Political Philosophy for John R. Ackland

Candidate for
Governing Board Member; Rosedale Union School District

A growing district requires changes in involvement and communication to attain the best education for all children!!

I believe the board of education is an extension of the community and the schools and therefore needs continual input and involvement from each. I believe the board members need to be more involved in each of the schools to understand more thoroughly the decisions they have to make.

1. Students should meet high academic and conduct standards with the school and parents working in partnership. If the student does not meet the standard, implement remedial academic summer schools or retain the student. Pay teachers their full wage to teach summer school. Student self-esteem must be earned through academic effort.

2. After 105 years as a district the teachers need to have a contract so there is consistency in the administration of the schools and the district.

3. Maintain excellent teachers - Have you asked yourself why some schools have had many qualified and highly thought of teachers ask for transfers or they have left the district altogether?

4. Our school board meetings need to be run more professionally and be more public and employee friendly. Make the agendas and the minutes of meetings more detailed and accessible. Give a time for the public to comment after each agenda item is discussed. Give the classified and certificated leaders greater involvement and a special place to sit. Handouts given out during the board meeting should also be available to the audience. Have speakers that are speaking to the board also speak to the audience as well.

5. The board should put an emphasis on students with special needs such as physical, emotional, or academic problems. These needs need to be addressed earlier and have a plan of action for the parents and teachers so those at risk students will be able to succeed.

6. The district should establish more committees at the district level with parents, community, and school staff to get greater input and knowledge before making decisions.