Why do we need change on the San Diego School Board now?

First of all, San Diego is on its third Superintendent in three years.  One of the most crucial tasks of the school board is to select the Superintendent and the San Diego Board has had difficulty getting it right.  We had to buy out the contract of one Superintendent and the next one left early.

Why? The School Board must be held accountable. 

The School Board has not been forceful enough in fighting for funding of public education. (1) My opponent, Mitz Lee, did not support protection of the minimal Proposition 98 funding of public education (school board resolution in 2005 regarding Proposition 76).  Now that Proposition 98 is threatened again, (2) Mitz Lee did not vote with the Board majority (2008 Board vote) to denounce the proposed budget cuts.  As one of the largest districts in the state and the nation, San Diego’s voice needs to be heard loud and clear and Mitz is not stepping up to the plate.  Mitz voted NO on protecting school funding. 

When there is a budget cut the last place to cut is the teacher in the classroom.  San Diego Unified has issued 904 layoff notices.  This is unconscionable.  Other large districts in California have looked at drastic cuts without laying off teachers.  The Board has let itself fall into a situation that is ruining the morale both of those who are laid off and those who are not.  And what about the kids who are not going to have their teachers?   At one school 24 of the 26 teachers have received layoff notices.  (3) Mitz voted YES on laying off the teachers (2008 Board vote). 

The No Child Left Behind program has resulted in poor performing schools being punished rather than being helped.  The overemphasis on testing is resulting in “teaching to the test” rather than comprehensive learning in a variety of subjects.  Mitz has not spoken out against No Child Left Behind and its devastating effects. 

The San Diego School Board has long been known for its culture of conflict.  We need members who will unite teachers, parents, administrators and community members.  We now have several members marching in different directions.  I would like to be a consensus-builder on the Board utilizing my experience as a parent, an educator, a businessman, a psychologist, while also understanding the realities of the politics of education.  We need someone who will unify the various parts of the community rather than continue the culture of conflict. 

We learned several years ago that dictatorial management from a Superintendent was not successful.  We must have buy-in from all of the stakeholders.  The San Diego Education Association recently held a forum for candidates and Mitz declined to attend.  This is unfortunate, because we must reach out to teachers, parents and everyone in our community to move San Diego school forward in the 21st century.  

It’s time for change on the San Diego School Board.  Every incumbent must be scrutinized.