Dominique Ballante
Dominique Ballante
District: Keppel Union
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.
As I was growing up, my teachers had our class presenting a dance or a song at the yearly School festival. I have been a choir singer, a Mexican dancer, a ballerina, or part of a pageantry display, etc. It was such a great production (and fundraiser) and we all felt so proud to show our skills to our parents. I enjoyed being on stage and performing. I had good rhythm and my teachers always would put me in the front. Music was my thing, I loved to sing and still do.
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 believe in music as a great mean of support for developing English Language and math skills. Music appeals to all children and the words of a song stick to them. I teach many concepts on well-known tunes and it helps my students memorize them. Also music helps with focus and logic it organizes the brain.
I believe also that drawing and painting can support creativity. Children enjoy describing something they have drawn with many details supports the development of descriptive writing.
Music can lead to many good careers from composing to performing and all the industry around it.
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 has the capability to influence the curriculum development. It can request the development of an art or a music program at the school. It can have the Superintendent have the teachers insure that the children are exposed to art through field trips, guest speakers or performers and in the daily classroom life in addition to the regular curriculum.
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?
1Support the purchase of curriculum including art
2 Having all staff teaching every facette of the curriculum adding art through museum visits concert attendance Goal 3:Suggest festival/fundraisers to have parents support and cooperation in the development of a performing art curriculum
4 Have performances guest musicians or artists to visit the school
5 Motivate children to come to school through art/music or an artistic endeavor they succeed in
6 Include parents teachers and the community in celebrating special anniversary through arts
7 Have an art center opened and staffed by volunteers artists
8 Suggest drama to be included in PE
Angela Rios
Angela Rios
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.
In elementary school, Ms. Alexander would come into our class with her guitar, and teach us tunes that I can still sing to this day. Unfortunately, my parents were not able to provide my siblings and me with any outside activities, so choir became my haven. I loved being in a group that shared the same common goals and interests. Ms. Alexander displayed a love of the art of music that impacted me in such a way that I will carry it with me forever. I can unequivocally say that choir is the reason I graduated from High School.
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?
One creative idea would be known as, “Parent Chasers”. Every parent has real reasons why they can’t be involved. What if there was a person, a “Parent chaser”, whose job was to help parents get involved. Once the parent is at the meeting, we can give them real tangible information, educate them, and make it fun at the same time, so they want to comeback. As a parent, I understand that these are true needs and desires of our community. I want to help our parents help our children. I believe in the equation: student + teacher+ parent = 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?
I believe that it is the school board member’s job to ensure that students are getting access to a broad range of study. Surveying the students and visiting the schools to find out if the curriculum is nurturing the whole student are initial ways to do this. In addition, board members should collaborate with the feeder schools to assure that transition as seamless as possible.
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 creative idea I have is to partner with our community. Listening, helping, and educating parents and other community members will foster the success of our students. I currently serve on the executive board of Cuerva Urban Folklorico, as well as several other art committees. One way to partner with the community is to include our local cultural artists such as the ones I work with. They would be from all ethnic backgrounds, including the predominant Asian and Latino community. Our students gain new experiences through new cultures, and the artists would gain by giving back to their community.
Lupe Valerio
Lupe Valerio
District: Duarte 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.
One of the most meaningful and memorable experiences with art occurred when I was in grade school. I recall being taught how to country line dance. Keep in mind that I attended LA Unified and the only other form of dance instruction I received in school was in preparation for the 5 de mayo celebration. Learning about a different culture through dance was an experience that opened my eyes to the world around 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?
I am a firm believer in reading as a young child I recall spending hours in the library. I would walk to the library every Saturday morning with a friend, watch their free short movie, explore the new books and check books out for at-home reading. I’d like to see more of our kids visiting our libraries. I believe a simple thing like reading develops language and prepares students for college and career because it allows for exploration of the world around us through books. I would like to see greater partnerships between schools and libraries.
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?
School Board members must be adaptable and must know their students, parents and community. The governing board must be able to change with technology, environment and culture. Having a broad range of study available for students of all abilities is imperative for the future success of the child.
