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League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Tuesday November 8, 2016 — California General Election
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School

Lakeside Union Elementary School DistrictCandidate for Board Member

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Photo of Twila C. Godley

Twila C. Godley

Incumbent
4,450 votes (17.58%)
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My Top 3 Priorities

  • Students are the focus of all decision making, and the first priority in budgeting for financial stability.
  • Provide high quality programs and staff. Expand opportunities for all students in arts, sciences, technology.
  • Parent and community involvement, well trained staff working in partnership for students to achieve mastery in core academic subjects.

Experience

Experience

Profession:retired merchandising supervisor, bookkeeper
Board of Trustees, Lakeside Union School District — Elected position (1992–current)

Biography

As a member of the Lakeside School board, I have completed the California School Board's Master of Boardsmanship and Masters of Governance programs.  I currently serve as an elected member of the CSBA Delegate Assembly representing region 17 (San Diego County) and am Vice President of the San Diego County School Board's Association.  I was chosen SDCSBA School Board Member of the Year in 2015.  I have attended the annual CSBA conference, ASCD (Association of Curriculum and Supervision) conferences as well as many workshops to stay informed about current education trends, laws, and programs.  As a member of the Delegate Assembly, I meet regularly with other school board members from all over California to share current educational issues and concerns with CSBA.  I have served in PTA as a local president for Lakeview Elementary, El Capitan High School, and Foothills Council.  I was financial secretary, treasurer and Unit Council Chair for 9th District PTA (San Diego and Imperial Counties) as well as on the Leadership and Finance Commission of the California State PTA.  I am currently treasurer for Rady Children's Hospital Auxiliary.  I have a life long committment to the welfare of children.

 

Who supports this candidate?

Featured Endorsements

  • Supervisor Dianne Jacob
  • Frank Hilliker Lakeside Water Board
  • Gelia Cook, Kevin Howe, Bonnie La Chappa, Lakeside School Board

Organizations (1)

  • Barona Band of Mission Indians

Individuals (15)

  • Pete Liebig-Lakeside Fire Board
  • Betty McMillen
  • Abby Anders
  • Jacquelyn Spacek
  • Doyle and Annie Barnes
  • Ryan and Kelly Morton
  • Michael and Melanie McGrath
  • Priscilla Schreiber-Grossmont High School Board
  • Olympia Kyriakidis
  • Joe and Debbie Gonzales
  • Terry Burke-Eiserling
  • Holly Ferrante
  • Terry Callen
  • Ron and Karen Bayless
  • Matt and Cookie Davis

Questions & Answers

Questions from League of Women Voters of California Education Fund (1)

A recent law made major changes in the way that the state allocates funding to schools. What will you do to ensure that the public understands your local control formula for school spending and your plan to measure outcomes?
Answer from Twila C. Godley:

Parent and Community meetings are held at each school to inform about the process and receive input.  The PTA Council, school site councils, and district advisory councils also meet with district representatives to discuss the plan.  Staff and department representatives meet to discuss their input.  Surveys are sent out to all parents and staff.  The superintendent meets with community groups such as the Chamber of Commerce, Women's Club, River Park Conservancy, etc.  An all day meeting is held with parents, community representatives, staff representing all schools and departments to review the results of the previous year's plan and progress and submit a list of priorities for the new plan.  The plan is developed and submitted to the board for approval.  It is then published on the district website. 

Questions from League of Women Voters of San Diego (1)

What is the most significant challenge facing the Lakeside Union School District, and if you are elected, what steps will you take to address it?
Answer from Twila C. Godley:

The long term fiscall health of the district is a continuing challenge.  We are facing increases in electric rates such as last year's 38% increase.  Another major concern is the increased contributions that district are required to contribute to the state retirement systems, STRS and PRS for our employees increasing from $2.5 million  to $5 million over the next 5 years  and the continuing increases in the cost of health care for employees.  These are fixed costs that cut into the operating budget for which we have to make wise decisions when planning and maintaining a healthy reserve to protect us from the next recession. 

Political Beliefs

Political Philosophy

School boards are non partisan offices made up of 5 community members working together for all students.  Individually, we have no power, only when we make decisions as a board in open meetings.  We work well together when we understand that we may not always agree, but have respect for diverse opinions and support decisions when made.  We are accountable to the whole community and parents to provide well maintained, safe schools, quality teachers and support staff, and excellent leadership by principals and superintendents.  I believe in open communication and collaboration.  Many of our excellent programs are the result of ideas first generated by parents and/or staff such as our multi lingual immersion program, the many visual and performing arts opportunities, before and after school care program, and  River Valley Charter School to name a few.

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