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 Finances, Instruction, The Future

Click on a name for candidate information.   See also more information about this contest.

Answer from Yvonne Cook:

Oak Grove School District has a 5-year business plan (which covers all areas of operation) that sets priorities for staff and spending. That, along with the yearly adopted budget, monthly budget reports, regular reports on bond and parcel tax monies and fiscal audits, ensure that monies are being spent wisely and fairly. Through the 5-year plan, sound fiscal management with balanced budgets emphasize the unique students' educational needs. Through the plan, monies are directed to programs which will ensure that every child's potential is achieved.

The community has a stake in all of this through public meetings of the board, the District Advisory Committee, giving input to the 5-year plan through various community/parent groups, the State of the District forum, the district newsletter, contact with key communicators, just to name a few.

Answer from Yvonne Cook:

Yes, Oak Grove Schools address the educational needs of all children as reflected in the District's test scores. One of the strengths of the district is the diverse students which it serves. Student achievement is the primary focus of the district. Since the State's accountability system was initiated in 1999, schools continue to see test results increase in all tested subgroups.

The district has met or exceeded all the State Annual Performance Index (API) targets. The district has met or exceed schoolwide Adequate Yearly Progress(AYP).

Sixteen schools have received California Distinguished School Awards, including all three intermediate schools.

The student completion success rate for algebra and geometry is among the highest in the county and state.

In recognition of Oak Grove's success in addressing the diverse need of students, the district was the recepient of the 2005 Achievement Award by Applied Materials.

Answer from Yvonne Cook:

Five years from now I want the District to still have clean, safe schools with zero tolerance for drugs, weapons and bullying. I want the District to still have sound fiscal management with balanced budgets which emphasize students' educational needs while being more efficient in the use of resources and being responsible in managing bond and parcel tax monies.

With clean, safe environments and fiscal responsibility, the District can continue it's main focus on student achievement.

In five years, the District will still be meeting AYP targets for all subgroups and meeting API targets as well.

In five years, at least 90 percent of students enrolling in kindergarten in OGSD will be at proficient and above in language arts by the end of third grade. At least 90 percent of the students enrolling in kindergarten will be at proficient and above in math by the end of third grade.

In five years, at least 90 percent of students enrolling in second grade will be at proficient or above in language arts by the end of sixth grade. At least 90 percent of these students will be at proficient or above in math by the end of sixth grade.

In five years, at least 90 percent of students enrolling by second grade will be at proficient or above by the end of eighth grade in language arts and algebra.

The District will continue to have extended-day kindergarten (one of two districts in the county), class size reduction in grades K-3, visual and performing arts curriculum and intermediate school counseling and after school sports. Hopefully, there will be an expanded science curriculum and other enhancements to improve the educational experience for all students.

I believe the District is already taking steps to get there. One of the most powerful tools that the District has is the Five-Year Plan which focuses all district resourses, monies and staff on achieving such goals. This plan includes such things as closing the achievement gap, staff training, parent involvement, using test scores to target under-performing students, maintain positive employee relations, and recruitment and retention of highly qualified staff.

Sound fiscal management will also further the goals for the future. This means continued balanced budgets, dealing with energy and benefit costs increases, addressing the inconsistencies of state revenue, responsible management of bond and parcel tax monies and efficient use of resources.

All of these things can only be accomplished with a competent board of trustees which focuses on governance roles and responsibilities, allowing the superintendent and staff to carry out the educating of children.

The order of the candidates is random and changes daily. Candidates who did not respond are not listed on this page.