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This information is provided by the candidate
Statement of Political Philosophy:
Gilbert G. García, Ph.D.
President, Governing Board of Trustees, Rowland Unified School District
(These statements were made as a written response to questions posed to me as a candidate for this office by the Association of Rowland Educators (ARE). I include them here as a statement of political philosophy for this Board seat because they cover many important issues and these statements express my views on many issues pertinent to this election. Many more issues were discussed in an oral interview, which do not appear here, so I invite anyone to e-mail me with an inquiry on any issue, and I will respond to your inquiry and share my views.
I have chosen to run for reelection because I believe that I have many positive contributions left to make, in spite of the fact that I no longer have any of my children in Rowland schools. I initially ran for this office upon the urging of my oldest daughter, Monique, and because I also had a daughter that was still in school, and also because I felt that I was capable of making some positive contributions to the district while in office, especially because of my many years in an educationally related career. I believe that I have made many positive contributions, and that I am capable of many more. A second term would allow me that opportunity.
I believe I have brought various strengths over the last four years to the Board, and I have gained some while in office.
- Certainly my extensive curriculum background has been a definitive strength in helping to deal with assessment issues, English learner issues, kindergarten issues, and staff development issues that have arisen during my tenure.
- I have been able to utilize an ability to carefully listen to and evaluate all sides of an issue, investigate, and then vote accordingly. Doing more listening than talking is a strength that has been quite valuable during budget cut sessions, employee negotiations, teacher rep and school site meetings, specially-called stakeholder meetings, discussions with the Superintendent, cabinet members and administrators, closed sessions, and prior to and during Board meetings. Listening has been one of my very trusted strengths in doing the work of the Board.
- I am not an expert in budgets, but because of a career that demanded budget expertise, I have been able to apply that expertise to performing one of the most important jobs entrusted to the Board, and that is to protect the fiscal solvency of the District.
- I have gained leadership skills while on the Board. This past year as President has been a year of challenge in many ways. The appointment by the Board of Gloria Burt, the announcement by Ron of his retirement, the selection of a consulting firm to assist in the selection of a new superintendent, the selection of a new superintendent, the transition to a new administration, the pursuit of Board vision, the many study sessions required of the Board due to all of this year's activity, and various and sundry issues that have arisen this year that were also challenging, have all contributed to my own personal leadership skills which were important to have in a year that contained so many challenges for the Board.
From my perspective, the most pressing problems facing the District include some of the following issues, for which I have included my views on how we might address them:
- Declining enrollment and the fiscal implications that this has had over the past few years.
We must continue to increase school achievement, maintain our programs, continue to seek recognition for our accomplishments, and market the district to combat misconceptions. Other possibilities include the creation of K-8 sites and smaller learning communities, including specialized learning academies, by giving our sites more curb appeal, and augment our outreach to parents in creative ways not yet conceived.
- State budget limitations and our constant effort to remain fair to our employees and our needed programs, while being realistic when it comes to the constant fiscal shortfalls we have experienced throughout my tenure on the Board. This condition has no immediate end in sight, especially with so many additional factors contributing to a shrinking pocketbook for everyone.
This problem has no end in sight, nor any foreseeable solution. We currently have a national disaster that has already contributed to depleting our limited resources. We must have the cooperation of the governor and the legislature to move forward to alleviate the school funding dilemma, but nothing will happen without the state's economic solvency that schools depend upon. This factor of tantamount if we are ever to make progress in this important area.
- The smooth transition in the coming year under the leadership of a new Superintendent and possibly, a new Board.
This was first addressed by the careful consideration of candidates and the selection of Dr. María G. Ott as Superintendent. I have every confidence that María, with the support of the Board and her staff, will not only make this transition smooth, but will lead us to new levels of distinction.
- Challenges that we face with containing health care costs and finding ways of reducing the burden of providing these benefits to our employees and to the District.
This, of course, is controlled by many factors that are well beyond our power to control, but that does not mean that we cannot be vigilant and continue to support the district committee that is charged with the task of reviewing and recommending future action in this arena.
- Challenges that we all face under NCLB and the federal sanctions that are possible when we do not meet our achievement goals, especially when it comes to the achievement of English learners since they represent almost a third of our enrollment.
I have been personally involved in the formulation of district plans for the implementation of training our ELD leads which I believe will eventually make a difference in the achievement of our English learners. Moreover, a special study session on these issues is an upcoming session that should lead to practical solutions to avert future federal sanctions.
- Challenges in maintaining our many programs that we know help us sustain our levels of achievement due to reduced revenue.
In spite of past budget cuts, we have been able to maintain most of our programs and I would remain committed to maintaining these programs, for achievement of our students would be compromised without them. Wholesale cutting of programs is not the course of action we want to take in light of the achievement requirements of NCLB. We must, however, be more creative in finding alternative funding sources for some programs.
- The challenge of continuing modernization in the future that would require a second school bond, and all of the work that it will take to make sure that it passes.
If we want to fulfill our modernization wish list, we will be forced to seek a second Bond to realize it. This will be the fiscal challenge of the new Board that will have long term effects in facility enhancement, curb appeal of our schools, and the future comfort and efficiency of our schools.
- Maintaining the highest level of school safety in this environment of terrorism and the ubiquitous possibility of natural disaster.
This is a constant challenge in today's environment, and not easily accomplished. We have added security cameras, a communication system that is state of the art, we maintain strict adherence to the education code in matters of school safety, we maintain our school police force, and constantly test our response to disasters like earthquakes by conducting drills; however, we can never be too vigilant in this era of terrorism. School safety must remain high on our priority list and it will always remain high on mine.
I have already had an opportunity to accomplish some of my goals during my tenure on the Board. I have served my community in a manner that I envisioned when I initially ran for the Board. It is both time intensive and personally gratifying knowing that you are contributing to our democracy in an active and positive way. School Boards are extremely important in our democratic process at the local level, and here in Rowland Heights, and with the absence of a local city government, I believe that this elected body is even more important. I have gained tremendous insights into the process of school governance, and have enhanced my personal leadership skills by serving as President of the Board. The many pressing challenges facing the Board are among the future goals that I would personally like to accomplish, but aside from the pressing challenges, I believe that the establishment of a Board vision and frequent visits to this vision is a major goal that is necessary for the future success of the Board and the District. I know that I am a much better individual for having had the experience of serving on this Board.
I believe that the Board has the responsibility to set policy, to establish a Board vision, to hire, evaluate, and fire the Superintendent, but only when absolutely necessary, and to respond to all stakeholders in the conduct of Board business. Board members act as a Board and not individually; however, each Board member has the responsibility to vote their personal beliefs in matters that come before the Board. The will of the Board is always the congruence of the collective opinions of the Board. The decisions of the Board should represent informed decisions based on existing policy or the education code. Good and healthy Superintendent and Board relations are critical ingredients in the effective administration of the schools. Clearly, Boards decide the what, and Superintendents decide the how. Good policy must be supported by great implementation, and good policy is the work of the Board.
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