San Marcos Unified School DistrictCandidate for Trustee

More local control

Problems are best solved locally; close to the problem where nearby resources can be utilized most efficiently. Too often state and federal control slows the process and forces a “one-size fits all” solution that produces inferior results and a more costly solution. I believe local administrations along with the accumulated knowledge of the teaching staff, produces better results. That is why I am opposed to the Common Core curriculum that has not be independently tested, but imposed by politicians without using the knowledge of education professionals. Teachers are forced to use unproven and antiquated methods in math and English for grades K-12, so teachers are unable use their years of experience to generate better results for their students.

 Higher quality education

As in all products and services that we purchase, competition is what produces better results at a lower cost. This is also true with education. Allowing parents and students to take their tax dollars to whatever accredited institution that they feel will produce the best results, will benefit all students. The lower performing schools will be motivated to improve the quality of education they offer and the better performing schools will also be motivated to increase their quality to keep their current students. All components of education win. Students receive a better education, parents become more actively involved in the decision and taxpayers can pay less for a better education experience.

More efficient use of tax dollars

We all want to produce the best education results with the limited resources the district has. Tight economic times require us to do more with less. This is also true with education. By implementing the use of competition with a parent/student voucher system or school choice, with foster a better service at a lower cost. By utilizing local control, resources can be used faster and more innovation solutions can be used that will also reduce costs. Allowing local schools to purchase products and services that better meet their needs without having to use contracts agreed to by state or county boards, will further provide more flexibility and often at lower prices. Providing more freedom to teachers will allow them to use what they know works based on their firsthand knowledge, which will improve results and lower costs.

More freedom for teachers

Teachers want the best for their students and spend many years learning what works and what does not. Unfortunately they are often restricted in using that knowledge to better the lives of their students. They are often forced to join a union in order get or keep their current position. I believe teachers should be free to choose if they want to be affiliated with a union and only be accountable to doing what is best for their students. The Bill of Rights guarantees freedom of speech and right to assembly which should also be allowed for teachers and their administration.