League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Santa Clara County, CA November 4, 2014 Election
	Tamara L. "Tammy" Logan Answers Questions Candidate for Board Member; Los Altos School District

The questions were prepared by the Leagues of Women Voters of Santa Clara County and asked of all candidates for this office.
Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

Questions & Answers

1. How would you determine that the schools are using federal, state and local funds wisely and fairly and how would you report your findings to the community?

The LASD Board has a rigorous budget development and review process. Our finance officer and the Citizens Advisory Committee for Finance (CACF) create long term projections, identify risk areas and recommend assumptions based upon comprehensive research of property tax, enrollment and expense projections. CACF members include real estate and finance professionals and the committee holds public meetings to discuss recommendations.

After board review and input, these recommendations are incorporated into the district budget. The budget summary is an easy to read, comprehensive document that explains not only how money is being spent in the current year, but also highlights future risks, enrollment trends and student performance measures. The latest summary is available here: http://lasdschools.org/files/user/1/file/Executive_Summary_2014_15.pdf

Over my current term, the district has increased reserves while improving the educational program. The Los Altos School District budget has consistently received the Association of School Business Officials (ASBO) Meritorious Budget Award and certificates of excellence from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA).

2. Are the schools offering instruction appropriate to the diverse educational abilities of all the students?

LASD is already far ahead of the state in embracing the goals of the Common Core State Standards using project-based learning, design thinking and interactive technology to achieve deeper learning and more critical thinking skills. We offer multi-level math instruction with accelerated offerings and flexible in-classroom student grouping to facilitate differentiated instruction. Our instructional program includes music, art and PE in all grades. Every elementary student has regular activities in our Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) labs where they learn not just technical skills, but also creativity and collaboration. We have an active program for instructing classroom teachers in the use of Systemic English Language Development (ELD) as well as explicit instruction by full-time ELD staff. Along with mandated special education services, the district continues to examine improved mainstreaming opportunities as well as reverse mainstreaming for general education students to increase understanding. The district supports students in many other ways that are well outlined in the district Vision (http://www.losaltos.k12.ca.us/District/Portal/Our-Vision) and LCAP (http://www.losaltos.k12.ca.us/District/News/6720-Local-Control-&-Accountability-Plan.html)

3. Where do you want the District to be five years from now? What steps should the District take to get there?

Our parents value schools where children succeed not just academically, but also emotionally and behaviorally. Our high-performing, neighborhood-based schools have proven the benefits of a small student body with dedicated and well-trained staff as evidenced not just by test scores, but also by our energetic and thriving community. As a consequence of district success, enrollment is up by 107 students compared to the beginning of the 2013/14 school year or about 20% of a school. These increases are happening year after year and now we need more space. Passing a school bond and increasing available facilities will be the most important project for the next 5 years. Further, our classroom teachers are our most valuable resource and biggest influence in achieving student success. We must continue attracting the best teachers by providing fair and equitable compensation, a great place to work, and a comprehensive system of evaluation, training and support. LASD and its staff have a very positive relationship based on mutual respect and always keeping the needs of children as the primary focus. As a school board member, my job is to keep the district vision aligned with these goals and insure that our leadership is successful in implementing the district vision. I look forward to seeing what more we can achieve as we continue to implement the district vision of "Revolutionizing learning for ALL students."

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Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League.  Candidates' statements are presented as submitted. The answer to each question should be limited to 400 words. Direct references to opponents are not permitted.

Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

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Created from information supplied by the candidate: September 23, 2014 23:14
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