Jill McGrady

District: Antelope Valley Joint Union High
Position Seeking: Governing Board Member

Question 1: Please share a meaningful experience you had with art (visual, dance, drama, music, media arts) while growing up.

I am happy to say I participated in marching band, orchestra, choir, and drama while I was in high school The arts gave me an opportunity to discover my creative side and gave me immediate friends who accepted me. Also, I accompanied vocal and instrumental soloists at competitions. The arts were a big part of my growing up years. I am still involved in directing and acting in our community theatre, and i sit on the governing board for Cedar Street Theatre.

Question 2: What kind of creative solutions would you suggest to support student outcomes such as English language development, closing the achievement gap, and preparation for college and/or meaningful careers?

As a teacher, I enjoyed project based learning, which ties in with Common Core. When we studied Shakespeare in English classes, we performed some scenes, designed costumes, sets, and discovered creative ways of presenting his works. With projects, all students can get involved and learn while having fun. In our district, we offer many opportunities for students: solar cars projects, robotics, health career academies, and general academies that engage students. We are working on a visual and performing arts academy we hope to have running next year. One of our choirs competes and wins international competitions.

Question 3: What do you think should be the role of the School Board in ensuring that students have access to a broad range of study?

As a governing board, we need to be certain we are offering all areas of learning, not simply the nuts and bolts of education. We must be sure the students who are college bound are prepared, and the students who are not, have opportunities for career tech to prepare them for careers. It takes all five of us on the board (or at least 3) to make any decisions, but we can have discussions that can lead to a majority vote. Our students’ futures must be our number one priority.

Question 4: In light of the Local Control Funding Formula and development of district Local Control Accountability Plans (LCAPs), what are your creative solutions for achieving goals in the eight priority areas?

First, be sure we have qualified, credentialed teachers who are implementing Common Core Standards. Be certain all students have access to creative programs. Watch closely as we move in to the new tests, to be certain our students are gaining the knowledge to be successful on those tests and in life. We need to continue to work on graduation rates and dropout rates. Both have improved in our district in the last few years! Know that our funding is tied in to specific accountability areas, much of our spending is directed by our community forum questionnaires.

Henry Lo

District: Garvey
Position Seeking: Governing Board Member

Question 1: Please share a meaningful experience you had with art (visual, dance, drama, music, media arts) while growing up.

I remember the meaningful impact music education had on me when I was in elementary school. It was fun and useful in learning self expression.

Question 2: What kind of creative solutions would you suggest to support student outcomes such as English language development, closing the achievement gap, and preparation for college and/or meaningful careers?

Promotion of art and music is very helpful to students in developing their proficiency in other subjects, such as math. By being well rounded in all subjects a student will be better prepared to enter college and also be successful in life.

Question 3: What do you think should be the role of the School Board in ensuring that students have access to a broad range of study?

Boardmembers need to be advocates on befalf of students and the community to ensure that all policies and resources are focused on the classroom.

Question 4: In light of the Local Control Funding Formula and development of district Local Control Accountability Plans (LCAPs), what are your creative solutions for achieving goals in the eight priority areas?

Restore programs in music and arts that were scaled back before and focus resources in these subjects. It is importance to give the arts the primacy they deserve as we do with other subjects.

Mathy Wasserman

District: Las Virgenes Unified (Shared w/ Ventura County)
Position Seeking: Governing Board Member

Question 1: Please share a meaningful experience you had with art (visual, dance, drama, music, media arts) while growing up.

The Arts played a significant aspect of my academic and social development. As a child, I took ballet from a very young age well into middle school. In school, I was a rebel and wanted to file a petition so that I could take drums instead of a girl instrument. Later, in high school I participated in the television station and newspaper which were part of the class schedule, not extracurricular.

Question 2: What kind of creative solutions would you suggest to support student outcomes such as English language development, closing the achievement gap, and preparation for college and/or meaningful careers?

Divesifying programs to meet the strengths and serve the weaknesses of students is crucial to provide successful paths for academic and social development. From shared best practices, I believe that ELL can grow, gaps in achievement can be bridged and college and career preparation can be successful.

Question 3: What do you think should be the role of the School Board in ensuring that students have access to a broad range of study?

