League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Alameda County, CA February 7, 2012 Election
	Andrea Swenson Answers Questions Candidate for Board of Education Member; City of Piedmont

The questions were prepared by the League of Women Voters of Piedmont and asked of all candidates for this office.
Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

Questions & Answers

1. If the State makes mid-year cuts in school funding, as a school board member what would you do to balance the school budget without sacrificing the quality of Piedmont schools?

We need to think about new ways to deliver a quality education and be resourceful about doing more with less. In fact money is not the answer to everything. It is how you spend the money that matters. Our budget is a reflection of our values as a community. Even if we did not have financial issues we would still have some difficult decisions. How do we better integrate technology into the classroom? How do we adequately develop, access, and retain great teachers? Most importantly how do we ensure that Piedmont students will continue to explore the world beyond with curiosity, rigor, flexibility and a moral compass that reflects empathy for their fellow citizens?

2. Recent issues in the city have created tensions and polarized the community. What would you do to foster civic engagement and dialogue if you were on the Piedmont Board of Education?

It is crucial to elicit input from the entire Piedmont community when important decisions need to be made. When issues arise that demand extra attention, supplemental meetings must be organized to assure community collaboration. For example, parcel tax discussions, whether or not to rebuild Havens School, and the Emeryville school bus transportation issues, absolutely required special school board and community meetings. Input from parents and community members are an important part of the decision-making process.

---

Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League.  Candidates' answers are presented as submitted.

Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

Candidate Page || Feedback to Candidate || This Contest
SmartVoter Home (Ballot Lookup) || About Smart Voter

---

Created from information supplied by the candidate: February 1, 2012 23:42
Smart Voter <http://www.smartvoter.org/>
Copyright © League of Women Voters of California Education Fund   http://www.lwvc.org
The League of Women Voters neither supports nor opposes candidates for public office or political parties.