Virtual Town Hall Questions for Scott Barr, 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? 

Scott Barr: Firstly, please vote. Voting percentages for adults under the age of 25 are low. I think young adults often don't realize that political choices do indeed affect their lives. I teach and advise young students like you at Grossmont College. So I know what is required for students to succeed, as they apply and transfer to four-year colleges. I have also developed and managed several occupational programs at the community-college level for those who do not plan on transferring. I hope to bring these perspectives to the CUSD board.

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

Barr: Thank you for your efforts and concern for educational resources at CUSD. People like you who put forth this effort year after year indeed make a difference. You raise the quality of education our children receive!

Yes, fundraising can be exhausting. Like doing the dishes, the need never ends. I have written dozens of successful grants over the years for two different colleges, garnering on average $1.5 million several years in a row. Yet, the need for fundraising for educational institutions, including CUSD, is at an all-time high. So while I do commiserate, I fear that the economy and education in particular is in for a rough ride for another four or five years. CUSD needs involved parents like you.

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

Barr: Certainly the top issue facing our school district is reduced funding over the last three years and counting. A top priority of any board is to ensure fiscal solvency. The only silver lining is that, while most school districts in the state and county are hit with an additional loss of funding due to declining enrollments, CUSD enrollments remain steady. The current board and administration have created a five-year plan to weather the economic downturn by 1) spending down reserve funds to mitigate the pain, while 2) working with staff, teachers and administration to trim expenditures. These practices should continue.

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

Barr:   Retirement amounts are in part determined by an educator's base pay. So when CUSD staff, teachers and administrators accept reduced pay, including unpaid furlough days, this doubly affects those who are near retirement age. In other words, reduced pay is not just temporary for this group. Upon retirement, one's income is reduced for the life of the retirement benefits. So I fully understand your concern. Unfortunately, I know of no silver bullet. Economists are projecting another four or five years of budget declines for California.

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

Barr: I am not aware of your individual circumstance. However, CUSD has made every effort to avoid layoffs. CUSD has left many positions unfilled as employees retire. Class size has increased, while reserve funds are being spent down to mitigate against additional fallout, including layoffs. Layoffs that have occurred are mainly part-time and probationary employees. This does not make it easier when you are the one affected. Every effort to avoid layoffs, while focusing on quality education for our children, should continue.

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?

Barr: There is a silver lining to the dark clouds. The current economy leaves school districts with no choice but to increase class size as a means to balance budgets. This is particularly egregious, since student class size in California was already one of the largest compared to other states. In the future, when the budget allows, class size should return to prior levels. The current perfect storm driving down our economy and public school budgets leaves fewer students choosing to pursue an education degree. However, once the economy turns around, with fewer teacher credentials issued, returning class sizes to original levels and factoring in teacher retirements, young teachers like you will be in super demand.

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