Monrovia School Link ~ Number 143 ~ October 15, 2005
On October 7 I sent out an email to all the Monrovia School Board candidates asking for a statement of no more than 250 words about why people should vote for them, due Friday, Oct. 14, at 5 p.m. I said I would run them in the order I received them back, and verbatim, no editing. This would not be a time for me to comment, but just for them to have their say. I received responses from all the candidates. All of them were on time except for Ed Gililland, who called to say his computer is kaput and that all he wants to say is not to vote for him since he's already on the board, and Nick Laushkin, who apologized for being late and explained that there was "last minute news of an unexpected life ending illness" in his family. I'm very sorry to hear that, Nick. So, below are the candidates statements. And also, remember, there's a Monrovia School Board Candidates Forum on Tuesday October 25 at 7 p.m. at the Monrovia High School auditorium. Be sure to be there!
~ brad@sacklunch.net
Chris Rich
Three Reasons to Vote for Chris Rich
World Class Education: Every Child in Monrovia Unified deserves access to a first rate world-class education. Monrovia is a good school district, but still too many of our kids don't make state standards in English or math.
We need leadership at the top that expects kids to achieve the highest level. I also know that as an Emmy-winning sound engineer, we do what works to achieve the end result. That is my educational philosophy. Focus on the end result of having children meet grade level standards using curriculum and methods that work.
Focus tax dollars into the classroom: I want money to go to the classroom not bureaucracy. Teachers shouldn't have to spend money out of their own pocket for necessary classroom supplies. Other local districts are getting grants, which Monrovia is missing out on. I started my career building a business. I understand finance and the bottom line. I will use my experience to get more dollars in the classroom.
Our schools will be safe: Parents entrust their children to the school district. Schools need to be safe! I will make sure we work with the Police department to keep gangs and drugs from our kids. Our entire emergency plans need to be evaluated by professionals. And of course no kid should be allowed to leave campus for any reason without parental permission.
Debbie Elliott-Penzer
As a school board member and a parent I bring a lot of experience to the table. I have lived in Monrovia for 43 years and been a volunteer in the community for over 25 years. I have worked in the Monrovia Schools as a volunteer in various positions. Currently I am the Mon-Dte PTA Council President. Experience counts - There‘s no substitute for hands on success and leadership.
I believe that over all our school are doing pretty well. We have two schools that hit there 800 API target score. We need to work harder to achieve 800 API at all school.
Parental Leave - I believe that no one should have the right to release our children for any reason from school especially a medical appointment that a parent should accompany them too!
School Busing - I feel that every student should have the right to get to school safely and in a timely manner. I as a new board member will work hard to find the funding to keep the busing rolling in Monrovia for our student to benefit from a great education.
I believe education must be a top priority for every taxpayer. Communities are judged by the quality of their schools. We have seen a decline in enrollment. I will open the doors to communication between students, parents, teachers and administrators to share in the decision making process.
I am dedicated to working hard for the students, parents and administration of Monrovia Unified School District.
Clarence R. Shaw
Why Vote for Me? Because I have built a record of "Achievement." Achievement is part of how I plan to govern and it’s a chief component of my campaign platform.
Prior to making any major decisions, it’s extremely important to examine trends, patterns and practices in order to help predict outcome. My objective is to share some organizational "Achievements" - at various levels. The success that I had with organizations listed below should give you a clear indication that achieving positive outcomes is premier to me.
MILITARY. Deployed to Iraq as a Commander - during Phase I - and completed my mission successfully (no casualties). Recommended for Bronze Star. Awarded prestigious ARCOM.
STATE LEVEL. Appointed to California State Quality Assurance Committee by Los Angeles County, I helped to unravel state legislation imposed on county programs. I played a key role in drafting polices and procedures for implementation of a new statewide QA Program.
COUNTY LEVEL. I helped start up a quality control section which ultimately saved taxpayers $8.6 million dollars. Received the "Mega Million Dollar Award" from the County’s Quality Assurance and Productivity Commission.
CITY LEVEL. Appointed as a City of Commission (Pasadena Human Services Commission), I aided in streamlining the application process so that smaller non-profit organizations could tap into grant funding.
MUSD. I hope to revive "achievement" at MUSD and get better results in all facets of scholastic testing (API, AYP, SAT and other mandated benchmarks).
Please contact me for specific campaign information at (626)-622-5060 or via e-mail. Thanks!
Nick Laushkin
I grew up in Arcadia, and have been a Monrovia resident for over 20 years. While most of our elementary schools are doing a great job, student success falls off at the junior high and high schools. As a parent of a Monrovia student, I have been active in PTA, and United Parents for Students for four years at Monrovia High School. I also have served on High School Site Council and worked with a community group to assure high school certification with the State. Our son has walked the halls of Monrovia High School, and recently graduated to attend Claremont-Mckenna College, rated a "Top 10" colleges to attend in the nation. I want to bring that type of educational and also vocational success to all of our students.
To those of you who have concerns about the junior high or high schools, or have concerns about future property values, I know the achievements and challenges facing our kids in the schools, and know what needs to be done to improve performance. As parents and a community we need to be responsible for our student’s success. I ask for your vote for a seat on the school board.
Respectfully submitted,
Nick Laushkin.
Also on the Web at www.monroviaschoollink.com