PUBLIC EDUCATION COMMISSIONPUBLIC EDUCATION DISTRICT COMMISSION10 DISTRICT 10 The League asked:
The Public Education Commission is a ten-person commission that is advisory to the Secretary of Education. The Commission authorizes and monitors all state-chartered charter schools. Commissioners must be 18 years of age, a United States citizen, and reside in the district he/she represents. There are four-year staggered terms. Districts 1, 4, 8, 9 and 10 are up for election in 2020.
1. What in your background qualifies you to sit on the Public Education Commission?
First and foremost, having a record of accomplishment as a school board member serving SFPS for the last eight years. I’ve greatly expanded my knowledge of education issues, honed my skills in developing oversight policy, and have always been able to cut through the noise and get the heart of the matter. Ability to see and understand where obstacles may be and to move through them in a respectful and productive manner. Finally, no politics; always putting kids first in my decision making.
2. If elected, what are your two highest priorities?
Protecting the interests of students and their families. I would work with the commissioners to streamline cumbersome administrative processes and strive to eliminate redundancies that make for confusion and frustration. Let’s develop a five year strategic plan, and guiding standards and policies that make life easier and more clear for our school directors, staff, and families. I believe we should be fair minded and transparent, keeping politics out of our decision-making.
No. There should not be a cap on the number of state charter schools. But this is not a binary choice. This is really determined by the “market.” Is there a need that the proposed charter would fill that the school district is unable to? If so, then the proposed charter must be considered. Also, we must be mindful, and consider how an additional school will fit within the education landscape in the school district. So, it follows then that I have no issue with opening new charters.
As one would evaluate the merits and/or deficiencies of any business plan presented in the private sector. Has a balanced budget been developed that meets the regulatory requirements of the PED? And most importantly, does the financial plan meet the needs of teachers, minimize administrative costs, focus on teaching & learning, and ensure that the school lives up to its vision and mission. Look for dollars to the classroom. Remember, kids first. This goes for authorizing and renewing.