Re “A Vote for… Candidates Make the Choice Difficult by What They Claim”
Thank you Joseph Israel for your comments.
You make a good point.
Having attended School Board meetings, you might have noticed my involvement is often collaborative, particularly but not exclusively, with the Community Budget Advisory Committee.
Over the years, many of the suggestions I put forth had to do with appropriate wording on Board policies or questions that led to deeper discussion of material put forth by the District staff before decisions were made.
I have endeavored to work as a partner from the community, not merely as an antagonist. To some, this might sound arcane. But the role of the Board is to set policy. If it is not properly written, poor policy results.
Additionally, my input, along with others, as mine has been but one voice among many, accomplished:
Formation of the Bullying Task Force.
Various recommendations put forth as a member of CBAC including
Adoption of a plan to reduce student absences
Increasing the reserve fund when a one-time workers comp rebate occurred
Establishing a fund for the “unfunded” retirement benefits
Both of these funds are now depleted, but they played a significant role in reducing the number of people laid off because of the budget cuts
Establishing the priorities for budget cuts keeping as many teachers, aides and programs including music, arts and athletics.
Decisions not to use one-time money to fund on-going expenses
Being a member of the School Board is a collaborative effort.
No one School Board member is responsible for anything unless two others choose to vote with them.
In similar fashion, I do not seek self aggrandizement over accomplishments, but a collaborative effort on behalf of the community to advance our schools and the education our students achieve.
Thank you, Mr. Israel.
Please say hi to me this coming Tuesday at the next School Board meeting.
Mr. Elmont, a canmdidate for the School Board in the Nov. 3 election, may be contacted at Aelmont@ca.rr.com
