Orinda News Q&A

By Christopher C. Severson

Outside of our own respective families, the demographic forces which shape our schools are largely out of our control. There are a few areas, however, where I believe we can make some difference. Due to the strength of our schools, many families with school-aged children naturally seek out Orinda as a place to live. Being active volunteers in the schools, the community and in making Orinda a wonderful place to live encourages others making residential decisions. Historically, some families choose private schools for a variety of reasons. The school district should be doing what we can to explore meeting the needs of more of these children as well.

I support small class sizes and believe the benefits to students outweigh the costs. Research implies (Tennessee STAR study) that small K-3 class size confers lasting benefits to students and that the cost-benefit ratios are favorable (A. Krueger, The Economic Journal, Feb 2003). While state budget cuts could become even more severe and all spending reduction options would need to be reevaluated, I believe increasing class size would be one of the more harmful and less economically efficient ways to proceed.

I love Orinda schools and greatly benefited from attending K-12 here. As the father five, including four current OUSD students, I am deeply invested in this public school system and its continued success. I have no narrow agenda to champion: my focus will be the continued improvement of all of our OUSD schools and all of our educational programs for all students.
I spent 24 years in education becoming trained as an emergency medicine physician. I understand how important it is to have confidence in one's education. I chaired the Orinda Family Science Night and have seen how an enriched curriculum benefits students at all levels. As an undergraduate, I studied Economics. The rational decision making and critical analysis emphasized there will help as a school board member. Perhaps most importantly, I have the ability to thoughtfully communicate with parents, teachers, and the community regarding our children and wonderful Orinda schools.