Q&A Langkusch shares her views

Lou Langkusch is seeking a seat on the Moorpark Unified School District Board of Education. She's been an active member of several parent/ teacher associations and has volunteered for scouting and youth sports organizations and religious education for young people.

Q: What is your opinion on Measure R?

A: Measure R funds were spent prudently and thoughtfully on all schools in the district. These needed upgrades, improvements and renovations were monitored and approved by a citizen oversight committee since the passage of Measure R in 2002.

Q: What is your opinion of Measure S?

A: I fully support Measure S. It does not raise the tax rate approved by voters in 2002, but extends the bond life by five to seven years. Measure S will provide our school district with the necessary funds to implement much-needed renovation and facilities upgrades at Moorpark High School and to provide each campus with comprehensive, 21stcentury technology.

Q: Should MUSD reinstate busing for high school students?

A: It was unfortunate that transportation needed to be eliminated for a segment of our students. However, a school district must carefully assess the overall economic climate before reinstating any discontinued student service, including transportation.

Q: Do you support or oppose the late start schedule for middle schools that was implemented last year?

A: I am in support of collaboration as a valuable tool for teachers to assess student learning and to maximize teacher knowledge. MUSD responded in a timely manner to parents' concerns about supervision on campus for those students who arrive early. This year's middle school schedule has been adjusted based on community feedback.

Q: With the onset of a supertight budget, what issues take priority with you as a possible school board member?

A: Student learning by quality teaching in a safe, healthful environment is top priority.

Q: Do you offer any ideas as to how schools might augment their budgets in the coming years?

A: The state's fiscal structure imposes huge economic restrictions on its school districts. Active grant writing, enrichment programs provided by PTAs, contributions of parent booster clubs and support from the business community have consistently augmented MUSD's budget. Our district would best continue to maximize its revenues and seek funding opportunities, such as Measure S.

Q: What is your stance on No Child Left Behind? Does the program continue to have legs in this era of change?

A: Our nation's schools have experienced increased accountability, a higher incidence of qualified teachers, and ascending test scores because of the 2001 reauthorization of the Elementary & Secondary Education Act, including No Child Left Behind. However, it has also presented the unrealistic goal of a "one size fits all" education. This and several other issues need to be considered for the upcoming NCLB reauthorization. Adequate funding, growth models, and increased parent involvement, to name a few, are essential factors in NCLB to assure that all children reach 100 percent proficiency by 2013-14, and are not left behind in a global society.

Q: What's your opinion of the DARE program? Could the funding that currently goes to DARE be used more efficiently elsewhere?

A: DARE has been a great asset to our schools. However there are several quality, evidencebased prevention and characterbuilding programs available that are federally supported, such as Second Step, that can be easily implemented in the classroom. One of the most positive aspects of the DARE program is the visual presence of a police officer. Student resource officers are a necessity at our middle schools and high schools and available funds should be focused in these grade levels.

Q: What is your opinion regarding the existing home schooling programs for students who aren't doing well in the structured school environments?

A: Home schooling is one of many educational environment choices that families can make in MUSD. Choosing this option is not necessarily a result of poor performance on a traditional campus. Our district provides a Home Independent Study Program that includes standardsbased curriculum monitored regularly by credentialed teachers. Innovative, high-quality, and award-winning alternative programs are also available at Community High School and The High School at Moorpark College.

Q: Could you outline your personal beliefs regarding teaching students about sex? At what age should such classes begin?

A: A child's initial health and personal awareness instruction should be with parents in the home. Upon entering public education, parents may choose to have their children participate in the health curriculum set by California Education Code for all schools. Newly released California Health Education Content Standards were approved this year and include updated and newly revised age-appropriate grade level emphases. I am in support of providing children with knowledge that will help them make important decisions about their personal welfare.

Q: Should the school and city relations be improved? If so, how?

A: Meaningful, collaborative relations between leading community agencies will always be a crucial component of a healthy society. Our city and school district currently communicate their concerns and explore solutions through an ad hoc committee.

Q: Funding for crossing guards has always been a point of contention between the city and MUSD. Who should pay for them?

A: Due to legislative changes, cities are no longer required to provide crossing guards. So the safety of our students as they travel to and from school has become the shared responsibility of parents, schools and the community. We must continue to hold safety among our highest priorities.

Q: What is your opinion on the Moorpark Highlands school site issue? Should the district keep the site for a future school or try to get out of the agreement that was made with the property owner?

A: The school district recently entered negotiations with Pardee Homes to terminate the purchase agreement. This seems the best solution for all concerned, considering recent communications between MUSD, the city and Highlands homeowners.