My Priorities for the Belmont - Redwood Shores School District

By Suvarna Bhopale

My Priorities for the Belmont - Redwood Shores School District

Parcel Tax - Measure R

Renewal of existing parcels, without raising taxes, will prevent cuts in funding, lessen our dependence on state aid, and retain local control over budgetary decisions. Defeating the measure now and re-visiting the issue later, as some suggest, will result in funding uncertainty at a time when we need stability.

Balance between Belmont and Redwood Shores

BRSSD is best served with representation from Belmont and Redwood Shores on the board, though trustees must make decisions with the best interests of the whole district in mind. An impartial, transparent process with appropriate community input will result in balanced decisions and create community trust in the decision-makers.

Common Core Standards

The Common Core curriculum is designed to teach students skills relevant to succeed in higher education, career and life. These K-12 learning standards delve deeper into key concepts in math and English language arts and require students to apply acquired knowledge, rather than master multiple-choice tests. Supporting the implementation of the Common Core Standards should be a high priority.

Gifted And Talented Education (GATE)

We must ensure that students at all levels, from those who have special needs to those in the GATE (gifted and talented) program, receive a high-quality education. Though the State has eliminated funding for GATE, teachers must be encouraged to provide differentiated instruction to GATE students within the mainstream classroom.

Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF)

LCFF provides districts with greater control over their budgets and more money to districts with high numbers of economically disadvantaged, English-learners or foster children. Because LCFF will replace the basic aid/revenue limit distinction, the budgetary impact on BRSSD is undetermined + another reason to renew the parcels.