2006 SfSchools BOE Questionnaire

2006 SfSchools BOE Questionnaire
The list of questions has been finalized. Now for the hard part of distributing them to the candidates and soliciting responses. For those of you attending candidate forums, feel free to ask these questions. We don't care how we get answers, we just want to know where the candidates stand.

1. What qualifications are you bringing to the board that will help bring new vision and positive academic achievements for all students?
   
2. The next BOE will lead the effort to hire a new superintendent. What is your opinion of Arlene Ackerman's administration? What can the BOE learn from her tenure at SFUSD as they go about hiring the next superintendent?
   
3. What are the most important considerations for a new enrollment policy? Between the opposing poles of desegregation, parental choice, and neighborhood schools, where do you stand?
   
4. If you could implement one change as a BOE commissioner to address the achievement gap, what would that be? What is the most important action that you, as a BOE commissioner can take to address this problem?
   
5. Give us your opinion of the recent school closures and consolidations. What would you do differently when this issue comes before the BOE.
   
6. Enrollment is declining in district schools, and is projected to continue declining for the immediate future. What does this portend for the district and what can the BOE do about it?
   
7. The distrist has had a rocky history implementing its Small Schools initiative . Please tell us what you think are the pros and cons of small schools, and what do you think is an appropriate small schools policy for the district at this time?
   
8. What do you see as the future of Lowell High School and School of the Arts, the district's two selective high schools? What, if any, changes would you make to enhance GATE and AP offerings throughout the district?
   
9. What experience with California school finances do you have? What have you done to familiarize yourself with SFUSD finances?
   
10. Prop H, the Public Education Enrichment Fund, will bring new revenues into SFUSD during the coming years. What do you think of the way Prop H funds have been allocated so far, and how do you see them being used going forward?
    
11. What is your experience with Special Education? Are you close to anyone who has a child with disabilities?
    
12. The IDEA law mandates that children with disabilities must have a right to a free and appropriate education in the least restrictive environment. What practical steps do you think the BOE can take to reach that goal?
    
13. Do you support the proposal to eliminate the JROTC program at SFUSD?
    
14. The recent contract negotiations with the SEIU and UESF unions were difficult. The UESF agreed to a two year deal, meaning negotiations will resume during the next BOE's tenure. Tell us your views on the recent labor negotiations, and what will you do as a BOE commissioner to influence the labor negotiations to come?

The quesions are available here in a form that the candidates can answers and return to me.