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?
1. High quality teachers, passionate teachers equipped with necessary materials including well established safety and emergency plans. 2. Administrator accountability; ensuring that all academic standards are met. 3. Various avenues available for parent input and volunteerism. 4. Early college introduction at grade school level and parent encouragement. 5. Student attendance is addressed in positive manners, whether frequently absent or always present. 6. Assuring that arts and physical education are enjoyable to all students.
Terry L. Ragins
Terry L. Ragins
District: Torrance 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.
Always loved art and choral singing throughout school…was singled out for solos and trio work with elementary school choir I could sing Received a guitar for a gift from my parents and taught myself to play a little but mostly to accompany my own singing of my favorite songs Pursued drama in high school musicals mostly with Aunt Eller in Oklahoma being my penultimate role I have since been enthralled with musical stage productions introducing my own two sons to the wonders of live stage…performance AND audience appreciation on Broadway and London West End are always on tap when visiting
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?
Creative endeavors are an avenue for students to develop a sense of self confidence affirm their own power to create beauty and be recognized for it Especially drama with many nonverbal aspects is a great place for ELD students to jump in and then progress to integrate MEANINGFUL language and dialogue in performance We have preserved a Fine Arts requirement for High School graduation that I support and will try to preserve this Taught Adventures in Art in Middle Schools that promotes knowledge of artists and gives students the opportunity to explore various artistic techniques and media and experiences
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?
School Board’s job IS to set policy and direction for the school district. Access to a broad range of study has been an emphasis of mine…we have preserved our band and choral music offerings as we also increased AP course offerings, and our drastically bumped up STEM offerings. Several schools now offer engineering pathways through grant funded Project Lead The Way. I also serve as a Board member for Southern California Regional Occupational Center a resource for Career and Technical Educational classes and experiences in an amazingly broad range…including career preparation and certification in building and health related/personal care trades.
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?
WE are in a process of rebuilding student programs after our staffing and financial resources were decimated in the Great Depression Rather than wholesale resumption of all previous programs we are starting from scratch Each individual program is being evaluated for its efficacy and efficiency as we consider the costs and best mechanisms for providing services to our students that apply to all areas This is a highly collaborative process involving students staff administration and community members WE are currently seeking input from our community about priority expenditures to utilize our one-time mandate reimbursement that came to schools this year.
Anne Allaire Burke
Anne Allaire Burke
District: Culver City 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.
As a little girl and a young woman I always loved music. I am the oldest of 9 children and I participated in all of the FREE music opportunities through my church. When I was 11 I begged my father for piano lessons and I took piano lessons for 2 years. Unfortunately after 2 years of lessons my father told me that we couldn’t afford to continue the lessons. I’ve never given up on music; today, I sing with the Angel City Chorale. But, the idea of a child not affording art/music instruction is not OK with 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?
Establish *Career Path Academies* in the areas of building trades, science/technology, & leadership/public service. Success looks differently for every individual. We need to emphasize this in our schools and our students. I believe that we have forgotten about the art of mentorship/apprenticeship in our schools. The Career Path Academies wants to bring back mentorship and apprenticeship opportunities for students. Parent engagement is important; but studies show that when there are adults who demonstrate a real investment/relationship in our students (even just 1!) then the student builds confidence and resilience. Confidence & resilience are key to any successful student outcome.
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?
School board member 1) oversee the development of and adopts policies & 2) set the direction for and adopts the curriculum in the district. An effective school board member approaches this from a WIDE LENS that looks at ALL types of curriculum and instruction. Math, science, and language arts are essential but I know it is critical to supplement with other areas of creativity & learning. I strongly believe we educate the creativity OUT of students. Creativity and education should not be mutually exclusive. There are ways to meet our growing list of standards with non-traditional curriculum and project-based learning.
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?
