League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
	Santa Clara County, CA November 4, 2008 Election
	Candidates Answer Questions on the Issues Member; Santa Clara County Board of Education; Trustee Area 5

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, Board's Role Click on a name for candidate information.   See also more information about this contest. 1. What experience and training would you bring to this office? Answer from Anna E. Song: I have served for two terms on the County Board of Education, including a term as Board President. During my service I have led the legislative committee and the policy committee and I have represented the County Board for regional Head Start program overview. It takes a while for a Board member to understand the difference between a local school board and the County Board of Education. With eight years experience in reviewing appeals of charter school applications and student expulsions, as well as providing budget oversight, I believe I am well-prepared to continue to represent you at the County level. Answer from Carmen Montano: I have 8 years experience as a School board Trustee. I have approved balanced budgets, administered successful programs to narrow the achievement gap. I know, as a teacher and mother how board policies affect our children's education and how state legislation impacts our local schools. As a school teacher , I will bring my insight and first hand knowledge of the challenges that face education. I will strive for policies to advocate fairness and look out for the best interest of all students. 2. What changes, if any, would you recommend in the County's special education programs? Answer from Carmen Montano: The county Office of Education needs to advocate for more state and federal funding on behalf of all school districts. The high cost of Special Education has become a concern to all school districts. There is also a lack of certificated Special Education teachers in the county. We need to create better incentives and programs for teachers to be trained as Special Educators. There also needs to be a concerted effort from all County Office of Education Boards to advocate against NCLB because it is an impediment to the success of Special Ed. students and teachers. Forming partnerships with the university education departments and the community is one method to find solutions. Answer from Anna E. Song: The County Office of Education needs to work even more closely with local school district than the Office has in the past. Students with autism and other challenges need quality educational offerings that provide consistency for students and respect for parents, too. While the State Budget has provided uncertainty for many public school programs throughout California, students who need special education must receive priority funding so they have an opportunity to thrive. 3. What should be the role of the County Board of Education with regard to charter schools? Answer from Carmen Montano: It is necessary that the county Office of Education have an accountability policy set for Charter school permits. Comprehensive follow up is important to ensure that Charter schools are teaching to state standards and that their API scores are rising every year. SCCOE needs to work closely with the lead agency for the common goal of producing positive academic results. Answer from Anna E. Song: State law is explicit that the County Board may not consider the local financial impact of charter school appeals after a local school board rejects an application. The County Board must review the quality of the application with regard to expectations of educational success, well-organized student recruitment and achievement benchmarks. Charter schools provide students and families a means of staying within the public school system while also providing local opportunities for educational choice. The role of the County Board is to consider charter appeals respectfully and within California law. 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.