Homeless in Arizona

In this article we have 3 moms running for a Tempe School board, and they want to be elected so they can take your money and use it to give their children the best education possible.

I don't think any of them are evil people, or criminals, but as long as government is around they will use it to steal your money and spend it on their kids.

The way to fix this problem is to get rid of the government schools.

Source

Tempe Elementary board candidates address questions

by Kerry Fehr-Snyder - Oct. 2, 2012 01:47 PM

The Republic | azcentral.com

Q&A

Four candidates are running for three seats on the Tempe Elementary School District's governing board.

We asked candidates questions via e-mail, except for candidate Teresa Devine. Devine could not be reached because she did not supply a phone number or an e-mail address with the Maricopa County Education Service Agency, which oversees local school board races.

Question: Why are you running for school board?

Rochelle Wells: I am passionate about advocating for children and their education and consider it an honor to serve on the Tempe Elementary School District governing board. I believe that I make a difference. I am a stay-at-home mother who is willing to invest the time and energy to ensure our children have access to an educational experience that will promote and support their highest levels of student achievement.

Suzanne Durkin-Bighorn: I am running for the Tempe Elementary School Board because I believe that schools and education are the foundation of a community. I cannot think of a more important place to volunteer than in elementary education. Our city's future depends on having strong schools and neighborhoods to attract investment and maintain a high quality of life.

Kathleen Espinoza: My running for the school board is derived from the passion I have for better education for our kids and for our community. I truly love seeing the progress the schools are making towards an innovative and dynamic learning environment and want to be part of the driving force creating excellence in our educational programs.

Q: What do you think the school board is doing well?

Wells: During the past four years, the board has shown courageous leadership while facing many significant challenges: welcoming a new board member, hiring a new superintendent, closing three schools, restructuring the district and mission, eliminating programs, and making decisions about new programs. We are not afraid to ask Chris Busch, our superintendent, tough questions because we trust her as a leader and know that she cares about the district. ... When we disagree, we are able to "agree to disagree" in a professional manner.

Durkin-Bighorn: I think the board has put students first and I like the commitment to all-day kindergarten. This board has had to be fiscally responsible and make very difficult decisions during these challenging economic times while trying to retain the best employees.

Espinoza: Our current board has done a very good job in researching and implementing programs that enhance student learning. It appears to me that they are a step above the required state and federal mandates in spite of limited funding. New programs such a ASPIRE (self-contained gifted programs) and AVID (Advancement via Individual Determination) were approved by the present board.

Q: What do you think the school board isn't doing well?

Wells: Right now the board is getting ready to face several important transitions: the election of three governing board members and the possibilities of changes to funding at all levels: local, state and federal. There is no easy way to prepare for these transitions. As elected officials, the current board members must maintain our integrity to do due diligence, trust in each other, and trust in the superintendent so that we can work together to provide a smooth transition to new leadership.

Durkin-Bighorn: I believe that communication can always be improved. Board members reaching out into the community and the schools can always be improved upon.

Espinoza: I think the board could be a more active voice in the community by advertising the great programs and great leaders they have. I think the general public is not aware of this "diamond of learning" found in Tempe. It is an exciting time for leadership, instructional employees and most of all, the students.

Q: Do you support the $35 million capital override question on the November ballot? Why or why not?

Wells: Yes, I support the capital override because it is a continuation of a current capital override and is already part of the property tax rate. ... The district must ask the voters and rely on the community to provide the financial support for our neighborhood schools because the state Legislature has significantly cut these funds. ... Passage of the capital override is vital to the district's ability to provide all students with access to an educational experience that will support their highest levels of student achievement and enable them to be college and career ready.

Durkin-Bighorn: Yes, I support the override. In order to meet the needs of students and comply with the state education requirements such as Arizona Common Core Standards and "Move on When Ready" students and educators need the tools to succeed. The continued funding of our schools is dependent on the passing of the override to purchase materials needed in the classroom and to provide the services students need.

Espinoza: I absolutely support the $5 million override as I have carefully looked at the predicted expenditures and believe it is necessary to keep the quality of Tempe El's education. ... We are facing new Common Core requirements and need the tools to implement them. Our state has reduced the funding for these types of purchases by 85 percent. I would urge all in our community to vote for this capital override.

Q: Arizona school districts are required by the state to start teaching more challenging curricula called the Arizona Common Core Standards. Do you believe the school district is prepared to meet this challenge?

Wells: Tempe Elementary School District is an innovative district and is already meeting the challenge of the more rigorous Common Core Standards. In addition to the curriculum being more rigorous, teachers will need professional development because the Common Core Standards include a different way of teaching.

Durkin-Bighorn: I believe Tempe Elementary School District is preparing to implement the required curricula of Arizona Common Core Standards. ... I know there is a lot of time and dedication required to implement the new standards and I believe the educators and staff of the district are working very hard to ensure the students future success.

Espnoza: Our school district is not only prepared to meet this challenge but is ahead of the curve. ... By August 2013, the implementation of all K-8 Common Core Curriculum Maps will be completed districtwide. I continue to be very proud of a district that plans ahead for our children.

Q: Are Tempe Elementary schools safe? What are some ways the district can better prevent bullying and fights on campuses?

Wells: The Tempe Elementary School District prides itself on having small, safe neighborhood schools. The district supports this value in several ways. By keeping class sizes low, by having dedicated staff who understand they all serve an important role in student achievement, and by utilizing positive behavior systems at each school, the district is laying a good foundation for students to develop academically and foster positive relationships with peers and adults. ... Parents must monitor their children's use of technology and work with teachers and the principal if their child is being bullied or is the bully.

Durkin-Bighorn: I believe our schools are safe and we can always try to make them safer. Across the district Positive Behavioral Intervention Support (PBIS) has been implemented. ... I think training of district employees, partnerships with local law enforcement and the continued communication and education of students, parents and guardians can be used to curb bullying. ... Bullying is a societal problem that cannot be the sole responsibility of a school district but requires a commitment from the community as a whole to end this problem and give students the confidence to succeed in the classroom and beyond.

Espinoza: Tempe schools are safe. Several programs are in place districtwide to minimize bullying and have been in place for years. A districtwide Positive Behavior Intervention Support program is making drastic changes in the number of discipline referrals. ... It is working all over the district and it makes the environment positive and pleasant for everyone. Students and teachers want to participate and students can engage in learning.