Working with other board members, I will try to accomplish the following:
- While not neglecting the State of California's standards in social studies, math, science, et cetera, or cutting any legally required spending, I want to redirect every penny possible and every instructional minute possible to emphasize English language reading proficiency in all classes.
- To avoid a cycle of failure that sends kids to high school where they will only fail for lack of preparation, I will put forward a policy of advancing students to the next grade only when they have met grade standards for math and English.
- I want to stop using borrowed money to pay for operational costs. When I am on the board, I shall always vote against that kind of irresponsible spending.
- De-emphasize the use of technology in the classroom and return to the use of books to increase facility with the written word and reading comprehension.
- Implement a Parental Choice policy that includes all district-run schools and high performing charter schools, while revoking the charters of schools that do not perform at district average or higher, as measured by standardized tests.
- End the practice of keeping students who are proficient in English in the English Language Learner (ELL) designation. Administer the ACCESS test to every ELL every year and move those who pass the test out of the ELL designation and into regular English classes.
- Implement a totally transparent bidding process that requires a minimum of three bids on every project.
- I will not vote for a budget or project that relies on state or federal money that the district does not have in hand.
-- Matt Karnes