Ron Woolf responds to questions

The Morgan Hill Times gave each school board candidate a slate
of eight questions. Here are the answers from Ron Woolf. Also, view
a video of Woolf at http://blip.tv/file/4178032.
The Morgan Hill Times gave each school board candidate a slate of eight questions. Here are the answers from Ron Woolf. Also, view a video of Woolf at http://blip.tv/file/4178032.

1. What prompted you to run?

I decided to run for several reasons. First of all, many people in the community asked me to run. I was also asked to run in the previous board election but refused because I felt that I could not work with the person who was Superintendent at that time. Next, I want to give back to the students and the community because of all the wonderful experiences I had during my 34 years in education both as a teacher and administrator. I feel that I am very qualified with my background in curriculum, being a mentor teacher, developing school budgets, serving as adult school principal, and completing the Association of California School Administrators Superintendents Academy. Also, I am running because I am a critical thinker and I believe I will have a unifying effect on the board. I am very impressed with the present Superintendent. My meetings with Dr. Smith proved to be most gratifying and sealed my decision to run.

1. 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?

If the budget deficit is $12 million in 2012, it would be catastrophic. Since about 87% of the budget comes salaries and benefits, this is the area that would needed be examined very closely.

1. We should continue to offer a golden handshake to those teachers who might want to retire resulting in savings by hiring new teachers or those with much less experience. Also, we should do a golden handshake program for the classified employees.

2. We should look closely at reducing the school year for students or cutting back on in service days. This would have the same effect as furlough days resulting in fewer days working and less salaries and benefits. I would support this for all employee groups including management. This would be one of my least favorite ideas.

3. We need to look into forming a community advocacy organization such as those in Cupertino, Evergreen, Fremont, and other areas. Basically these groups would solicit funds to avoid cutbacks in all areas of the budget. With state cutbacks, this is becoming a very popular alternative.

4. We would need to look at the class sizes in K-3 and possibly 4-6. The class sizes are already way too large in grades 7-12. Increasing class sizes in K-6 would result in less teachers and savings in salaries and benefits.

5. We should examine closely the other 13% of the budget to see if there are any other areas where savings may occur. We might have to increase the transportation fees for students since this is a very costly item.

6. We need to look at our management structure at the District Office as compared to other districts the size of Morgan Hill U.S.D. to see if we are in line or over staffed.

7. What three priorities would you like to accomplish while on the board?

8. We need to keep the district fiscally sound with the resources that are available.

9. We need to develop interventions to meet the needs of our underperforming students.

10. We need to close the achievement gap by: providing safe campuses, supporting the wellness of students, providing instructional opportunities beyond the school day and year, and providing meaningful professional development and mentoring for the instructional staff.

11. How will you pay for any programs or services you want to retain or add?

12. Apply for all grants that may be available for additional monies from the government or corporations.

13. As mentioned, form a district wide advocacy group to raise funds.

14. This would not be my favorite, but we might have to consider a parcel tax. However, this would require a total effort with a very thorough explanation as to where each dollar would be spent to save but not add programs.

15. We would have to look to home and school clubs to support added programs at school sites.

16. What are your ideas to close the achievement gap?

17. Lets have a very through process to make sure that students are properly placed in the right academic classrooms with the effective teachers. Also, let’s identify those students who need the most help and be sure that we are providing for their needs.

18. We need to have after school Homework Clubs or Academies that meet two or three times a week for our students with the most academic needs.

19. We also need to consider Saturday morning programs for students to receive additional help with studies. This support could come from community volunteers

20. We must implement high quality health, nutrition, mental health, and other support services.

21. We must provide safe communities.

22. We should examine and expand preschool programs.

23. We should have ongoing professional development and mentoring for teachers.

24. We should have effective teachers, resources, instructional materials, and additional time for our English Language Learners.

25. Explain your understanding of the school board’s role?

The board has many roles which include: setting a long term vision for the district, being responsible for maintaining an efficient structure of district operations, evaluating the Superintendent, providing leadership, being accountable to the community, working collaboratively to set goals and policies, and being fiscally responsible while prioritizing needs.

1. What are the top challenges facing the district?

Without a doubt, the first challenge will be to keep the district fiscally sound. Also, we will need to be sure that site management is providing leadership to their staffs. We must continue to keep up and improve state test scores as well as high graduation rates. We must be sure that collaboration on all levels is a top priority both inside and outside of the classroom. We must follow outside research and local data to select the best interventions for our students’ needs and wants.

1. 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?

2. First of all, students in all races must feel that they are a part of the total picture at Live Oak and at all schools in the district. They must be involved in extra curricular activities including clubs and athletics.

3. Most high schools have at least one or two multi-cultural days that promote programs for students in the form of assemblies, noontime programs, and food courts.

4. There should be a Principal’s Student Advisory group that would meet regularly to provide suggestions for improving race relations and give input for the multi-cultural days.

5. Policy revisions should include: The Principal needs to be aware that blanket rules such as those involving no wearing of T-shirts with flags of any country are to be cleared by the District Office.

Students should be made aware that any clothes that are obscene or will disrupt the educational process will not be allowed. Students should also be aware that if they walk off the school campus without permission that they are subject to suspension. Additionally, I believe that lessons on the history of various cultural holidays would help all students understand more about these holidays.

Finally, administrators should be advised that decisions involving patriotism or religion are very touchy subjects and that again these decisions are to be made in agreement with the District Office.