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The questions were prepared by the Leagues of Women Voters of Santa Clara County and asked of all candidates for this office.
See below for questions on
Experience,
Special Education,
Charter Schools
Click on a name for candidate information. See also more information about this contest.
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1. What experience and training would you bring to this office?
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Answer from Jane Howard:
Having been appointed to the County Board of Education in May 2005, I have the practical experience which is invaluable in serving as a contributing member of this board. My service as a board trustee on the Gilroy Unified School District Board of Trustees provides me with the background and understanding of the role of a board member and also a working knowledge of the educational system in this state. In addition, I believe my experience as a business owner brings a level of accountability I bring to this board in decision making. Finally, the broad based community activities I am involved in offer a network of opportunities to bring others from outside the education field to partner with and support educational programs.
Answer from Esau Herrera:
I have served as a trustee in both a high school district and elementary school district. I have served on the California School Boards Association Legislative Policy Committee, reviewing proposed laws that affect schools. I have conducted training sessions for school superintendents and trustees. I have served as a volunteer attorney for the California 6th District PTA. I have served as a legal advisor to school board members. I know how our public school system should work. "Average" is not good enough for me.
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2. What changes, if any, would you recommend in the County's special education programs?
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Answer from Esau Herrera:
Students with special needs are as deserving of a quality education as any other student. The challenge for the county is to support and/or provide that education for special needs students while also providing value to our taxpayers.
Answer from Jane Howard:
I support working closely with local districts to identify programs that will reduce encroachment of general fund dollars. I encourage local districts to utilize the special education programs provided by the well-trained staff at the County Office of Education. In addition, I support pursuing grants from the state and federal government to provide additional funding of services for students with special needs.
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3. What should be the role of the County Board of Education with regard to charter schools?
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Answer from Jane Howard:
The role of the County Board of Education according to California Education Code is to review charter school petitions and approve the creation of them when it is determined the nine criteria detailed in the law are met. I am very supportive of charter schools in that they offer an alterntive for parents in choosing a school which best meets the needs of their children. The County Board of Education's role is also to monitor existing schools to ensure learning is occurring and the criteria continue to be met.
Answer from John S. Leyba:
It already has a role as an approver of county-wide charter schools. I believe that the County Board should position itself as a leader and provide a framework for charter schools, to make it easier for communities to establish charter schools and to help them to design schools more likely to make it through the approval process.
Answer from Esau Herrera:
I support charter schools. The County Board of Education should apply the law of our state to charter school petitions, which laws create presumptions in favor of charter schools. Financial oversight of charter schools, and support of such schools, should remain strong.
Responses to questions asked of each candidate
are reproduced as submitted to the League.
Candidates' responses are not edited or corrected by the League.
The order of the candidates is random and changes daily. Candidates who did not respond are not listed on this page.
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League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
