By Alan Elmont
Please join me on Tuesday in casting a vote for Kathy Paspalis, Sue Robins, Dr. Steve Levin to serve on our School Board.
Ms. Paspalis might be the best prepared School Board member I have seen over the years. Not only does she come versed in the materials before her, she actively researches with stakeholders in advance. No wallflower, Ms. Paspalis balances the need for information, input and research with the need for action.
Above all, she measures her decisions first by what will benefit the students – not from political pressures.
Ms. Robins bitterly opposed my candidacy a few years back. Yet I support her candidacy because she is smart, hard-working and comes with a very balanced portfolio. As an active parent volunteer, Middle School science teacher, businesswoman developing business training and Chamber of Commerce member leading their school support committee, Ms. Robins is beholden to no one but her conscience, with a child-centered focus.
Dr. Levin has to be one of the most levelheaded, brilliant people I know. Always with an eye towards what can be done to improve educating children, I have seen him craft solutions with divergent forces in ways that Congress and Sacramento should take lessons.
Dr. Levin is the person who will keep above the fray with his vision, even when all parties have run amok. Sometimes it does take a rocket scientist for our Board. I believe he will design a great future for our schools.
Our School Board does not design curriculums nor create state policies. Primarily our Board sets the direction for the superintendent to implement and serve as steward of the school budget. Decisions must be made on how to spend money vs. how to cut expenses moving forward.
Do we invest in technology and teacher training?
Do we restore lost positions reducing class sizes to what they were or increase pay beyond the five-year pay increase plan in place?
Do we upgrade our facilities to 21st century standards or delay until costs are prohibitive?
Will these decisions be based upon political whim or children-centered?
Mr. Elmont may be contacted at aelmont@ca.rr.com
