League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Santa Clara County, CA November 7, 2006 Election
	Don Mackenzie Answers Questions Candidate for Board Member; Fremont Union High School District

The questions were prepared by the Leagues of Women Voters of Santa Clara County and asked of all candidates for this office.
Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

Questions & Answers

1. How would you determine that the schools are using federal, state and local funds wisely and fairly and how would you report your findings to the community?

I have formal training in finance, have worked as an auditor, and have built and installed financial accounting systems. The District's official accounting systems are properly funds based. I believe a cash flow style report could be better understood by most citizens and I would like to see the District publish an unofficial report in that style.

2. Are the schools offering instruction appropriate to the diverse educational abilities of all the students?

While our schools' API, AYP, and similar scores are excellent, it is important to recognize these are composites from a broad range of student capabilities. I applaud recent changes to our classes for students struggling with Algebra and continuing attention to those learning English. I support providing the broadest possible curriculum to meet the needs of all our students.

3. Where do you want the District to be five years from now? What steps should the District take to get there?

While continuing to support our high achieving students, I'd like to also see more effective programs for students that struggle with school. Continued fiscal prudence is important with the planned increase in reserves. We should continue efforts to provide professional development for our teachers and standardize curriculum among our schools.

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Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League.  Candidates' responses are not edited or corrected by the League.

Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

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Created from information supplied by the candidate: October 10, 2006 20:57
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