GOVERNING BOARD CANDIDATES FORUM

FOR THOSE RUNNING IN THE TEMPE UNION & KYRENE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICTS

The Parent Network and the Kyrene Chapter of Stand for Children will hold a forum for Governing Board candidates for the Tempe Union High School District and Kyrene Elementary School District.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

At the Tempe Police Substation Auditorium

Members of the audience will be encouraged to write their questions on cards that will be read by the moderators, to be answered by the candidates.

This is a great opportunity for voters to get information about how the candidates might change the schools, or what aspects they'd continue.

For instance:

· TEST SCORES: What do you think should be done to improve test scores, especially for the demographic groups defined by NCLB?

· What will you do to help assure that all students receive an appropriate challenge, those who are below grade level and those who are above it?

· BULLYING: What do you think should be done about bullying? Do you think bullying affects student achievement? How?

· ELECTIVES: Are enough offered? Are they rigorous enough?

· Why do you think the district needs a bond and an override? Or do you think it does not?

· WORLD: What needs to be different in 10 years to support learning for the 21st century? What will you do next year to get the district there?

 

Directions to the Tempe Police Substation

8201 S. Hardy Drive,

Tempe, AZ 85284

From I-10 and Warner (in Tempe)

Go EAST on Warner Road

Turn LEFT onto Hardy Drive

See the substation on your right. Very convenient parking in the lot out front. When that lot fills, parking on the street or in the Tempe Sports Complex

Administrator of the Year – Mrs. Nacke!

When the judges considered Administrator of the Year nominations, they look at those who manage effectively, foster cooperation, encourage partnerships and play an active role in the success of their area of responsibility.

Jama Nacke of Chandler is this year’s Administrator of the Year. She’s in her first year as principal at Kyrene Pueblo Middle School, 360 S. Twelve Oaks Blvd. Chandler. According to her staff, she has faced death of a faculty member, broken air conditioners, injured staff members and lockdowns among other things and each challenge has been met with calmness and confidence. Nacke takes time each week to honor her staff and let them know they are valued, trusted and respected. She always has a smile on her face and a word of encouragement for others. Her nominators believe her competence in this job is a reflection of the years of training she’s had in Kyrene.

-taken from the Kyrene School District Bulletin

CONGRATULATIONS PRINCIPAL NACKE! WE ARE PROUD TO HAVE YOU LEADING OUR TEAM!

STAND for Children Launches a New Website

Education is important at every age. As the 2010 Arizona Primary Elections approach it is important that we as adults are educated about the candidates. With our children’s education at the top of many of our minds – STAND for Children Arizona has created a helpful website. The following is an excerpt:

For those of us concerned about the future of education in our state, the choices we make in 2010 are especially critical. This year we’re choosing a new Governor, Superintendent of Public Instruction and several new legislators. Stand for Children Arizona asked the candidates where they stood on a number of key education issues and compiled their responses here at Election Connection to help you make an informed choice as an Education Voter.

STAND has created a list of questions related to educational issues and has published the responses for you to read. They do not endorse any particular candidate or party – ONLY EDUCATION.

If you are interested in finding out more, please go to their website at www.stand.org/az/electionconnection

We do have a STAND for Children Arizona chapter forming at our school. If you are interested in being involved in this effort please contact PTO by emailing us at Pueblo-PTO@hotmail.com Find out more about STAND for Children Arizona by going to their website at www.stand.org

Proposition 100 Update

With the passing of Proposition 100 yesterday. Our district will move forward with PLAN A.

From the Kyrene District Website:

Sales tax vote on May 18 will impact Kyrene budget

Education is a large percentage of the state budget and subject to Arizona’s economic climate. The good news is that Kyrene has excellent fiscal management and has been proactive in maximizing savings. The district has had wonderful community support in approving overrides and bond initiatives.

Kyrene is proud to maximize dollars spent in the classroom and is well above state averages in dollars kept in the classroom. The district is also well below averages in administrative spending. Currently Kyrene is in the process of developing two budget scenarios.

Plan A assumes that Proposition 100, 1% sales tax initiative, passes on May 18, 2010. If no additional cuts come from the State, Kyrene will experience an approximate $6M deficit which can be managed for one year through a conservative 2009-10 budget which prepaid allowable expenses, thereby reducing expenditures for 2010-2011 by utilizing restricted and unrestricted reserves and through identifying increased efficiencies. This means Kyrene will not experience overall class size increases or across the board base pay reductions for employees.