Linda Shoemaker 2. I generally support the current Middle School Essentials philosophy but believe each school should be given more latitude. I support a focus school for students desiring more academic rigor. I support more challenge for students whose parents are unhappy. Solutions should be made optional for each school and might include self-selected 'challenge' classes, grouping and regrouping within teams, or TAG (talented and gifted) counselors (teachers, aides or volunteers) working individually with students. Return to Question List
Linda Shoemaker 3. Yes. Year-round schools must be a part of Boulder Valley's long term plans because they are both economically efficient and educationally beneficial. However, because many parents and teachers are opposed, year-round schools cannot be dictated. Instead, the Board should start building support for the concept and pilot it in a school or group of schools that are receptive. In this way, teachers and parents who are opposed can move to other schools and vice versa. Return to Question List
Linda Shoemaker 4. Our goal must be to keep budget cuts as far from classrooms as possible, although virtually all cuts impact classrooms either directly or indirectly. BVSD's teachers continue to be asked to do more and more with less and less. My top budget priorities are: