Virtual Town Hall Questions for Brenda Kracht, School Board Candidate

Coronado Patch: I'm an 18-year-old girl attending Coronado High School. This will be my first election. Why should I vote for you?

Brenda Kracht: I have spent the last eight years as a mathematics instructor, a strong supporter of student activities (including the honor of kissing a pig to raise funds), an unpaid writer of hundreds of letters recommending students to the colleges of their choice, and a free tutor during my lunch hours. During these years, I have demonstrated my strong work ethic and deep abiding interest in the students of CHS. My candidacy for school board trustee is an extension of my continuing interest in CUSD. Study the articles written in newspapers and online.

Coronado Patch: I am a 57-year-old PATT member who is in charge of fundraisers. I'm tired of being concerned about fundraising. Why should I vote for you?

Kracht: As a parent of six children, I too have spent many hours assisting with fundraising activities and hosted the dessert part of the progressive bike ride last spring for the Coronado Schools Foundation auction item. It is easy to get burned out, so I invite you to recruit replacements for your current position. Your expertise and dedication will find another activity for your interest in CUSD. Do attend the forum on Oct. 27, when we can meet in person. Share with me your experiences and you will find I am interested in your viewpoint and especially in your suggestions. 

Coronado Patch: I am a 77-year old retired accountant worried about the California budget and how it's impacting education. Why should I vote for you?

Kracht: During the past two years, I have participated in the budget study committee and the salary negotiations committee for CUSD. As a mathematician, tax-paying homeowner, budget-conscious spouse, and parent of six children and seven grandchildren, I see finances as a critical area of concern for school board members. I invite you to attend the monthly budget meetings that are open to the public and lend your expertise. Your perspective could expand and enrich our fiscal plans during these unstable times. 

Coronado Patch: I'm a 60-year-old teacher concerned about retirement. Why should I vote for you?

Kracht: I retired this past June and have earned a CalSTRS pension. I am well-informed with respect to recent and possible cuts in teachers' salaries, since I have served on salary negotiation committees for the past two years. I advise you to contact CalSTRS immediately and determine your retirement possibilities and get involved in protecting teachers' salaries. I am in favor of maintaining our outstanding teachers and attracting excellent ones. Constant cuts in salaries are not supportive of our students and their teachers.

Coronado Patch: I'm a 32-year-old unemployed Coronado resident. I was laid off by CUSD. Why should I vote for you?

Kracht: Class size increases in the primary grades have probably caused your lack of employment in the CUSD district. The ideal class size in grades K through 3 is 20 students. The lack of state funding has unwillingly forced the current board members to increase class size. Sure, I wish I could re-establish the ideal class size in the near future, but I do not see that as a direct and immediate result of electing me. I, therefore, encourage you to seek additional credentials and/or advanced degrees during your unemployment period. Please also expand your job search area. Hopefully, in the future, you will once again be able to share your experience and dedication to students within the Coronado district.

Coronado Patch: I'm a 23-year-old who just graduated with teaching credentials. I want to teach within CUSD because I am a product of its schools. Why should I vote for you?

Kracht: Employment in the CUSD is governed by a defined process that includes a written application, current credential, and an interview panel. Your competition in CUSD will be very strong. Many educators with advanced degrees and additional years of classroom experience will also be evaluated for each opening. A board trustee does not have a role in the interviewing process. Neither a good-old-boy network nor nepotism exists in the hiring process. I advise you to broaden your job search area and increase your credentials and courses leading to an advanced degree. Substitute to gain additional experience. Be open to starting your career in another location and returning in the future to Coronado, your local school district.

Go back to the "Virtual Town Hall with School Board Candidates" here.