I’ve
always believed that you’re entitled to your own opinion, but you’re
not entitled to your own set of facts. In today’s fractured political
climate, transparency and truth are more important than ever. Real
numbers count. My name is Amos Klausner and I’m running for the
Tamalpais Union High School District Board of Trustees. Other candidates
will tell you that they are respectful or collaborative. I am too, but
honestly those are empty platitudes and we don’t need another cliché. We
need someone willing to hold the district accountable to the highest
standards of financial performance and student achievement. I can make that promise because I’m not another rubber stamp.
State testing scores
California
just released the results of the 2023/2024 assessment of student
performance and progress (CAASPP). These numbers help the state’s
department of education and serve as an important barometer of school
district success. For the Tam Union High School District, it’s not good
news. Only 43% of 11th grade students at Archie Williams High School met the state standard in math.
Only 62% of 11th graders at Archie met the standard for language arts
and literacy. Across all of the district’s high schools, tests scores
for both language arts and math dropped compared to last year. Over the last ten years, district scores have not seen any improvement. I’ve heard a lot of arguments against and excuses about state testing but the numbers don’t lie.
Achieving achievement
Helping
our students succeed isn’t rocket science. It starts with high
expectations and parental involvement. Consistent attendance and great
teachers are important. Time management and good study habits are key. A
culture of learning and increased academic support in the classroom pay
big dividends. One thing that hasn’t been explicitly proven to help
student achievement is the addition of more administrative staff. As student enrollment numbers have dropped, the district’s senior administrative staff numbers have increased.
I wish the results merit the cost but state test scores say otherwise.
Let’s agree to get back to basics and invest directly in the classroom
by supporting the people, the plans, and the technologies that are
proven to benefit our students.
Funny money
Last
week, I included information in my email about a $91,000 contract the
district signed with a consultant to help prop up school social media
accounts. It’s spending that was completely unnecessary. Here’s one
more. After Measure A failed this past spring, the district spent another $36,000 on a survey to figure out why.
Funny thing, all the reasons why the measure was in jeopardy were
discussed both in the community and at district board meetings way
before the vote. It’s just another example of unnecessary spending and
how the district, more often then I would like, is willing to treat ours
as funny money.
Learn more about me and my campaign, and join my growing list of endorsements at amos4tam.com and please vote Amos Klausner for Tam Union High School District Board of Trustees on your mail-in ballot or at the polls on November 5th.
p.s.
Really like what you hear? Don’t dilute your vote. By only voting for
me on your ballot, I have a better chance of getting elected.
Proud parent moment with my daughter, a NorCal Mountain Bike League Champ.
amos4tam.com Amos Klausner for Tam Union High School District Trustee
