Candidate Ballot Statement

By G. Rick "Rick" Marshall

Torrance Unified School District faces an uncertain financial future. In just two short years, the Board must cut $11 million from the District budget when the federal stimulus money runs out.

During the next board member term, need to balance the budget will require downsizing and/or elimination of programs. Rick Marshall will fight to keep core academic prgrams untouched by budget cuts.

Federal and State mandates will impose higher academic standards that will be increasingly difficult to meet. Rick Marshall supports allocating empty space only to permit students with API scores that help rather than hinder Torrance Unified School District's average.

CONSTRUCTION

The economic downturn means better prices on school construction--more "bang" for the "buck". Rick Marshall supports the school construction and modernization promised voters during the bond campaign. He will work to modernize our schools quickly and under budget. But Rick Marshall does not support spending excess bond funding without a public vote.

TAXES

Rick Marshall opposes a school parcel tax to fund school operations like neighboring school districts even thought Torrance Unified School District faces a massive deficit. Revenue for needed programs can be raised by innovations such as paid advertising in school ballparks and gymnasiums.

ELECT RICK MARSHALL. He'll keep the Torrance School Board honest.

www.rickonthenet.com

Rick Marshall and his wife, Janice, have lived in Torrance since 1990. They are homeowners and proud parents of two daughters--Kirsten, a high school junior and Victoria, a sixth-grader.