League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Santa Clara County, CA November 4, 2014 Election
	John Swan Answers Questions Candidate for Board Member; Los Altos 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?

Our schools are strongest when the community has the information and the input to understand what is working, the areas for improvement and the rationale behind decisions made. This is an area in which we can improve. We need to communicate District decision-making, processes and practices more clearly and proactively. The LASD Board of Trustees serves its students and is accountable to our community + parents, taxpayers and other stakeholders. I will always remember that. As I talk with members of our community, it is clear that we need: a) More frequent, robust and transparent financial reporting that shows in detail how funds are being spent; b) To leverage technology to democratize community access to financial decisions and to give voice to parents and other constituents who have a legitimate stake in the proper use of funds + not everyone can come to LASD Board meetings in the evenings; c) More local control of funds; and d) To identify areas in which state and federal educational code requirements need revisions in order to be appropriate for our district so that we're fully able to customize our curriculum to the specific needs of our local children.

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

We can do more to inspire every student, not matter what their level of proficiency, to reach his or her potential. By the appropriate use of technology and investing in outstanding teaching we will create a curriculum classroom environment that promotes creativity, innovation and a love of learning for every student. Technology: Educational technology has finally evolved to a point where individualized learning can become a reality in our public schools. Technology gives us the tools to personalize each child's learning experience in a cost-effective way. With personalized learning, curriculum can track each child's pace of progression and adapt to that particular child's learning styles and needs. Technology also facilitates feedback among teachers, parents and students and provides richer data on the needs of our children + well beyond the data provided by a single test score. Teaching: We also need to invest in outstanding teachers who can nurture a love of learning in their students. LASD has recently enhanced its professional development + we must continue to invest both in our teachers and our classrooms. Curriculum and Classroom Environment: We need to offer student opportunities that are available to every student, not just ones who can afford the significant cost of on-site after school programs. We must continually evaluate our programs to improve programs that work and discontinue programs that are no longer serving our students well. Specifically: a) Create interdisciplinary, experiential learning that engages students by collaborating with our local Silicon Valley companies and educational institutions; b) Offer different learning models c) Start world language instruction prior to 7th grade; d) Expand the STEAM curriculum (Science, Engineering, Art and Music) in a thoughtful, effective way; and e) Execute a vision for our junior highs + appropriate grade configuration (6-8 or 7-8), more engaged learning through the use of smaller learning communities, and enhanced social and emotional support for the junior high years.

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

I want every student thriving intellectually, socially and emotionally. I want our community united in supporting all public school students. I want an additional school site to enable us to continue our effective small school communities; I want a longer term focus in planning such that we no longer have to scramble due to a short term focus. I want the district to become a recognized leader not only in California but also in the nation. We get there by focusing on maximizing the potential of every student with outstanding teaching that results in true student engagement and instills a love of learning. We get there by remembering that as a member of the LASD Board of Trustees, I serve all our public school students and am accountable to our community of parents, taxpayers and other stakeholders. We get there by smart decision making and planning for the future and open, frequent and transparent communication and collaboration. Silicon Valley is the innovation capital of the world + what better place to help re-imagine public education. I want to harness Silicon Valley's deep resources and innovation and apply them in the classroom, as I've already done for thousands of college students through my work on the foundations of SJSU and Mission Valley Community College, as well as through my work on the board of the Intel International Engineering and Science Fair. LASD children should be exceptionally well prepared to compete in an increasingly hyper-competitive global marketplace. Here in Silicon Valley we should strive for nothing less.

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Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League.  Candidates' statements are presented as submitted. The answer to each question should be limited to 400 words. Direct 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 8, 2014 21:14
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