League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Santa Clara County, CA November 8, 2005 Election
	Susan McGhie Answers Questions Candidate for Board Member; Cupertino Union School District

Questions & Answers

1. In the light of the League's long-term commitment to education, we are concerned about funding schools adequately and equitably in a climate of "no new taxes". How can you assure voters that the schools are using state funds wisely and fairly, and that requests for additional funding are the result of true need rather than waste or frivolity?

I will do my best to make sure that we get our fair share of state education funds. Cupertino Union School District is the lowest funded district in Santa Clara County. I will also do all I can to make sure every extra penny that we have goes to the classroom and to our students. I will look for and find any waste and do what I can to return the found monies to the classrooms.

I am disappointed in the process used this year during a school board meeting where a large pay raise was given to two administrators (over $30,000 in salary and perks). See http://www.svcn.com/archives/cupertinocourier/20050601/cu-coverstrip.shtml

The superintendent has received excessive raises and shifts in his salary over time. Please see: http://www.community-newspapers.com/archives/cupertinocourier/20030507/cu-coverstrip.shtml

We need to be more aware of how it looks to parents and teachers when these kind of pay raises continue to happen. We have a great school district and we want to keep it that way, but we can do better!

Let's get the money into our classrooms!