Concerning test scores, Perez said the teachers and support staff work very hard every day to give their best to provide a quality education to all of their students. “As a board member I applaud and support their hard work.”
On the budget issue Perez notes that school districts throughout the state are facing difficult financial times. He says he’s always based his decisions on how cuts will affect the children.
“I have voted for cuts that will not affect the classroom,” he added. “We must maintain the highest level of service to our children first. We must also be fair to our employees when it comes to cuts; all should share equally when cuts are necessary.”
Perez also noted his primary mission is not only to prepare the children for high school, but, he says, “We must begin to prepare all of our children for college.”
Timothy Hicks
Hicks says his educational background, career, and involvement in Santa Paula’s community have given him the experience he needs so he is qualified and successful as a member of the Santa Paula Elementary School Board. “I have a Bachelor’s and a Master’s Degree from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, and I began my career overseas in Thailand in the Peace Corp,” Hicks said.
“Through my educational experience, I understand the need for quality education and the positive effect it has had on my life. In my career in agriculture, I manage million dollar budgets and production crews of 250 people while maintaining relationships with bargaining units. Through these experiences I have gained valuable skills in managing budgets, and understand that even in difficult economic times we must maintain a quality product.”
As an invested member of Santa Paula, Hicks says he understands the needs of the families and students and the role the elementary school board plays to help students become successful in the future. “In my 30 years in this community I have been involved with AYSO Soccer, the Knights of Columbus, St. Sebastian and Our Lady of Guadalupe Churches, Optimist Club, and the Santa Paula Recreation Commission,” he added.
He says he’s running because the economic future of Santa Paula and its residents depend on quality schools. He also said, “The challenges facing our students are greater now than ever before, and without the proper foundation we are failing our children. “
On the question of unification he indicates support for the idea. “In a community like Santa Paula unification allows the community to save money and provide better resources to the community. One governing body for the school system saves overhead costs, allowing more funds to go into the classrooms. It also allows one standard calendar for all grades and a curriculum that build on itself from year to year.”
Hicks says the recent test scores reached the minimum API standards, but we should expect more from our education system.... We don’t want our students passing through at a minimum or an education that just focuses on passing a test. We want an education system that educates the whole student. Throughout my campaign I have been talking to residents and found our elementary school’s reputation is satisfactory. That affects our students, parents, teachers, community and local economy negatively. I will work to build a positive reputation by starting with students in the classroom so they have the learning environment they need, and the teachers will have the tools they need to prepare students.”
Concerning the tight budget, Hicks notes the state budget directly impacts our community and our schools. “I have 20 years of budget experience in private industry and know we need to approach our budget troubles from a variety of angles,” he said. “First, we need to take a critical eye to our own budget and set priorities. These decisions are difficult, but we need to remember our students come first. Second, I will lead our community to be activists for the education system by all means necessary; we need to be involved in budget conversations at the state, county and local level on any funds we can secure for our schools.”
Is the district adequately preparing for high school? Hicks says no. “The perception in the community and the data both show our students are not adequately prepared for high school,” he noted. “We have elementary school students and their families for nine years. It is the school district and the community’s responsibility to work together to make sure our students are learning; also work to build stronger relationships with exiting after-school programs and provide workshops that develop increased parental involvement.”
Dan Robles
Incumbent Dan Robles did not respond to the questionnaire.
