League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Santa Clara County, CA November 8, 2005 Election
	Julia E. (Fox) Miller Answers Questions Candidate for Board Member; Foothill-De Anza Community College District

Questions & Answers

1. Given the fact that budgetary restraints will continue, what programs do you support and what programs would you cut and why? Please be specific.

The quality of core instructional programs must be maintained along with the infrastructure that support these courses. All programs should be reviewed on a case by case basis before cuts could be recommended; after that review I would look at the least utilized non-core academic classes.

2. What do you see as the role of the Board in labor negotiations?

As a Sunnyvale City Council member I am very familiar with the role of a governing board in the labor negotiation process. The law places limitations on the degree to which the Board can become involved. My experience has shown that when the governing board has full and open communication with the unions involved, negotiations are most likely to proceed smoothly. I would be receptive to meeting with union members and their leadership at any time.

3. To which constituencies and by what process should the Board evaluate the performance of the colleges?

The Board gets input from many sources, the Academic Senate, outside auditors and the accrediting agency. Open board meetings also provide a forum for students and the general public to present information. The Board needs to assess all the information available and report to the public through the press and with our own newsletter. Board findings should be communicated to the faculty, staff, and students on a regular basis to make our colleges the best they can be.