My response to the California School Employees Association Candidate's Questionnaire

Earlier today I had the honor of completing the candidate's questionnaire solicited by the California School Employees Association.

It's amazing how something so simple as sharing views with interested stakeholders can stir such feelings of civic pride.

For those who aren't members of CSEA, here's my response:

Candidate Questionnaire

OUSD Election- November 5, 2014

1.      What do you know about the California School Employees Association?

CSEA is one of the largest public employee unions in the country. You represent classified school employees.

2.      What are your views on Governor public education?

Public education is one of the primary obligations of the state and should be funded to the maximum extent possible in order to ensure the best education for our kids. I’m delighted Gov. Brown has started to return funding to the schools, but more could be done.

3.      What are your views on the contracting out of classified jobs?

I’d like to understand your concerns and views regarding this point. Have agreements been broken in the past?

4.      What individuals or groups outside of the district will be working on your campaign?

None.

5.      What do you view as the role of classified employees in the district?

Classified employees are a critical part of the district; performing vital & necessary functions. Schools and teachers cannot function without your members.

6.      Have you attended any district Board meetings? What do you know about the district?

I’ve attended board meetings. This is my home. Like other residents of the district, I’m not comfortable with the way the current board has managed the pressing issues of the day; the school bond, ‘surplus’ properties, and most importantly, implementation of the common core standards. These headline issues can and should be the center of attention, but I’m also concerned about general oversight of the district’s business.

7.      Tell us what approaches you would employ to hold management accountable for

Mis-management of district resources?

I’d like to understand what is meant by ‘mis-management’, and would welcome any input from you or your members. Frankly, my point of view is that the overwhelming majority of people go to work with the intent to do a good job. It’s up to leadership to define and represent the goals of the organization. It’s not clear what the goals are for the day-to-day operations of the district. On another point, one of the more opaque parts of the meeting agenda is the so-called “consent” items. I’ve seen tens of millions of dollars approved on a single vote, in the blink of an eye. It’s possible that, month-after-month, all of this spending is absolutely necessary and properly procured, but hard to believe. It shouldn’t be matter of trust. The board should be publically reviewing more of these items, and probably should reject a few.

8.      How accessible do you plan to be to CSEA before making decisions that effect classified employees?

I will be as available to CSEA members as I am to all other stakeholders in the district. I will appreciate your input on all issues of the district, not just those that directly impact your members.

9.      What are your specific views on the CA Local Control Funding Formula for public education?

The devil is in the details. I’m an engineer by education and a department head by profession. I think any plan that claims “to significantly simplify how state funding is provided” but needs hundreds of pages of explanation is questionable. I’m very open to any education your organization can provide on this and will continue to dig through the dept. of education’s materials. But it does at least appear to provide more funding.

10.  Why do you want to be a Governing Board member?

I think we can do better as a community. OUSD has a lot to be proud of, but so much to do. I’ve two small children who will be attending school in a very short time. I can sit on the sidelines and kvetch or get involved.

11. Please list four to five qualities of a good Governing Board member.  

A board member must have listening skills, a dogged interest in digging through the details, the ability deliberate with passion and respect while maintaining an open-mind to new and different ideas, and must also be approachable. It’s also critical that a board member have the ability to convince at least three other members to join their point of view. There’s no glory in standing alone.

12.  Tell us what you know about the “Brown Act”?

My understanding is that the Brown Act requires governmental agencies to hold deliberations at open public meetings. I’m curious, why is this question important to your members?

13. Who would you seek input from before you vote on an issue?

I intend to serve as a representative of my community. My office will be open to all stakeholders with considered opinions.

14. Do you believe that all district employees are entitled to Health and Welfare benefits?

Certainly!

15. Do you believe Governing Board members should receive Health and Welfare benefits, if not,

     should all of the district employee’s have access to Health and Welfare benefits?

It’s not a core issue for me, but I’m uncomfortable with the current state of affairs. I agree that board members should be compensated for their time in conducting the district’s business, but will personally opt out.

16.  What community organizations do you belong to?

I spend my time with my wife and kids or at the office.

17.   Have you ever been elected or appointed to a public Board? If yes, please explain.

My only previous elected position was at my home-owners association. I was recently reelected for the second time.

 18.   Are you a member of any AFL-CIO affiliate?

No, not at this time. However, I was raised in a union household and was a public employee in my High School and College years.