Bruce Thomas, an investment advisor and certified financial planner elected in 2006, is an 18year resident of Moorpark. His three grown children all graduated from Moorpark High School.

Q: What is your opinion on Measure R and Measure S ?

A: I believe Measure R can be used as a classical textbook example of how a successful school bond program under Proposition 39 should work. The level of leadership, cooperation and collaboration demonstrated by all parties was exceptional and Measure R achievements have made our schools and community better off.

Measure S will provide for modern technology for students throughout the district and renovations for the aging buildings and infrastructure at Moorpark High School. The technology funding will be a key to achieving the District Strategic Goal of all MUSD graduates becoming "work ready-college ready." Measure S will not raise the tax rate approved by voters in 2002, but will extend the bond timeframe by five to seven years.

Q: Should MUSD reinstate busing for high school students?

A: I was disappointed that bussing for high school students was eliminated. However, the budget shortfall of over $2 million required our district to make some very difficult choices. The deteriorating fiscal outlook for California may require midyear budget cuts. The district will need to carefully review all operations before the reinstatement of any of the previously eliminated budget line items. We must ensure that our ability to perform our educational mission is not compromised.

Q: Do you support or oppose the late start schedule implemented last year for middle school students?

A: The district has worked with parents to evaluate the middle school schedule and has made modifications for the current school year based on their input. Teachers are using collaboration time to prepare instruction that is matched to the diverse needs of students in their classrooms.

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

A: The district focus and mission i s always student safety and achievement. MUSD budget priorities will reflect the spending required to enhance teacher and student performance and those support services necessary to accomplish our educational mission.

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

A: Measure S is one opportunity the community has to provide the technology tools that students need to be literate in information technology and problem-solving. MUSD has a highly effective grant writing effort that provides millions of dollars in enhanced funding for district students. We are very fortunate to have the active support of the PTA, boosters, businesses and service clubs for enriching student programs and services.

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

A: Accountability is an important aspect of providing the public with information about the quality of our schools. NCLB's rigid mandates, such as the Annual Yearly Progress measurement, do not account for the range of educational diversity in either MUSD or California student populations. NCLB requires several other mandates without the corresponding federal funding to implement them. I believe the "growth model" approach to AYP provides a more realistic and practical way of tracking both school and individual student achievement.

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

A: The district greatly appreciates the city of Moorpark's funding of the DARE program for all fifthgraders. I do believe we need to expand the preventive education to other grade levels and concurrently provide for a school resource officer presence at the middle school campuses. Using the researched based Second Step Program combined with selected portions of the DARE program will allow for time dedicated to student safety issues at the middle school campuses.

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

A: Credentialed teachers work with parents on a weekly basis to plan and implement a standards-based program at home, including testing and monitoring student achievement growth.

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

A: California Education Code dictates the requirements for curriculum and appropriate grade level of instruction for the MUSD Family Life Education Program. Parents always have the option for their children not to participate in school programs. The MUSD program has been well received by district parents.

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

A: The city of Moorpark and MUSD have formed an ad hoc committee that meets regularly to discuss community issues. It is important that both entities work together to solve common problems and mutually reduce costs to taxpayers.

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

A: The real question is not the level of funding but the level of safety measures require to ensure the safety of our students in and around our schools. Although crossing guards are a city of Moorpark funding mandate, all of us are tasked with ensuring student safety. I would like to see more systematic approach to student safety.

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

A: The school district is currently involved in negotiations with the city and Pardee Homes to develop a workable solution that will be fair to all concerned.