The role of the Governing Board should be to reflect the community. I believe that finding solutions to each students individual learning need requires innovation, creativity and problem solving. It’s important that students, who learn in different ways, have a pathway that best suits their learning style. For some, that may mean a traditional or honors track, an academy like Calabasas High’s Academy of Mefia Entertainment, an Independent or Home Study option or a hybrid. I am impressed when the A=Arts is added to STEM learning for STEAM The powerful connection between the two realms shouldn’t be ignored.

Question 4: In light of the Local Control Funding Formula and development of district Local Control Accountability Plans (LCAPs), what are your creative solutions for achieving goals in the eight priority areas?

Due to the funding formula for Las Virgenes Unified School District, we sit in the lowest 10% of funding in the state. That requires LVUSD to look for partnership with our citIies, our foundation, our parents and the community. In addition, we look for the availability of grants to fund programs and continue to advocate on behalf of our students regarding state and federal funding.

Gary Mittin

District: Las Virgenes Unified (Shared w/ Ventura County)
Position Seeking: Governing Board Member

Question 1: Please share a meaningful experience you had with art (visual, dance, drama, music, media arts) while growing up.

My wife plays the piano.

Question 2: What kind of creative solutions would you suggest to support student outcomes such as English language development, closing the achievement gap, and preparation for college and/or meaningful careers?

Parent involvement is the key. Every study supports the same conclusion. Where parents get involved in the education of their children, the children score higher on achievement tests.

Change LCFF. Concentrated grants should be given based on the percentage of socio economic disadvantaged students per SCHOOL not the district. Some schools with 55% socio econ disadv students are getting no concentrated grants from the state.

Question 3: What do you think should be the role of the School Board in ensuring that students have access to a broad range of study?

Social skills are more important than academics. Music and sports teach social skills.plus leadership and networking skills. An academic nurd is worthless unless they can communicate and work with other people. I will not vote for a budget that increases class size or cuts the social programs (music and sports).

Question 4: In light of the Local Control Funding Formula and development of district Local Control Accountability Plans (LCAPs), what are your creative solutions for achieving goals in the eight priority areas?

Lobby the state to change concentrated grants. Now the con grants are based on the percentage of socio econ disadv students in each district. Change that to each school. One of our schools has over 85% socio econ disadvant and does not get any concentrated grant money.
Pass a parcel tax.
Get the parents involved.
When parents are involved……….achievement scores rise..

Angela C. Fajardo

District: Lennox
Position Seeking: Governing Board Member

Question 1: Please share a meaningful experience you had with art (visual, dance, drama, music, media arts) while growing up.

Chicano Art has had a deep impact in my life Growing up in East LA the murals of Paul Botello and his brother depict our daily life our values our culture and reaffirms who we are as a people Art has been validating to me and my self identity Other Chicano Artist that have impacted me have been Judy Baca Contemporary Artist like Tito Sturke with prints of Cesar Chavez and Esperanza deeply captures the picture of Cesar and the struggle There are also other Artist like the Muralist of who drew Jaime Escalante on Alvarado and Sixth Street.

Question 2: What kind of creative solutions would you suggest to support student outcomes such as English language development, closing the achievement gap, and preparation for college and/or meaningful careers?

For the future Art Education needs to be in the classroom in every grade. Children need art in the class with trained professionals that would foster the students’ artistic creativity and their self-esteem. The walls of the school should be a mural for every student in the school and it should be revisited to give opportunity for children to express themselves and feel part of the learning community. Art should not only be for affluent communities but should be the hub in urban elementary schools. Then move it to Middle school for fine tuning and high school.

Question 3: What do you think should be the role of the School Board in ensuring that students have access to a broad range of study?

Board members need to make Art part of the strategic priorities of the district and should be part of the learning experience in school. School board should direct superintendent to have Art centers in school where children, parents and the school community can go and create art. Make this part of the budget as well so when funds are short art is not the first thing to go. An educational foundation can be established to raise funds to keep art trained educators in the schools.

Question 4: In light of the Local Control Funding Formula and development of district Local Control Accountability Plans (LCAPs), what are your creative solutions for achieving goals in the eight priority areas?

There can be sample of how other district have used the LCAP to fund Arts program. Effective practices can be shared with district through LACOE and CSBA so boards have models to follow and who to ask in order to implement this programs in the district.

Sean Monemi

District: Walnut Valley Unified
Position Seeking: Governing Board Member

Question 1: Please share a meaningful experience you had with art (visual, dance, drama, music, media arts) while growing up.

