. Leighty is a very positive step, the current board has been less forthcoming than it could have been in some of its decision making processes. I believe that this in particular has tarnished its public image.
I bring to this election a creed of open communication and respect that I believe will go far in improving the image of the board of trustees. I am eager to communicate with the local media and will strive to involve civic groups, private businesses, and others in our area regarding the progresses made in the district. I will energetically pursue avenues to publish the goals, needs, and acheivements of the district. I plan to work to encompass the commuity as a whole to make sure that we are doing our best for our children. A board of trustees should promote the achievements of the district, ensure that we continue to be at the forefront of technology, and always be role models of good conduct.
3. Some of the programs that have been cut in recent years include elementary school music and art. Art and music are core programs that help produce well-rounded students. Arts programs provide an expressive medium for students who may not perform well in athletics or other academics and help to identify and encourage these individuals whose gift in this area may otherwise go unnoticed.
Finding funding for these programs requires hard work, scrutinizing the budget and utilizing resources outside of routine channels. Channeling the tremendous support of volunteer groups in our area is an avenue for raising funds and support. There are also several grants and endowments that can be tapped for the funding of specific programs like music for elementary school. I also believe that teachers, the PTA, and community groups like the Temecula Valley Arts Council should and could help to provide input about how we can reinstate music and art in our elementary schools and where money should be obtained and spent. Thinking beyond the black and white numbers on a budget is essential to getting the best value for our tax dollars; it's something our children deserve.