Political Philosophy for Linda H. Bair

Candidate for
Governing Board Member; La Canada Unified School District

Here are five simple ways I will fix things that the School Board tells us aren't broken:

• BETTER COMMUNICATION

  I will respectfuly listen and respond to your concerns. I will inform you fully about matters of importance and seek your valued input, before decisions are made. I will use personal contact, an expanded website, cable broadcast of meetings, town hall sessions, regular newsletters and newspaper columns to keep you informed. REGULAR COMMUNICATION SHOULD NOT JUST TAKE PLACE BEFORE AN ELECTION!

• PROFESSIONAL INPUT ON BOND MEASURES

  I support the current bond measure. I have conditions for financial and project accountability which the board must demonstrate. When elected, I will organize a Citizens' Bond Advisory Council, patterned after the successful Glendale model, to implement the current Measure A successfully.

• PLAN NOW FOR FUTURE FACILITY NEEDS

The Board should have started planning for expansion three years ago, when elementary enrollment first exceeded maximum capacity! Our campuses and recreational fields are deteriorating due to overuse. I will immediately start a comprehensive study of future needs that addresses creation of a separate middle school for 6th, 7th, and 8th grades. Parental input will be welcomed, not limited.

• OFFER A MORE ENRICHING CURRICULUM

Our curriculum is good, but it can be much better. I support expanding Art, Music, Drama, and Foreign Language programs, not further reducing them. I know as an educator that these are fundamental to a child's intellectual development, at all age levels.

• PROACTIVE, COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING

A reactive and rushed approach to the current bond measure almost cost us millions. It shows a lack of proactive planning. So does the absence of a facilities expansion plan that could have been included in this bond. I will collaboratively share with other board members and administrative staff proven management planning and team building methods I have used as a school district administrator.

We can make our schools better, more responsive and forward looking. To do so, I need your help. Please vote for me on Tuesday November 2.