Here is another Q and A with a candidate for the Conejo Valley Unified School District Board.
She already answered some of my questions, so I open it up to you.
What questions for Julie Svitenko do you want answered? Have you already made up your mind who you are supporting for school board?
Dear Mr. Dennert,
I have enjoyed reading your blog and wanted to contact you because you are reporting and discussing the local elections.
We have a great district due to our amazing principals, teachers, prepared students and active volunteering parents. But looking at the big picture and goals of the district, the board decisions the last few years have not served the best interest of our students and are not making our district stronger or more attractive. If some of our board will only acknowledge that all of our schools are great, equally great, we are putting our heads in the sand and not working to improve those schools that need it because of lost enrollment, lack of neighborhood support and choicing out in high numbers, and academic improvement. Innovation is also sorely behind. A community, all-schools, alumni capital fundraising campaign to support technology should have been implemented four years ago during the economic boon. It should start now.
Also, for the 5th grade California Star Science Exam for 2008 just released, 85% of University Elementary students scored Proficient or Advanced. Only 2 schools out of 20 of our elementary schools scored higher: Sycamore Canyon and Cypress. But keep in mind, our diversity numbers at 17% are much, much higher than both schools. So we are opening the EARTH magnet school so our district students excel in Science, but we are closing the school with the 3rd Best Science score in the district? This is quite the good example of why I am running. Good business or budget sense was not used when the board decided to close two of our three Blue Ribbon elementary schools in June.
I have included my background information and my positions for the campaign. Also attached is a photo to include on your blog.
If you are interested in discussing my campaign or meeting in person, please contact me. I would be happy to answer your questions anytime. My email is jsvitenko@att.net.
Thank you so much for your time
Julie Svitenko
(mom to Sophia and Samantha Svitenko)
MY BACKGROUND:
I am married, with a daughter in Resource (Special Education) in middle school, and another daughter, adopted from a Russian orphanage, designated an ESL student in 2nd grade. I uniquely understand the challenges of parents and educators. I will listen AND respond. I have a Masters Degree from the University of Southern California and was Vice President of a national PR agency where I won numerous marketing awards.
With 15 year managing marketing campaigns for education clients and Fortune 500 companies such as, Nestle USA, Proctor & Gamble, Barbie/Mattel and Sprint, my experience with budget management, negotiations, long-term planning, and marketing outreach give me the background to succeed faced with the current challenges the school district has with budget and declining enrollment.
In addition to my 15 years in marketing and business, I served two years on University's school site council, tutored weekly in the classroom, ran talent shows, worked as the assistant director of the school musical and class drama projects, been room mom, taught Art Masters, numerous PTA jobs and committees and even taught a weekly music class to Kindergarten students at University.
My Platform/What I Stand For:
-Having a CURRENT SCHOOL Parent with family values and a business perspective added to the board to balance the educators views and goals.
- New leadership, energy, innovative ideas and a positive attitude to help heal our school community, after controversy after controversy this last year.
- I support innovations, fiscal responsibility and cutting waste from the budget.
- Analyze district budgets and recommendations with both a parent and business eye.
- Stopping the biggest exodus of our students from our schools than ever before, while there is a baby boom here with more children being born in Conejo Valley than ever. After complaint and complaint of the district and board that the elementary enrollment is dropping and that is why schools must close, (Dr. Baartsad said he projects elementary enrollment to drop by approx. 440 students this fall from 9,226 last year.), out-of district parents are still complaining this summer that their children still haven't been admitted to schools with capacity according to our district, examples: Maple and Madronna. How does closing 2 of 3 of our blue ribbon schools attract out-of-district students? The district responded that 78% of out-of-district students have been accepted and that includes 100% for the high schools.
- Strong Sports, Arts, and Entrepreneur programs
- Making cuts to the budget to invest in a new fiber-optics technology system for our schools that is needed immediately.
- Well compensated teachers, but I also support proper accolades and proper discipline as warranted.
