The questions were prepared by the The League of Women Voters of San Jose/Santa Clara 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 Alkesh Desai:

I would examine the financial statements, would do extensive review of federal, state and local funds, and would ask difficult questions to administrators during every budget planning period.

I support an open budget process with active community participation and full auditing of all district financial records. I'll report findings in Board Meetings. All information should be available for public inspection and review. I would be accessible to hear community concerns and suggestions.

Answer from David Hernandez:

In order to monitor school fund usage there has to be a clear vision. I would start by extensive review of federal, state and local funds, review school plans, set realistic attainable goals, and work closely with the superintendent to monitor school board policy. Through increased community collaboration I would encourage community input, board meeting attendence participation, community outreach, and be accessible to community concerns and or suggestions.

Answer from Alkesh Desai:

It is challenging for Berryessa School District to achieve this goal since most school districts have had to cut back on some programming as a result of budget cuts. But there are aids and tutors available in most subjects for students who need extra help. In addition, each school has implemented programs, such as grouping students by reading ability during literacy periods, that are meant to address achievement gaps. Some schools have started language programs for parents in order to bring up their skills so they can help their children succeed.

Decisions as to how to best serve the needs of our diverse educational abilities of all the students are best made by principals at the local schools, with the full participation of teachers, parents, administrators, students, school staff and the community. The Board should establish overall achievement goals and to make sure the Superintendent and the principals hired are accountable.

Answer from David Hernandez:

The school instruction to students with diverse educational abilities can always have room for improvement. Operating a district like Berryessa is complex. I've seen some improvement with student curriculm. However, English langauge learners are difficult to address so we have to develop a comprehensive plan involving school principals, teachers, parents, and the community in order make this a priority.

Answer from Alkesh Desai:

We must continue focus on maintaining and improving academic excellence for all students. Schools should continue focusing on the complete development of children with well rounded programs including music, art and sports. Our schools should continue to be safe, well-equipped and accountable to parents, teachers and to our children. We should lead by example as far as Budget Efficiency and Fiscal Accountability is concerned. The district should continue reach out, listen and respond to the community, parents and teachers they are serving so that they feel like part of solution rather than part of the problem.

The steps which District should take to get there should be:

1. Testing requirement should be balanced with solid curriculum. Teachers and administrators should be supported in the curriculum plans and excellent school programs.

2. Continue offering a broad spectrum of other activities like sports, music, and art. Provide enough support for the necessary programs through external funding and partnerships.

3. Support programs for drug/alcohol, violence abuse and prevention themes including after-school programs.

4. Support an open budget process with active community participation and full auditing of all district financial records. All information should be available for public inspection and review. Board would be accessible to community concerns and or suggestions. Explore different funding resources, partnerships, and various fundraising.

5. The Board, Administrators and Teachers must work well together to place the needs of all students above other agendas. The Board of Trustees, Administrators, Teachers and Parents should exhibit high level of communication, trust, respect and collaboration.

Answer from David Hernandez:

I would like to see the district with no program improvement schools by increasing its support of those schools at risk. I would like to see the district with increased participation from the community, local business and an increase to supportive services to district schools. I would like see no budget deficit and a district that can generate some of its own funding through outreach and corporation solicitaion. I would like the district to consistently focus on student achievement, parent, and community involvement by providing an open and receptive environment.

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