League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Santa Clara County, CA November 6, 2012 Election
	Julie R Reynolds-Grabbe Answers Questions Candidate for Board Member; Moreland School District

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

Questions & Answers

1. How would you determine that the schools are using federal, state and local funds wisely and fairly and how would you report your findings to the community?

Federal and state agencies closely regulate how funding is being used by the school district. The Moreland School District business staff regularly updates the board on the status of how specific funds are being spent and does a fine job in this area. Community outreach is essential for reporting about the financial status of the district. A multi-pronged approach with the use of e-newsletters, a dynamic website, a facebook group with content that is updated regularly, and in-person community meetings to talk about progress, initiatives and challenges is essential to the success and continued support of the school district by its surrounding communities.

2. Are the schools offering instruction appropriate to the diverse educational abilities of all the students?

I believe the schools are doing well in this area but there could be more focus on supporting children that are at the opposite ends of the spectrum. A good portion of instruction is spent on children in the middle and admittedly it is a challenge to support all children at all levels especially with decreased funding. But, it is essential for the viability of the district. I believe the recently approved Common Core State Standards are a major leap forward for instruction in California and look forward to the MSD's adoption and implementation. Also, I find it interesting that many parents send their children to charter and private schools in this area. I think some work needs to be done to fully understand why many parents decide not to send their children to local district schools. Moreland School District is losing critical funding because parents are voting with their feet. Someone should care enough to find out why and do what they can to reverse this trend.

3. Where do you want the District to be five years from now? What steps should the District take to get there?

I envision MSD to be in a position to handle the forecasted enrollment demand. I hope that the days of closing schools are behind us and that the future of MSD contains compelling programs that give local and out-of-district parents a reason to send their children to our schools. I know many parents today who send their children to private schools because they don't find the current curriculum challenging or broad enough. I would like to see this change. I am impressed with the diligent work of the MSD staff and new superintendent and believe the District is poised to make significant strides in improving this District. Due to our current economic realities, it may be necessary for the district to seek out additional funds in the form of grants and matching funds to achieve these changes. I believe that strong leadership from the Board of Trustees without bias is critical for the long term viability of this school district. Having a balanced board consisting of board members from different areas of the district is essential.

---

Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League.  Candidates' statements are presented as submitted. Please answer each question in no more than 400 words. Direct references to opponents are not permitted.

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: October 17, 2012 11:18
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.