The 8 priorities can be summarized in 3 general categories: conditions of learning, pupil outcomes, and engagement. We have a $106million Bond that I helped to pass in Culver City. I will ensure that we update our facilities to create a physical space that meets the demands of 21st century (and beyond!) learning. I will work to create spaces that not only fix the core safety/health essentials but also promote thinking and discussion. If we want out-of-the-box thinking then we need out-of-the-box infrastructure – such as open “think box” areas on campus for students not just traditional classrooms.
Scott McVarish
Scott McVarish
District: Culver City 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.
In high school I had the great pleasure of being part of the performing arts troupe. I was in both the play and the musical. But the real special event was the improv team that I took part of. We competed in competitions throughout L.A. and much to my shock I actually received a little bit of an award at one of them. To this day it’s probably my favorite memory from high school. Now I am so happy to see my daughter wanting to get involved in the middle school improv group. I swear I didn’t push her. (-:
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?
We know that arts programs are instrumental in closing the achievement gap. As a former English as a Second Language instructor, I found that pairing my students with native English speakers perhaps gave them the greatest motive to learn English. I would propose that English learners be given a native English buddy to assist them in their learning path. We also need to build in English-language components into programs tied to those students’ cultural backgrounds & life experiences. This would include music and dance and visual art from their native countries.
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?
It’s a matter of prioritizing the budget To provide greater options for our students– even when this means smaller class sizes in some subject areas– and tying that in with the Local Control Accountability Plan. Likewise, we must reach out to the artists in our community who have ties to the vibrant and diverse community art groups in Los Angeles. Our local artists can help bring These organizations into the schools and provide inside and outside of school learning experiences for our students.
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?
Parents will come to campus and engage with staff whenever their children are performing. In this way performing arts brings our diverse parent community together. Likewise as our district is about to embark upon $106 million of renovations we have the opportunity to focus on creating classrooms designed with the best science of learning. Pupil outcomes will also be improved as we are able to engage parents in their own language based on their cultural norms. Finally student outcomes are better when students are happy. Arts make students happy.
Linda Boyd
Linda Boyd
District: Glendora 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.
My family was very musical and I was gifted with natural harmonic ability. I also played piano and violin but my love was for singing. I sang duets with my sister at school events, in plays, at church and public events where we were invited to sing. Being invited to sing with a large reputable youth choir was the thrill of a lifetime that I will cherish forever. In addition to music I have a strong appreciation for great art and visit museums and exhibits when traveling. I see that my children have these same opportunities and use them.
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?
The achievement gap can be closed by believing in the learning ability of all students, holding them all to high standards, and providing additional resources to that end. The new state funding formula focuses additional funding on ELL and minority students to improve their performance. I support vocational career training in addition to preparation for college. Many students want to begin their career after high school. We should support and develop training options transitioning students into careers as electricians, auto mechanics, government, or other meaningful and socially useful employment. We should help them make good choices in jobs and 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?
It is critical that the School Board design the curriculum to ensure that students at all levels are given opportunities to participate in the arts. Budgets should include allowances for all areas of music and art to be offered and taught to students. The School Board should also offer opportunities for public performance as part of this curriculum and budget for this as well. It should be recognized that arts/music programs are important to each child’s education. As a school board Member, I will advocate for and encourage involvement with the arts as an essential component of a good education.
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?
The LCFF provides additional funding for ELLs, low income and foster youth. Those funds should be used for teaching resources directed squarely at those groups as required by the LCAP. One creative way to stimulate these students is though interaction with the arts. All children have some form of artistic ability and the arts are an alternative way to reach these kids and improve their academic performance. By integrating the performing and visual arts into the enriched educational curriculum funded by concentration grants in LCFF and woven into the LCAP for these target groups, we improve their lives/performance.
Georgia Halliman
Georgia Hallimn
District: Keppel Union
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 having art in High School. I remember learning how to draw a picture then paint it. 40 years later I still have that picture. We did papier-mache I made a viking ship Because of my joy in art class throughout my years I have enjoyed working with many crafts with family and friends. I was fortunate to have seen my daughter to receive some art in elementary school. At 17 now in High School she has become an okay artist. Only if our elementary schools could do more how better our children could be before High School.
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?
