The Morgan Hill Times gave each school board candidate a slate
of eight questions. Here are the answers from Kirsten Francis Carr.
Also, view a video of Carr at http://blip.tv/file/4178086.
The Morgan Hill Times gave each school board candidate a slate of eight questions. Here are the answers from Kirsten Francis Carr. Also, view a video of Carr at http://blip.tv/file/4178086.
- What prompted you to run?
I was incredibly fortunate to have been raised by parents who instilled in me a sense of community pride and commitment to service. As my children grow into young people with thoughts and ideals of their own, I’ve tried to share with them the importance of doing for others and working to make your community better for all. I believe this is an opportunity to do my part to be an advocate for our friends and neighbors through an avenue of service.
- The 2012 school year is forecasted to be the worst in terms of the size of the budget deficit, which is projected at $12 million. Do you have any ideas on how the school district can save money?
From reading about and listening to the cuts the district has made across the board, I think they have tightened the belt as much as possible. I would work to expand partnerships with the city and other organizations as much as possible to share facilities, services, costs, etc … as to impact the students as little as possible. As well, I would look to our community partners (businesses, service groups, etc…) on ways we can work together for services or products.
- What three priorities would you like to accomplish while on the board?
To continue to establish cooperative relationships between the city and the school district … especially as they relate to shared facilities.
To find creative solutions to the continuing budget crisis.
To facilitate an environment conducive to productivity and positive learning for all students in the district.
- How will you pay for any programs or services you want to retain or add?
I would not recommend adding any new program that was not self sustainable, either through private donations, grants or community partnerships.
- What are your ideas to close the achievement gap?
My time in the classroom has reinforced what I already knew about students/children; which is everyone learns differently and not one approach will work best for every student. We are fortunate to live in a community dedicated to ensuring our students not only just survive in school but succeed. We can and should rely on those same community members to volunteer as reading buddies, mentors, after school tutors, etc … to help where the classroom teacher leaves off every day. As well, there are new methods being tried and tested every day and we can learn from our colleagues and peers about these opportunities and use them in our classrooms.
- Explain your understanding of the school board’s role?
The school board is responsible for the vision, the fiscal well being of a district, to guide and illustrate the culture of the district and to serve as a communication tool between the community and the district.
- What are the top challenges facing the district?
As with any and all districts or municipalities right now, the district is facing huge budget shortfalls, at the same time it is tasked with the need to do even more with less. Students are struggling, for numerous reasons, and schools are needing to be more creative than ever before in how to reach them.
- In light of the Cinco de Mayo incident at LOHS, what steps would you take, if any, to improve race relations? What policy revisions should be made prior to May 5, 2012?
As with any relationship, communication is key. Being able to understand and relay issues and concerns will go a long way to creating an open and accepting environment. I would work with the faculty and staff of the district on programs and steps we could take to ensure a safe, friendly and respectful environment for all students.
