Notes from the CPPAC forum

No commentary from me, as that wouldn't be fair, but I thought a few notes to add to the T&G's coverage by Jackie Reis would be helpful:

All candidates were asked the same two questions: what would be your top three budget priorities (keeping in mind the tough budget times) and what are your models for involving parents? It's difficult to summarize the answers to the second question, but here are what each gave as their answers for three priorities (and please, if I've poorly summarized, correct me!):


Dianna Biancheria:
1. money that goes "directly to the classroom"
2. professional support services
3. safety programs

Bob Bogigian:
1. classroom teachers, tutors, coaches, support personnel
2. staff development
3. school maintenance
(4. parent involvement...I think he made this part of 3 somehow)

Rob Diaz (who started by giving some numbers on national education spending):
1. job preservation
2. special ed, OT, PT services
3. upkeep of physical plant

Jack Foley (who spoke of the past several years of cuts):
1. keeping class sizes down especially in K-2
2. AP classes
3. arts and music

John Monfredo:
1. preschool to grade 4 programs
2. AP classes & fine arts
3. school safety, including school nurses

Mary Mullaney:
1. Classroom teachers and sports personnel
2. & 3. arts, AP, and extra-curriculars

Tracy O'Connell Novick:
1. what keeps kids learning
2. what keeps kids safe
3. what we're legally liable for

Brian O'Connell:
1. classroom instruction (which he specified as "delivery of instruction")
2. staff development
3. buildings