at all times. We must be consistently researching and implementing fiscal and financial best practices in order to continually maximize the conditions for student success.
The board made an important and fiscally responsible decision in the spring to put a 12-year, $300 parcel tax on the ballot this November, which is Measure EE. If the voters of Santa Monica and Malibu support Measure EE, it will yield approximately $9 million on an annual basis to the district.
We must also continue to be vigilant in securing additional on-going resources from the cities of Santa Monica and Malibu, public and private grants that support our work, building a large enough endowment in SMM Education Foundation to sustain and expand our fine arts pro-gramming and other revenue generating partnerships. 2. If you had to choose, which extra curricular activities or sports programs would you eliminate because of budget constraints?
As a board member, I do not want to eliminate any of these programs due to budget constraints. The successful passage of Measure EE will not only ensure the sus-tainability of extracurricular activities and sports, but it will allow us to enhance and further enrich these programs.
If Measure EE fails, I would advocate for a similar parcel tax on the March ballot. Before completely dismantling our extracurricular or sports programs, I would have to reevaluate our moratorium of interdistrict permits in order to bring in more revenue to the district to ease the budget constraints we would face. 3. What is your position on separating Santa Monica High School into six smaller schools?
I support separating SAMOHI into smaller schools. A proposal will come to the board in February and I will wait to see staff’s proposal before I comment on the exact number of schools. I look forward to the opportunity to support an implementation of a restructuring plan for Santa Monica High School that will maximize individualization and personalization for students and one that will maximize the conditions for extraordinary teaching and learning in all curricular and extracurricular areas. 4. The Santa Monica Malibu school district has been accused of unfairly expelling and suspending minority students. How would you address this issue if you were on the school board?
We have worked hard over the last three or four months to address this issue. We have approved a “bill of rights” for students and their families and implemented a unified procedure at each school site to ensure consistent compliance and uniformity at every school around issues of discipline. We have also created a parent handbook and have begun staff training and professional development. We will continue to investigate and implement discipline policies that emphasize prevention and mediation as opposed to punishment. 5. The district recently signed contracts with several fast food restaurants for thousands of dollars that will help fund various programs, including sports. Do you support fast food being served to students at the high school?
Ideally, no, but in reality as a sitting board member, I do. I would hope that funding essential programs for our students would not be dependent on products that are bad for the health and welfare of our students. I will continue to work towards win-win solutions to offer healthy, nutritional meals and snacks for our students at the high schools.
Our district is, far and away, the nutritional leader in the state. We have been recognized throughout the country for our partnership with the farmer’s market and the salad bars at all of our elementary schools that provide fresh and seasonal fruits and vegetables every day for our children. We further support our healthy food choices with our Health Champions program through a partnership with Saint John’s Hospital.
The goal, of course, is when our students reach high school they will understand the benefits of good health and nutrition. Clearly, we need to do a better job of providing better nutritional choices for our high school students. 6. Why should we vote for you? What skills and experience make you a better candidate than the others?
I have experience and a proven record of commitment to our schools. I have enjoyed serving the school community and I pledge four more years of working hard for students, parents, and the community. I will continue to hold the highest aspirations for our students. I will continue to listen carefully and make policy decisions thoughtfully. I am committed to the most ambitious course of improvement possible for the district I am running for re-election because I am deeply committed to making our district a model school district in the state of California and even the country. Our reputation will be one of closing the achievement gap, of beating the educational odds in California where privilege and poverty stand side by side, and of our belief that all children can and will achieve at extraordinarily high levels.
Name: Julia Brownley. Political affiliation: Democrat. Profession: Parent/school board member. Alternative career: Philantropist who gives enormous contributions and endowments to our local public schools. Favorite CD and movie: “The White Album” by The Beatles. I love going to the movies. I have spent more time trying to decide my favorite movie than I have answering the questions above. The last movie I saw was “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” and it was great! Favorite thing about living here: The incredible beauty of the Santa Monica Bay and the small town feeling and sense of community. Have you ever been arrested? No. Have you ever declared bankruptcy or had financial insolvency issues? No. Endorsed by: Assembly member Fran Pavley, Santa Monica Malibu Teachers Association, SEIU, Santa Monica Democratic Club, Malibu Democratic Club, Los Angeles Democratic Party, National Women’s Political Caucus, SMRR, the Coalition to Protect the Living Wage, School Board Vice President Maria Leon- Vazquez, School board members Pam Brady, Jose Escarce, Mike Jordan, and Tom Pratt. Many other community leaders and parents in Santa Monica and Malibu.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on October 30, 2002. Read the original PDF.