I enjoy watching opera and symphony orchestra music and dancing such as Ballet. My daughter has taken Ballet lessons. My son is playing violin and my daughter is playing piano. I love to watch them playing. I watched many Broadway shows and I can appreciate how much time and effort are put together in making such a beautiful art. I enjoy going to the art museum and watch the magnificent painting and sculptures. I believe and promote Science Technology Engineering, Art, and Mathematics (STEAM)

Question 2: What kind of creative solutions would you suggest to support student outcomes such as English language development, closing the achievement gap, and preparation for college and/or meaningful careers?

Student outcomes can be measured thru a proper assessment. Preparation for colleges can be achieved thru awareness, mentoring, tutoring and visitations to colleges are important.
We must close achievement gaps in all areas of performance through multi-disciplinary integrated and cross curriculum. We must provide the highest quality workshop-based professional training programs geared toward 21st century. We must sustain and continue development of a diverse culture of inquiry scholarship and continues improvement of all skills. We must develop and nurture globally aware and divers multi-culturally teachers, staff, parents and students. We must be connected, productive and engaged meaningfully in our communities.

Question 3: What do you think should be the role of the School Board in ensuring that students have access to a broad range of study?

Our mission is to educate each and every child to achieve her or his best potential. This mission can be achieved only in the context of the realities of our society and the world. In the turbulence time of social, economic, technological and geopolitical, the local school board’s responsibility is very challenging. Fortunately my background as an educator (Professor of Engineering), leader, and administrator has prepared me to take on this rewarding responsibility. I have served in different positions at Cal Poly Pomona University Committees involving in major issues and decision making.

Question 4: In light of the Local Control Funding Formula and development of district Local Control Accountability Plans (LCAPs), what are your creative solutions for achieving goals in the eight priority areas?

I will assist in teachers appropriately assigned in their subject area, credentials, facilities are in good condition. I will encourage to comply with the Implementation of the academic content and performance standards adopted by the State. I will promote Parental involvement. I will monitor the Pupil achievement, as measured by state. I will promote engaging Pupils in school attendance. I will be involve in School climate, suspension, expulsion, surveys. I will be involve in pupils have access to and are enrolled in a broad course of study including individuals with exceptional needs. Involve in assessment of the Pupil outcomes.

Barbara J. Calhoun

District: Compton USD
Position Seeking: Governing Board Member

Question 1: Please share a meaningful experience you had with art (visual, dance, drama, music, media arts) while growing up.

From elementary to high school I loved the art of dance and music, more so than the others. I was not good in Art, but I enjoyed the learning experience. I have a passion for dance and drama. I attended plays and musicals. I love music and attending a host of diverse music festivals.

Question 2: What kind of creative solutions would you suggest to support student outcomes such as English language development, closing the achievement gap, and preparation for college and/or meaningful careers?

Experience teacher,learning support staff, learning through play. Start the training in k elementary school for preparation of college and learning other languages not just English and Spanish.

Question 3: What do you think should be the role of the School Board in ensuring that students have access to a broad range of study?

Smaller class sizes, safe schools, clean schools, parent and educator voice, relevant educator training, add more counselors, librarians and more experienced teachers that are equipped with thinking out of the box. Making sure that the teachers have all the necessary tools they need to teach our students.students are able to attend field trips to broading their minds.

Question 4: In light of the Local Control Funding Formula and development of district Local Control Accountability Plans (LCAPs), what are your creative solutions for achieving goals in the eight priority areas?

A quote from CTA President Eric Heins says it all. Its time to stop robbing our kids of the joy of learning. Test preparation is not thinking. We need to allow all students time for exploration, discovery and awe. We need to let them experience the wonder of learning. We need to empower them to find and fulfill their dreams. LCAP will become more meaningful if school districts can concentrate on our highest-priority areas rather than give equal attention to the eight priority areas that the Legislature wrote into the law.

Larry L. Redinger

District: Walnut Valley Unified
Position Seeking: Governing Board Member

Question 1: Please share a meaningful experience you had with art (visual, dance, drama, music, media arts) while growing up.

My family has always been involved in various elements in the visual and performing arts. Being part of the discipline and presentation provided me skills to excel in other areas of my adult life. Marching band, orchestra and media production with my sisters and other family members were elements of my youth that have shaped me.

Question 2: What kind of creative solutions would you suggest to support student outcomes such as English language development, closing the achievement gap, and preparation for college and/or meaningful careers?