- Questions to our district board - Why are we 4 years late developing much needed magnet schools, junior kindergarten programs, and businesses partnerships, BUT why aren't the budgets being shared NOW these new programs launched during tougher economic times when the district told us there is no money, when $1 million dollars was cut from special education for high school, middle and elementary students and 2 of our 3 blue ribbon elementary schools were closed.
- I support magnet schools but magnet school programs should be managed similarly like a business would--Plan it first, then act. --The district shares the budget costs and where the money comes from, the admission policies, the new curriculum, new neighborhood school borders and a plan for removed students. Then the public can respond, and then the board approves the program with FULL disclosure.
- Fiscal responsibility and cutting waste in the budget
- Keeping high performing schools open until the enrollment drop truly warrants it. According to the chart posted by the district online, we are 417 students down from the all-time peak of enrollment in 2005. If you look at 2002, 2003, 2006 & 2007, the district is down less than 150 students for the average year, when in past years the district balanced these annual budgets and schools remained open. Pay very careful attention to the 2008 numbers when they are released.
- Equally great neighborhood elementary, middle and high schools where capital projects and technology investments do not focus on only a few schools creating a district of have and have not schools.
- A zero tolerance policy slightly changed to include common sense, parent involvement and individual analysis. I believe in strong punishment, but also that even our justice system varies punishment based on the different severity of crimes and so should a school board.
- School absences by students allowed without retribution and respected by the district for all religious observances or holidays per established policies and laws
Another question you had regarding which local politician I admire: I admire both city council members Andrew Fox and Claudia de La Pena because I have great respect for politicians who are energized and passionate about their beliefs and representing their voters, but that also respect opposing opinions, do not insult or belittle members with different views, and listen and propose common ground when possible. I have witnessed this from both council members at the meetings and in the community. Also, they responded almost immediately to my emails and concerns regarding the school district and were eager to work with the district to make the city a better place overall place to live.
Barbie marketing & family values. Let me guess - the school board member you most admire is Dunn.
The Conejo Valley is extremely fortunate to have an opportunity to elect someone of Julie Svitenko's caliber. Excellent educational background. Phenomenal business experience. Julie Svitenko is the big four consultant that all school boards need but never could afford.
Julie Svitenko,
In Simi Valley schools have put mentally handicapped children in trailers that are deemed unfit for regular students. I think that's wrong.
Do you think mentally and severely physically handicapped children should attend regular school or be separated? Isn't it important to assimilate them with society? What can we do to address their needs with all the Republican budget cuts? Do you know Laura Winchester?
Dear Nobodyopolous,
Thank you for your comments. I have to divulge that mentally handicapped children have a special place in my heart and I have a great deal of history with the issue of assimilation or special education specific schools:
My sister, 45 years old, has down syndrome and the academic and mental capacity of a 5-6 year old, my first cousin has a 6 year old daughter with down syndrome and my own daughter has mild special needs due to trauma/severe illness at birth. My oldest sister also has taught special education for more than 25 years.
I believe when all possible, or even a small possibility it will work, school districts should assimilate students. Parents should advocate for assimilation especially if their child has had the early intervention services to prepare them for entering school. My little cousin is in an assimilated classroom and is doing well. However, parents must be very involved in the process making sure accomodations are met, and that the teacher is supporting the assimilation process. Parents should also volunteer in the classroom to see how the arrangement is working. Special needs students should never be "put in the trailers" if these same type of trailers are not used with other students. (Write a group parent letter, meet with those in charge and request action, solutions and a timeline for changes.)
However, I also believe some severly handicapped students can thrive or progress more in a school that specializes in their multitude of needs. My parents help build and develop a special needs school in Chicago 30 years ago (because they were NO services at that time) that was amazing and focused both on academics and life skills (which is just as important for severly handicapped students). The school literally had a street, stoplights and sidewalks inside the school so students learned something as critically important as traffic safety. In addition to innovative physical and speech therapies, it also had a beauty shop where students learned personal care. They had great sports, cheerleading and dances that brought great joy. Sometimes a child needs all the services under one roof and their personal growth and well being outweighs what can be accomplished through assimilation. Each child needs to have their own plan because no two are alike.
