What are the biggest issues facing the...

What are the biggest issues facing the school district?

I feel the most apparent is to ensure that the Measure C funds

recently approved by the voters are utilized to their fullest. The

community has given the current and future students the opportunity

to have up to date and safe facilities in which to pursue their

educational goals. We have just begun a five-year plan that will

build new classrooms as well as renovate and repair existing

facilities. The board needs to be constantly vigilant that the

architects, construction managers and contractors stay on task and

work efficiently. We also need to enable the Citizens Oversight

Committee so that the community is assured that their tax dollars are

spent wisely.

The other issue that needs our utmost attention is the No Child

Left Behind Act. While we have performed very well, so far, and

continue to exceed our target scores, the act’s regulations present

ever-increasing target scores. The Huntington Union High School

District needs to make sure that all of our teachers are highly

qualified and teaching in the correct area of expertise.

What can be done to keep test scores on the rise?

One of the most important areas is that of articulation with our

four feeder elementary school districts. By providing a seamless

continuum of educational programs, especially in reading and math,

our students’ transition to high school will be more successful.

Also, this will help in raising our ninth-grade scores.

Another area that has a direct effect on scores is teachers. We

need to continue to attract and retain the best-qualified personnel

available. The district also needs to support, mentor and encourage

continuing education for our newly hired teachers. Almost 40% of our

teachers have been hired in the last five years

What needs to be done to bolster the budget? What programs should

take priority?

There are two ways to bolster a budget, reduce costs or increase

income. We can reduce costs by a more prudent asset-management plan

and move out of our leased sites and into facilities on district

owned property. Another is to share facilities with other government

agencies. Income can be generated by long-term land leases such as

our agreement with Home Depot. Currently, the district is looking at

options for property across from Seacliff Shopping Center that could

generate long-term income. The district has also just started a

program to recover monies from the State of California regarding

medical funds. Also, attention to daily attendance and truancy has

recently been increased to improve state funding.

All programs that have direct student benefit should take

priority. We need to put as many dollars as possible into the

classroom. Studies have shown that reading and comprehension have the

most impact on student success.

How can school board members better communicate with parents and

the community?

One way is for board members to be present at functions that

parents attend, such as back to school nights, performances and

athletic events. This provides an opportunity for one-on-one

discussions. Another would be for the local newspapers to provide a

forum to disseminate information to the community.

Currently, the board can be contacted at [email protected],

or individuals are called at home. The public should take advantage

of public comment at board meetings.