Because of the Common Core now being implemented in our schools. Teachers have the ability to use different forms of art to help our student to visualize their lessons. Thee are so many ways teachers can have students look at pictures, draw pictures, build object , create from their imaginations. All of these can help students with their academics and get them ready for future careers.
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 students start out out in elementary school they don’t know what field of careers they won’t to go into. If starting out in elementary school giving a students the opportunity to experience different programs such as academics, sports, art, science, music. Our children can have a chance to see and find something that excites them. Helps them to wont to stay in school, to learn about the world. Not just their back yard. As a board member I can help to give this excitement to our students.
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?
Talking to our students, parents, staff and our community members. Finding out what is important to them. Then bring all this back to the board to discuss the importance of what everyone wants to help better our children’s education. then to hold fast to what everyone wants. With the board members we can prioritizes and set about making those things happen.
Diana Padilla
Diana Padilla
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.
I remember growing up in Wilmington, CA. My elementary school offered several drama and dance classes that took us to competitions. I participated in all and enjoyed being part of something fun were I can express myself and feel included.
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?
Well, in my current course of studying of child development I have come to know that in order to meaningfully educate a child we must embrace and fullfil basic needs of developmental areas. Children must be supported in a safe, nourtouring and loving environment so they can learn. Staff and parents must work together to bring peace in our schools through extra curricular activities, art, drama, sports, music, and enthusiastic motivating classes for all its school community. Only when we all work towards a same goal is when we will achieve high expectations for all our children.
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?
I believe the role of a school board is to ensure the school system is in compliance with state laws, that the dollars are spend on the classrooms and that ethical procedures are being followed by all its stakeholders. The board must be willing to volunteer with passion and dedication to help other and specially the children of the district they have pledged to serve. This body should be bringing resources to its campuses so that our children have the opportunities to compete in this 21st century. Our kids have a dream!
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?
All of the 8 areas this formula targets are geared towards supporting the student. It is a vision of success that was written from the principles of child development. Our kids are not successful because the current system has fallen into a careless mind. Starting with the proper assigned teachers who are well supported in the class to implement meaningful educational context and delivery. Parental involvement to continue the rigors into their homes to keep our children engaged. Bring a safe environment that will allow our children to digest knowledge and boost student outcome.
Kelly Kent
Kelly Kent
District: Culver City 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.
I played 1st flute for the Friends Seminary Chamber Players, and performed in a number of school wide events. Practicing and performing marked my high school years, and in particular I remember the pride I felt at my progress and improving skill level. My persistence and effort culminated in the performance of a flute duet at my high school graduation where parents and peers alike expressed joy and support for my success. I know that without this experience, I would have been less motivated to succeed in school and certainly would have been less disciplined as a student.
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?
One of the biggest barriers to improved achievement outcomes is student engagement. Art has been shown to enhance student engagement by connecting children more deeply to the world around them. This along with the unique skill sets afforded to children exposed to the arts explains why art instruction has also been shown to narrow the achievement gap. As project-driven work corresponds to Common Core standards, enhances student motivation and is an excellent means of incorporating art into all academic content there is a significant need to rank arts education as among the highest of student outcome driven priorities.
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?
Reinvigorating the arts in schools takes leadership and partnership. If a school board favors the most progressive vision for education that research-based best practices will allow, the educational services department will take on the mandate to implement the latest in innovative instructional pedagogies. As arts education has been shown to broaden the course of study, enhance pupil outcomes and strengthen school climate, it is the imperative of any forward-thinking board of education to push through higher standards for arts education. Additionally, as a city parks commissioner, I am well poised to nurture collaboration with the city for cultural resources.
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 number of districts in California are designing LCAPs to support arts as a means of improving student outcomes. CCUSD’s current LCAP does allocate for increased arts spending in the next 3-year period, but teacher training is not included in this projection. I am interested in having the district include in its increased support of arts a significant teacher-training component, where teachers receive professional development in the arts specifically to support the needs of socioeconomically disadvantaged students and English language learners, populations that are currently suffering from a lower graduation rate.
