League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Santa Clara County, CA November 8, 2005 Election
	Pearl Cheng Answers Questions Candidate for Board Member; Cupertino Union School District

Questions & Answers

1. In the light of the League's long-term commitment to education, we are concerned about funding schools adequately and equitably in a climate of "no new taxes". How can you assure voters that the schools are using state funds wisely and fairly, and that requests for additional funding are the result of true need rather than waste or frivolity?

CUSD is the third largest district in Santa Clara County and operates with a budget of $106M. The last four years have seen decreasing funds for education statewide. By implementing tight financial controls, CUSD has successfully avoided teacher/staff layoffs, school closures, and program cuts - measures our neighboring school districts have had to painfully implement.

Our achievement levels in CUSD during this time have still been some of the highest countywide and statewide. That comes through hard work and diligence from many in CUSD. In dealing with the budget issues within CUSD, we have been successful in eliminating managerial positions (in the past four years eliminated five mgmt. positions resulting in $1.4 M in ongoing savings), driving cost savings in departments ($640K per year since '02), obtaining $1.5 M in grants, deferring large expenditures, and obtaining matching state funds. With hard work we have protected 86% of the total CUSD budget for staff compensation.

CUSD's financials are audited annually and we have had excellent reports without negative findings the last four years. We also review CUSD's budget frequently throughout the year, as we look at expenditures versus plans, and review areas for cost savings and cost growth areas such as energy costs, transportation, Special Education, etc. CUSD has a Health and Welfare Committee that oversees health care costs and implements ideas for cost savings in this area. The CUSD budget is also reviewed by a Budget Advisory Committee comprised of district staff, parents and community members and they meet regularly throughout the year. I will continue the above mentioned cost saving measures and review processes and will seek other ideas from staff to carefully manage finances and ensure the best education for our students in CUSD.

At the state level, I have been actively working to protect Proposition 98 funding for education by forming the Education Coalition in Santa Clara County, speaking at rallys, visiting Sacramento, and meeting with local legislators. I am also actively working to defeat Prop. 76 on the November ballot which would be detrimental to local school districts. We must ensure strong funding for education statewide.