I have always been frustrated that state budgets do not fully fund special education and that parents have to fight so hard for services. My family continually does fundraising for my sister's workshop that provides jobs, services and small group homes (my parents were on the waiting list fro 15 years for the workshop). I think writing local and state elected officials, giving them successful case histories and setting up appointments to have special education students meet with them are very important. My parents would bring my sister to meet with our Republican congressman in Chicago regularly so he developed a "relationship" with her. Unfortunately, politics can be personal. It is much harder for legislatures to vote to cut services when they have to look a handicapped chid in the eye and explain their vote.
I do not know Laura Winchester.
Thank you for your questions,
Julie Svitenko
Sorry for the repeats. My computer froze for a few minutes and it indicated the submit did not go through. I guess it did!
Julie. Are you friends with Mike Dunn? Do you support Mike Dunn? Do you have ties to the VCRCC and will you seek the support of the VCRCC? Do you believe creationism should be taught instead of evolution? Where do you stand on school closure?
Julie Svitenko,
Your computer didn't freeze. There is a glitch with the blog. The duplicates should be removed shortly.
Another thing I like about your background is you've worked in the private sector. The private sector can have "politics" as well. Obviously you've dealt with politics and still were able to concentrate on the bottom line.
The parents are most concerned about the "creation" of a world-class school district and the "evolution" of the children's education.
M.L. Peterson uses her real name when she comments. So Dakota West is not her.
Julie is one of the disgruntled parents over the school closures. The closure of University is her particular axe to grind. Maybe a nice lady, but running for all the wrong reasons.
What is your opinion of Mike Dunn and Elaine McKearn?
1. I delete over the top comments all the time.
2. This has nothing to do with the Conejo school board race and is distracting from the questions in front of us. If you want to complain about Katie Teague go to another entry. You aren't being censored, you are being redirected.
1. It is my hope to keep my campaign about facts and the issues that are important to the students and the district. I have to say this is the first time in my life I've ever been called disgruntled. Please note that my platform indicates my campaign focuses on a great deal MANY more issues than just school closure. Everyone is free to look up my letters about school closure process in this/other newspapers. My speech in June encouraged schools and parents to work together to increase enrollment, keep those neighborhood schools that had near to 100% support and look to improve those schools where their neighborhood does not support their school and students choice out in huge numbers (100 students). I often sent many facts to board and encouraged them to look at the closure with a business/finacial and marketing outlook: Is closing award winning schools the best marketing startgey to attract students? Are schools at capacity and need no capital improvements a better value to keep open than schools that are only at 60% capacity and more capital improvements are planned? Is this the best choice for city traffic and the environment? I can't help but look at this process from a long term benefit and financial viewpoint-it's what I've done for companies and I just go there. Finally, the district's very own analysis that closing Meadows will only save the district $19,000 if the Charter opens.(Which it will if things don't change) does not make any financial sense. If elected I do think an Arts Magnet school that costs almost no start up money for the district just makes sense. Only an increase in enrollment in the district would make sense in revisiting University. Since the district doesn't know attendance figures yet or what the state will provide for schools in 2009, I think it is hard to make a final analysis. To sum up: I am not against school closures in general when it is necessary, but I do strongly support our neighborhood schools over only big school centers (we must give parents a choice to choose a small or big school or we'll lose students) and the choices need to make long term financial sense.
I spoke at last week's board meeting and asked if the board would disclose how the out-of-district enrollment was progressing and asked them to divulge how much the new Earth magnet was going to cost and when this budget would be shared with the public and if the costs come out of the general budget. I hope my reqests for full disclosure of critical issues is not misconstrued as disgruntled.
2. I am a registered Republican, but I have always voted for the candidate, not the party. I do not have or had any contact with the VCRCC, however I hope many groups like the VCRCC, the United Assoc. of Conejo Teachers... review my platform and background and consider me for an endorsement. I do support fiscal responsibilty and putting students and families first. But I also support environmental issues like installing solar panels on our high schools and investing in technology.
