Orinda Union School Board Issues and Challenges

By Glenn W. Alper, MD

These questions were asked by the Contra Costa Times. The resposes below were delivered to the Times and should be published in their election issue.

I want to keep the positive direction set by the current school board going strong. As an Orinda dad with three children in Orinda elementary and intermediate schools, I want to make our schools as good as they can possibly be and use whatever means available to our district to make continuous improvements as directed through the OUSD Strategic Plan. I have prior board experience as well as business management skills. I have helped out over the years in my own children's schools and want to contribute on a larger scale. I feel that my leadership and financial abilities will be valuable and allow me to work well with other school board members on the man important issues that currently face our school district.

2. What are the top three challenges that the district will face in the coming term?

I believe that the three greatest challenges to the Orinda Union School District will be to provide continued educational excellence in the face of fiscal constraints, keep the best teachers in our district and continue to improve an educational program that is already at a very high level. Our schools are superb and we must make sure that we maintain their financial health by getting as much state funding as possible. We are fortunate in Orinda to enjoy ongoing local support for schools that provides over 30% of the OUSD budget. While we appeal to the state for better funding, this wonderful community spirit must continue to be fostered so that we can offer the educational programs that make Orinda schools special. In addition, there is no way to underestimate the role of great teachers. We need to do whatever it takes to keep teachers in Orinda as well as attract new teachers to the district. Finally, it is hard to stay on top in terms of educational quality. The fact that Orinda schools have continually raised the bar means that leadership must continue to strive for new improvements to an already excellent educational program. If we can meet these challenges, our schools will continue to be among the best in the state.

3. What should be the priorities of the board when balancing the budget? Please explain.

The top priority of the board must always be the best education possible for our children. We need to get as much funding from the state as possible, supplement that by raising money privately, then ensure that as many dollars as possible go directly into the classroom. There are many fixed expenses and programs that must be funded as mandated by the state, leaving little room for flexibility. When making a budget, the board must consider cost containment yet be able to deliver a top quality educational product. A balanced budget is necessary but it should not come at the expense of our students.

4. What are your thoughts about refurbishing schools and school facilities?

I believe that our school facilities have been improved over the last few years and that the top spending priority should be in the classroom. Though most Orinda schools were built in the 1950's, the OUSD has worked hard to match and maximize limited state funds available for refurbishments to upgrade and update our community school buildings. These funds, which are designated specifically for renovations, have been put to good use and any additional state funds that become available will be taken advantage of so that refurbishment and basic maintenance continues as needed. While the educational environment is important, I believe that what goes on inside the classroom is more important than what the buildings looks like.

5. How would you propose combating declining enrollment in schools?

I think that the best way to increase enrollment in our schools is to make our schools so outstanding that families choose to move to Orinda because of the quality of our schools. Orinda is indeed fortunate that this is already happening. There is nothing that helps a community thrive more than an excellent school system. Families relocating from within and outside the Bay Area always closely look at the quality of the local school system. Keeping Orinda schools strong brings new families into the community, keeps school enrollment up and increases property values. This serves the entire community well. We need to maintain excellence in education. If we do that, enrollment will take care of itself.