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Politics & Government

Candidate Q & A: Don Davis

Glendora Patch asked the candidates for the Charter Oak Unified School Board to answer questions before the Nov. 5 election. All the candidates answered the same questions via email.

Name: Don Davis
Age: 46
Occupation: Vice President /chief operating officer for Azusa Pacific Online University and vice president / chief information officer for Azusa Pacific University.

1. Please introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about your background and why you should be re-elected.
My wife, Sharon, and I live in Glendora and have lived in the district for 20 years.  We have two daughters who attend Oak Knoll Virtual Academy. I am honored to have served as a Governing board member these past four years. I have worked at Azusa Pacific University for 24 years in various roles, the most recent as vice president / chief information officer. I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, playing sports, especially basketball, and decorating our front yard at Christmas with lots of lights!!
The current board has worked together to achieve major accomplishments, despite the tough economic times the past four years. A few of the major accomplishments include a new district mission and vision, launching of Oak Knoll Virtual Academy, rising API scores based on solid school site plans, technology enhancements, parent academy, balanced budgets, development of facility master plan with community input, High School football field /track and Quad enhancements, various Glen Oak, Willow, Washington and Badillo school site improvements, and the passing of measure CO.
There are three candidates running for two seats. I believe it is critical that voters re-elect both Jane Bock and me, to achieve the vision and goals we have outlined these past four years.
 
2. What do you think distinguishes you from the other candidate? What do you bring to the table?
Each board member brings a unique skill set to the table. Recognizing each person’s strengths and trusting them for their area of expertise is important.   I believe my expertise in education, strategic planning, budget management, technology and systems has rounded out a really good governing board.

3. How do you plan on working with the school board to address the needs of students, staff and faculty?
Charter Oak USD promotes the character counts pillars.  One of the pillars is respect. I believe it is important to respect one another, especially when discussing difficult issues. As a board there are times we do not agree with each other, however having open, respectful dialog leads to good decision making.  In the end our responsibility is to provide a quality education and safe environment for our students. I also believe it is important to listen to those we represent when making decisions.

4. What are the most pressing issues facing the community? How would you approach and resolve these issues?
The past four years have been tough economic times, and there appears to be light at the end of the tunnel. I feel it is important to increase our fiscal reserves to be prepared for future uncertainty. One method is reviewing our real property as a potential funding model.
The introduction of both local control funding formula (LCFF) and common core curriculum will require change. We have already initiated professional development regarding implementing common core. We need to purchase curriculum and technology to support the initiative. The state has provided one-time funding for a portion of implementing the new curriculum and technology. Technology is also being installed in classrooms as part of the recent CO bond measure. Funding for implementing the rest of common core will need to be budgeted.
LCFF will require time and energy to implement. The board has already started the planning process to receive these funds; however significant work still needs to be done in a short period of time, as LCCF requires input from various community groups and a comprehensive plan on how the funds will be spent.
The critical issues ahead of us will require a board willing to ask the right questions and willing to work together to fulfill Charter Oak’s vision of being a leading district that offers exemplary programs and services.

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