Political Philosophy for Bill B. Riddlesprigger

Candidate for
Governing Board Member; Fresno Unified School District; Trustee Area 1

I support the Basics for the 21st Century

Everyone knows the next century will not be like the last, and that the tools which worked in the 1900's will not work in the year 2000 and beyond. We need school board members who support preparing kids for college or career, and who know that the basics of yesteryear are just not the same basics for today. That's why it's important that we elect a board which promotes "Basics for the 21st Century." We need a school board which will build upon the fundmental reading, writing and arithmetic skils and incorporate them with skills for the future, such as computer skills, and technological and vocational training. These will help our kids succeed--whether in college or career.

Parent/Teacher Partnerships

Our schools need to do a better job. We're on the right track by increasing accountability and discipline, encouraging more parental involvement, and moving our curriculum to teach students the basic skills they need to successfully compete in the 21st Century. But what we need most is more input from teachers and parents, not school boards and administrators. We need to recruit and retain the best teachers, not see them drawn away to school districts that offer higher pay and better working conditions. Teachers are on the front lines of education, working with today's challenges while preparing our kids for tomorrow's opportunities. They, in partnership with parents, should have the influence they need over school decisions, including spending, curriculum, standards, and discipline.

School Safety

To meet the challenges of the next generation, our students have to be prepared. That means we have to create a teaching environment where healthy, well-fed kids can learn safely, where there is zero tolerance of drugs and violence and where teachers are supported to do what they do best--teach. It means teaching kids values for LIFE and encouraging them to take responsiblity for themselves. It means giving schools the tools they need to remove obstacles to student achievment. It means supporting prevention programs to keep kids off drugs, to stay away from gangs and violence. We need to incorporate a traditional approach to phonics, spelling, and math, but also build on that foundation and promote an integrated approach that stresses problem solving, critical thinking, an emphasis on literature, and hands-on math applications to the real world.