League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Butte County, CA November 6, 2012 Election
	Brenda J. McLaughlin Answers Questions Candidate for Board Member; Butte County Board of Education; Trustee Area 4

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

Questions & Answers

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?

It is crucial to help support our teachers,staff and administration to continue the desire to be creative and convey the positive spirit of learning so our children will thrive. The Butte County Office of Education plays a role in staff development, new teacher training and support, hands on tools and resources for the classroom and supplementing with outreach programs to strengthen the teaching environment. Making sure that districts and staff are aware and use these resources is important and can help districts with their budgets.

2. What are the key benefits and drawbacks to parents selecting schools for their children, including the relatively new phenomenon of charter schools?

There are many ways a parent has to select a school for their children . It may come from the location of their residence to be in a certain school district, their work/job location, or perhaps a special need or talent their child has. The more involvement the parent has in the school and the classroom the more they can see the educational value of the programs being offered and hold everyone accountable. Charter schools are available for parents to consider especially if they offer a style of learning that fits their child's needs. A drawback may occur if the school loses it's sense of community, is away from their neighborhood, causing a hardship on the family. Working together to find the best learning environment can be a rewarding task for everyone!

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?

Charter schools are "public schools" and must be held accountable fiscally and with progressive test scores as are all public schools. And of course their governing boards need to adhere to the Brown Act, as is any agency board receiving taxpayer dollars.

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?

The role of the arts in a complete education is very important and should be incorporated into the curriculum either as a separate program or integrated into existing classes. We all see where some schools have the arts while others do not and some in between. Many times the programs are enhanced by parent/community resources and involvement, thus making the art programs viable. Unless the state recognizes that the visual and performing arts are as important as math, english & science, funding will always be at the discretion of the school. The Butte County Office of Education can play a role in helping districts find funds and resources to enhance their arts programs.

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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.

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

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Created from information supplied by the candidate: October 24, 2012 21:28
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