Candidate for
Board Member; Fresno Unified School District; Trustee Area 1

Fresno Unified has good classroom teachers, but they can't do the job alone. Classroom teachers know that only by fixing the problems in the district will teachers have the resources they need to educate our kids. We need new leadership on the Fresno School Board to help our teachers and our kids.

Fresno Unified is one of California's worst performing school districts.

• 48% of elementary schools, 60% of middle schools and 25% of high schools are ranked among the worst in California, even when compared to schools with the same poverty and social problems.

• Fresno Unified's drop out rate is three times the state average.

The only way true reform can come to Fresno's schools is through a dramatic change of direction. We can no longer tolerate excuses for failure. The best way to change the status quo is to elect a new majority to the Fresno Unified School Board, a slate of reform-minded leaders:

• LUISA MEDINA (Area #1),
• RICHARD A. JOHANSON (Area #3),
• DR. TONY VANG (Area #4) &
• DR. JOSEPH J. PENBERA (Area #7)

Our focus will be to improve student academic achievement and fiscal accountability. While much is being done, much more must be done.

We must improve the overall academic performance of all students in Fresno Unified:

• Fresno Unified must conduct a comprehensive and independent fiscal and program review. We must shift resources to improve the academic achievement of all students. The needs of the classroom must receive first priority in the budget process, such as smaller class sizes and enough up-to-date textbooks and instructional materials for all students.
• Fresno Unified must identify efficient ways to share costs and coordinate the delivery of services with county and city agencies and non-profit organizations.

We must provide safe and disciplined learning environments for students and teachers.

We must recover the 10% of our students who ditch school. Fresno Unified loses millions of dollars due to poor attendance and high drop out rates. We cannot allow this to continue. If children are not in school, we can't teach them.

We must work collaboratively with both public and private non-profit agencies to find additional outside funds to establish after-school programs for all students. We must establish an effective after school academic enrichment program to make sure all students do their homework and learn fundamental reading, writing, English and math skills. Many students could also benefit from well-run tutorial and mentoring programs.

Everyone benefits from strong community-school partnerships.