Ask Linda Bair - My Answers to Your Questions on Issues and Concerns

By Linda H. Bair

Questions and Answers which address key issues and concerns of voters in the LCUSD School Board election

Q: Do you support the current bond measure (Measure A)?

A: Yes I do. But I want the board to be accountable for how the dollars are raised and spent, starting now. I believes the board MUST establish a Citizens' Bond Advisory Committee, like the one successfully established in Glendale, to oversee the bond process. I believe that many valid questions remain unanswered and must be answered. This includes such questions as how will the Joint-Use Community Library be operated and funded, exactly how will the bond dollars be spent and so on.

Q: What do you think about Sagebrush?

A: I have said that the district needs to have a plan in place for how to accommodate these students, should the appeal court rule in favor of the original petition. That petition which met the criteria established by the county board of education, would, if approved, allow a vote to occur across the two districts. I believe we need to plan for and get in front of the process, and not be reactive to it. I believe it might even help us solve some of our overcrowding problems by making opening a new middle school like FIS more feasible.

Q: What do you think about facilities/overcrowding/a new middle school?

A: I would like to begin a planning process in which we actively consider reconstructing FIS (or Oak Grove) as a new middle school where we move 6th graders over to relieve crowding on elementary campuses and move the 7th and 8th graders off the high school onto a more age appropriate campus of their own.

The District created a Facilities Master Plan in 95 to address both facilites modernization and facilities capacity/expansion. Both the current bond measure and the one in '95 address only modernization and not capacity.

I think its clear that the board failed to begin planning for new facilities as called for in the Facilities Master Plan when enrollment in either elementary or secondary schools hits 2,100 students and is growing. That level was reached for elementary schools in 1996! We lost 3 years in which plans could have been developed, funds approved and work begun!

Q: What do you think about the new K-12 Educational Options Committee?

A: I think it's a step in the right direction but should be more inclusive of interested parents from the beginning. Only about 6 parents were included who asked to be. The other 24 participants on the committee were selected by the board and district. I also think its starting at least three years later than it should have been to address facilities capacity issues. After all the elementary schools reached what the district calls RMC or Reasonable Maximum Capacity in 1996 (see question above).

Q: Why should I believe you can and will represent all students, not just elementary students?

A: First, I knows I am there for all students, not just elementary. Second, my oldest daughter will be attending secondary before my term is over, so even if I were only self interested (which I am not) I would still have a reason to be concerned about secondary. Last, in my experience as a district administrator, I was responsible for all schools K-12 and therefore understand first hand the issues of students at all levels.

Q: What is on your Website, 'http://www.LindaBair.com'?

A: My Website has got a lot of things on it for you to browse at your leisure. Its got: · a detailed summary of her experience, · an `Ask Linda'section in which I answer about 13 questions in detail about issues related to our schools · a Real Audio sound file in which you can listen to my opening and closing remarks at the Candidates Forum. · Links to related websites like the California Dept of Education where you can compare our district to other districts and the California School Board Association Its easy to get to and easy to use. Its at `http://www.LindaBair.com' with no space between Linda and Bair.

Q: What do you think about "term limits" for School Board members?

A: Unlike one of my opponents who is seeking a third term, I will not seek more than two total terms. I am in favor of "term limits" for Board members, even if they are voluntarily adhered to. Board members should be limited to two 4-year terms. I believe there are many people in our community qualified to serve on our Board of Education. Without turnover, there is the tendency to fall into a "status quo rut," i.e., become complacent and fail to represent the community as it changes. Term limits can help infuse new ideas, perspectives and energy into our school board governance. This in turn will help assure educational excellence for the future. Because our elections are for either two or three of 5 total seats every four years, there will always be the "experienced" hands onboard to help steer a steady course as the board brings on new members.

Q: How would you improve communication between the School Board and the community?

A: Consistent communication between the board and community must become a priority for the board. If elected, I will work to open the doors of communication with our community. Specifically, board meeting issues and agendas should be broadly disseminated, readable and understandable. This can be done through publication in the weekly school newsletter to parents and in community newspapers. Similarly, the outcome of board meetings should be consistently shared, and not just before a bond or board election.

Let's use technology: I believe the District's website could be expanded to include board information. It also enables input and feedback from community members. I think we should follow the new City Council's lead on opening up meetings to the community, so I will seek to have Board meetings videotaped for televising on Cable community access.

I will actively seek input from the community regarding their concerns, desires and ideas. I think we should institute the "office hours" concept modeled after what several city council members are now doing, to foster two-way communication with citizens.

Q: What do you think are the personal qualities and capabilities most needed in our School Board members?

A: I believe that above all else, we need Board members who have a deep commitment to quality education. We need people who are experienced, organized, intelligent, who possess both strong communication and leadership skills. Obviously, integrity is a must.

When presented with decisions to be made, we need individuals who will:

1. make the effort to research and understand various options
2. share that information with the community
3. seek out, listen to and reflect upon community input
4. carefully consider the various viewpoints in order to make informed decisions regarding what is best for our children and their schools over the long term.

I believe I possess these attributes and can make a significant contribution to this community if I am elected to the Board of Education. I ask for you to make this possible through your vote for me on November 2.