League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
	Butte County, CA November 6, 2012 Election
	Candidates Answer Questions on the Issues Governing Board Member; Biggs Unified School District

The questions were prepared by the League of Women Voters of Butte County and asked of all candidates for this office.     See below for questions on Education Funding, School Selection, Charter School Accountability, Arts in the Schools Click on a name for candidate information.   See also more information about this contest. 1. In light of existing and anticipated budget cuts in every governmental service and shrinking tax bases, what are your ideas to keep education in our district the creative and productive experience our children deserve? Answer from Robin L. Clark: I think parent involvement is a key to supporting education and to filling in the gaps left by budget cuts. In the elementary school that my children have attended, Richvale Elementary, and Biggs Middle School, I have ofter driven on field trips,helped in the class room and done fundraisers. I believe this is an important part of supporting schools and teachers in the face of these shortfalls. 2. What are the key benefits and drawbacks to parents selecting schools for their children, including the relatively new phenomenon of charter schools? Answer from Robin L. Clark: Charter schools provide families with public school choice options. Parents will have the ability to choose the school best suited for their child. However,due to their small size and limited numbers, will provide only some families with public school choice options, thereby raising issues of fairness and equity. 3. Charter schools are public schools supported by taxpayer dollars. How should they be held accountable to the public? Should their governing boards be required to adhere to the Brown Act? Answer from Robin L. Clark: Many will agree that charter schools in the right place and at the right cost are a viable option for educating our children. But just as public schools are required to get voter approval for their annual spending, charter schools should have to prove their worth to the public before they open their doors and start spending taxpayer money. Their accounting should also be transparent for public viewing as well. As well, charter schools should be mandated to teach the same state adopted curriculum, and as well, should be accountable to the same state testing as public schools are mandated to take. Therefore, comparisions can be equal and on the same playing field. I am not too sure if I believe that the Brown Act should apply. I think this law has been misused to the point where public officials are afraid to talk to each other in public. It was only meant to keep them from establishing policy outside of the boardroom. 4. There is widespread agreement –- and adopted learning standards –-affirming the role of the arts in a complete education. And yet, among schools and districts across the state, access to the arts is inconsistent or nonexistent. How should the state ensure that the arts have their rightful role in every K-12 curriculum? Answer from Robin L. Clark: Once again I think that parent involvement, through programs such as the Art Docent Program where parents deliver cripted art programs/lessons to public schools, like they have at Biggs Elementary, in the light of budget cuts is the key. It is a fact that art and music help children develop creativity and confidence. They also promote self discipline and self worth. There are many children who do not do well in the traditional academic world and the arts is a place where they can excel and develop self esteem. Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League.  Candidates' statements are presented as submitted. References to opponents are not permitted. The order of the candidates is random and changes daily. Candidates who did not respond are not listed on this page.