1) Class sizes appropriate to the subject.
2) Peer assistance within the various transition classes.
3) Quality environment to learn and study.
4) Role model presence.
5) Teaching staff with opportunities to staff development in career areas related to their subject area credentials.
6) Mini sessions for career learning.

We have fostered elements of the above to enhance success!

Question 3: What do you think should be the role of the School Board in ensuring that students have access to a broad range of study?

Board members need to model what they believe and provide the stewardship for appropriate funding and community support for all of the Arts. Board members need to work with the various schools through the superintendent and district office to provide opportunities for the sites to develop well-rounded art, drama, dance, performance and media programs.
Invitations to professional and other success in those fields to visit our schools and classes have been a significant benefits to our students and teaching staff.

Question 4: In light of the Local Control Funding Formula and development of district Local Control Accountability Plans (LCAPs), what are your creative solutions for achieving goals in the eight priority areas?

WVUSD is a low wealth district as it relates to per student funding and we have a very difficult time making the dollars stretch to meet our needs in most areas Walnut is at the bottom of the list for funding but we have developed a very supportive and generous community base that has provided both leadership and supplemental funding to support the arts We have an extremely dedicated collection of talented and giving certificated and classified staff who go the extra mile with the students and community members to make sure our k-12 students have what they need.

Cheryl Gayfield

District: Lancaster School Trustee Area 1
Position Seeking: Governing Board Member

Question 1: Please share a meaningful experience you had with art (visual, dance, drama, music, media arts) while growing up.

I have had opportunities to participate in many art experiences growing up, I have had the opportunity to participate in culture dances, participate in plays, and create several art pieces in my younger years, one of my favorite activity was the clay hand print activity done in the first grade for Mother’s Day.

Question 2: What kind of creative solutions would you suggest to support student outcomes such as English language development, closing the achievement gap, and preparation for college and/or meaningful careers?

I would encourage more opportunities to create dialogues of writings for plays and other meaningful activities.

Question 3: What do you think should be the role of the School Board in ensuring that students have access to a broad range of study?

Being present in the schools being involved in activities ensure implementations of academic goals.

Question 4: In light of the Local Control Funding Formula and development of district Local Control Accountability Plans (LCAPs), what are your creative solutions for achieving goals in the eight priority areas?

Ensuring that administration, teachers understand the goals and that they are implemented at the different sites and that the funding is supporting the LCAP goals.

Sharon Vega

District: Palmdale
Position Seeking: Governing Board Member

Question 1: Please share a meaningful experience you had with art (visual, dance, drama, music, media arts) while growing up.

In Junior High I reluctantly took ceramics class and before long I looked forward to ceramics. Art had always been stressful and even though I followed directions my art looked like it was done by a 5 year old. In ceramics I followed directions, learned and follow basic design principals and was very successful. My successful experience in ceramics gave me desire and confidence to take additional art type classes like Interior Design , Costume, and Clothing Design.

Question 2: What kind of creative solutions would you suggest to support student outcomes such as English language development, closing the achievement gap, and preparation for college and/or meaningful careers?

Hands on elective/exploratory classes support positive student outcomes for the above groups. Attendance for students in my Home Economics classes was higher than other classes and low achieving students often have attendance issues. In Home Economics we worked on math, reading directions, vocabulary and science in a different format making it easier and more tangible for low achieving and ELD students. Exploratory classes give students the opportunity to explore careers and interests so they can prepare for college or career training.

Question 3: What do you think should be the role of the School Board in ensuring that students have access to a broad range of study?

The School Board needs to make a broad range of study a priority. School Boards may need to think outside the box to make this happen. When I retired in June Home Economics was no longer offered at Cactus Intermediate do to declining student enrollment. My suggestion when I left was to have the Art and Home Economics teachers share schools by splitting days or semester—-this didn’t happened. I am currently teaching after school Home Economics as a volunteer and at this time I have one class and waiting list. AS a School Board member this will be a priority.

Question 4: In light of the Local Control Funding Formula and development of district Local Control Accountability Plans (LCAPs), what are your creative solutions for achieving goals in the eight priority areas?

In order to achieve the LCAP goals all stakeholders need to own the goals. If parents, students, classified staff, administrators and teachers don’t support the plan the goals will be hard to achieve. LCAP is a new way budgeting and prioritize educational activities and we all need to greet it with and open mind.