3. I spoke briefly in person with all five board members to thank them for their time analyzing the school budgets. During the school closure process I emailed all the board members and city council members many times and only Pat Phelps, Mike Dunn, Superintendent Contini, Andrew Fox and Claudia de la Pena responded (this was consistent across the board with every parent I spoke with in who responded.) Like every other board member, I agree with some of Mike Dunn's votes and I disagree with a few of his votes. I do know that parents were very appreciative that he responded to emails because other board members never did, that he was respectful of speakers at the meetings and that he looked at the financial side and what made sense for the school closure process.
Thank you for your interest.
Julie Svitenko
1. It is my hope to keep my campaign about facts and the issues that are important to the students and the district. I have to say this is the first time in my life I've ever been called disgruntled. Please note that my platform indicates my campaign focuses on a great deal MANY more issues than just school closure. Everyone is free to look up my letters about school closure process in this/other newspapers. My speech in June encouraged schools and parents to work together to increase enrollment, keep those neighborhood schools that had near to 100% support and look to improve those schools where their neighborhood does not support their school and students choice out in huge numbers (100 students). I often sent many facts to board and encouraged them to look at the closure with a business/finacial and marketing outlook: Is closing award winning schools the best marketing startgey to attract students? Are schools at capacity and need no capital improvements a better value to keep open than schools that are only at 60% capacity and more capital improvements are planned? Is this the best choice for city traffic and the environment? I can't help but look at this process from a long term benefit and financial viewpoint-it's what I've done for companies and I just go there. Finally, the district's very own analysis that closing Meadows will only save the district $19,000 if the Charter opens.(Which it will if things don't change) does not make any financial sense. If elected I do think an Arts Magnet school that costs almost no start up money for the district just makes sense. Only an increase in enrollment in the district would make sense in revisiting University. Since the district doesn't know attendance figures yet or what the state will provide for schools in 2009, I think it is hard to make a final analysis. To sum up: I am not against school closures in general when it is necessary, but I do strongly support our neighborhood schools over only big school centers (we must give parents a choice to choose a small or big school or we'll lose students) and the choices need to make long term financial sense.
I spoke at last week's board meeting and asked if the board would disclose how the out-of-district enrollment was progressing and asked them to divulge how much the new Earth magnet was going to cost and when this budget would be shared with the public and if the costs come out of the general budget. I hope my reqests for full disclosure of critical issues is not misconstrued as disgruntled.
2. I am a registered Republican, but I have always voted for the candidate, not the party. I do not have or had any contact with the VCRCC, however I hope many groups like the VCRCC, the United Assoc. of Conejo Teachers... review my platform and background and consider me for an endorsement. I do support fiscal responsibilty and putting students and families first. But I also support environmental issues like installing solar panels on our high schools and investing in technology.
3. I spoke briefly in person with all five board members to thank them for their time analyzing the school budgets. During the school closure process I emailed all the board members and city council members many times and only Pat Phelps, Mike Dunn, Superintendent Contini, Andrew Fox and Claudia de la Pena responded (this was consistent across the board with every parent I spoke with in who responded.) Like every other board member, I agree with some of Mike Dunn's votes and I disagree with a few of his votes. I do know that parents were very appreciative that he responded to emails because other board members never did, that he was respectful of speakers at the meetings and that he looked at the financial side and what made sense for the school closure process.
Thank you for your interest.
Julie Svitenko
Julie. Why are you ducking the evolution question? Do you think your views are more in line with Dunn or the Board majority? Do you and Dunn attend the same church?
Julie,
Thanks for answering questions. If Mike Dunn brought up the old health textbook debate again would you push to reopen the issue?
Julie,
I am interested in your answers about issues like evolution but I don't think your church membership should be an issue unless you want it to be.
Not avoiding any question, just forgot to add because my answer was already so long.
I do not believe creationism should be taught in schools and would maintain the curriculum based on evolution. If parents want to teach their children about creationsim, it is their personal choice to enroll their child in religious education classes.
I would not push to reopen the debate about the textbooks.
I have no idea what ANY of the board members' religion is and what church they go to.
I think this has no bearing on my ability to serve on the school board, but I am a member of St. Paschal Baylon Church, a group of very, very nice people.