Political Philosophy for Roger D. Graziani

Candidate for
Governing Board Member; Monrovia Unified School District

In today's violent society, creating a safe learning environment for our children must be our number one priority. That's why I support the joint city and school district Safe Streets Safe School Program which has cut down on truancies and crime. I also support the zero tolerance program for weapons and drugs on campus. It is important that each student have a feeling of self worth and that they are an important element to their school. Therefore, each student becomes an important individual when we speak of a safe environment.

In the 16 years that I have been on the board of education, education has always been secondary in this state. California ranks 49th out of 50 states in funding for education. Finally, it appears as if the State Legislature and the Governor have made education its top priority. The citizens of Monrovia have shown they are concerned about education in Monrovia by passing a bond issue with over 70% approval. This has allowed us to refurbish old structures and construct new facilities to equip Monrovia for the digital and electronic age. Monrovia is not without its academic problems but now, with increased funding, and new programs geared toward individual students, we can address language, learning and test-taking problems. We must continue to align our curriculum with state and national standards while offering challenging work for the bright student and remediation to the student who needs a boost.

Teachers are the most important component in meeting the challenges of the 21st century. No longer can teachers walk into their rooms, close the door and shut out the world. Teachers need to be challenged as much as students. They must be willing to accept and work within the state framework; they must be willing to take on the ever-expanding world outside their classrooms; and translate that world to their students. California currently has a teacher shortage, and as a result it is more difficult to attract the best and the brightest. Monrovia has done a fine job in the past, but we need to do more. Teachers and the district need to work together to create a competitive and comprehensive benefit program to help us not only attract good teachers, but to keep them.

The final element of any successful educational system is the parents. Parents need to be encouraged to participate in their child's education at home, at school and through volunteer committees at each site. Since Monrovia has a diverse population, parents of all ethnic and cultural backgrounds should be an integral part of Monrovia Unified School District's plans for success. Parents should become an important part of selecting administrators planning budgets and curriculum development. Monrovia Unified School District should do all it can to encourage full parental participation.