TurlockCityNews.com Candidate Questionnaire
Bob Weaver, TUSD Trustee Candidate
What would your position be if elected as a TUSD Trustee on taking City of Turlock Redevelopment Agency funds to renovate the Joe Debely Stadium? What is your current believe as a citizen of Turlock? (The reason this is relevant is because this may be a funding source TUSD Board Members try to access more if they feel it should be).
Speaking as a board member who is looking out for the best interests of the students of the district, I would be in favor of accepting the RDA money to renovate Joe Debely stadium as long as an acceptable use agreement can be reached with the City of Turlock.If the city were to again offer additional RDA funds to the District, I would again look to its benefits for the children who attend our schools. I would not reach out to the city first for additional RDA funds.
Due to the State of California budget issues, what potential cuts do you envision TUSD dealing with and how? What would be your priorities to protect the most during budget cuts if they are needed?
Due to the State of California relaxing the rules that pertain to the use of categorical funds, the Turlock Unified School District looks to be in good financial shape with no lay offs for the current year and the 2010-2011 school year.
We must do all that we can to ensure that all of our students receive a top quality education. This includes the students in vocational education, as well as those who are college bound. Any cuts that are made must minimize the effect to our students.
For those of us who don’t know, what is TUSD and/or what is it about?
Turlock Unified School District (TUSD) was formed on July 1, 2004 when the Turlock Elementary and High School boards joined together. It covers most of Turlock, plus the High school portion covers the Chatom and Keyes school districts.
It encompasses nine elementary schools, one middle school, one junior high, two high schools, and two alternative high schools.
The districts job is to provide the best possible education to its approximately 13,500 students. TUSD also has the job to acquire and maintain needed facilities and to ensure that the students are safe and healthy while under the care of the district.
What do you feel the duties of a TUSD Board Member are?
To oversee, verify and provide direction to the administration as to how the district is run.
What made you decide to run for a TUSD Board of Trustees’ position this election?
For approximately ten years I have been involved with many aspects of being involved with the youth of our community (scouts, sports, PTA). At this time with three children in the district schools (one in elementary, one in middle school, and one in high school) I have decided I want to increase my level of involvement.
List Top 5 Biographical Highlights:
Father of three children in the Turlock Unified School District system
Life long resident of Turlock
Graduate of Turlock High School – class of 1981
Volunteer – sports coach, PTA, scouts
Hard work ethic
List Top 3 Priorities if elected:
Access to a well-rounded education for all students
Preserving jobs with a well balanced budget
Open communication between teachers, students, and administration
What do you feel you have to offer that some of the other candidates may not?
I am in the unique position of having a child in elementary, one in middle school, and one that is high school age. I believe that this gives me first hand knowledge of the curriculum, teaching methods, and overall health of the district at the ground level for all grade levels. I can bring this personal experience, along with my state board experience and other local leadership roles to the TUSD board so we can ensure that our students can get the quality education that they deserve.
How would you contribute to the current TUSD Board of Trustees and would you fulfill anything missing on the current TUSD Board of Trustees?
I will bring a new energy and a fresh perspective to the board. With three children currently in the district, ones that will be there for many more years to come, I am heavily vested in the school system, and need it to succeed. It is this personal touch and a concern for the well-being of the children of our community that will drive me to put all my energy and time possible to make sure that our school district is the best that it can be.
What issues do you feel need to be addressed more than they already are? Are there any problems or is there anything that you feel needs to be fixed/ changed concerning TUSD?
I believe it is important that we strive for all our schools to reach their full potential. We have some schools that are performing well, but others are not reaching their full potential. We are a program improvement district due to these underperforming school sites and that needs to change. I feel it is time for a new energy and a fresh perspective to help all schools meet the standards put in front of them. If we do not take care of even one school in our district, the whole district fails.
Endorsements:
Curt and Julie Andre
Vito and Jill Chiesa
Dr. Everett Johnson
Robin and Lou Schlitz
Charles and Earlaine Crivelli
Kurt Spycher
Donald J. and Wendy Smith
Bill and Alberta Youngdale
Donna Weaver
Ed and Carol Blumenstein
Steve and Kathy Smith
Michael and Jonette Crowell
Doug Ravaglioli
Brent Bohlender
Craig Shively
Peter and Jill Erickson
Ed and Charmaine Lazar
Suzanne Lazar
Betty Hillberg
Donna Carkeeet
Jeff and Ronna Fraser
Bob and Sally Phillips
Bob and Lynnai Badal
Carol Keennon
Glen and Janice Winans
Dick and Fran Weaver
Mike and Janet Johnson
Mark Pickens
Becky Ballantyne
Joanne Avila
Kent D. Johnson
Jobie and Chris Tacker
Dale Matney
Chris Peterson
Phil Peterson
Ken and Kitty Holm
Mr. and Mrs. Dave Halsey
Evan Johnson
James and Patty Yandell
Mary Terra Boa
Jenny Locati
Dana Pettit
Will Hackney
Matt Falke
John Phillips
Ellen Fletcher
Jerry Wells
Chris Davis
James Lopes
Eric Muller
Jack and Rebecca Yarnell
Carole A Garton
Ruth Sperry
Bonnie Stinson
Lorraine Cederlind
Frank Youngdale
Bea and Jim Hapgood
Brian and Lois Julius
Bob and Carmen Johnson
Bob and Sally Cooper
*partial list*
Position Papers (specific views on specific issues) or Candidate Statements (equal to an intro at a debate or a short speech of what you’d like to communicate without being edited):
I believe it is vital for everyone to have access to quality education. It is the district’s charge to ensure that our schools are safe, clean, and able to provide an opportunity for a well-rounded educational experience. This includes, but is not limited to having access to the arts, music, sports, agricultural classes, and quality teachers and staff.
Our school district needs to work hand-in-hand with the City of Turlock and local businesses to provide opportunities for our youth. I will work with our city leaders and business owners to increase opportunities that provide for the well-being of the students of Turlock Unified School District.
Complete Bio:
Born in Turlock at the old Emmanuel Hospital in 1962
Graduated from Turlock High in 1981
Graduated from Modesto Junior College with an AS in Ag Business, 1984
Graduated from Cal Poly, SLO with a BS in Ag Business, 1987
Work as a Field man for Ag Production Company
Married – wife, Donna, teacher at Great Valley Academy
Three sons. Blake a freshman at THS; Ryan a seventh grader at Dutcher Middle School; Christian a fifth grader at Julien School.
