Sandra Crandall

Name: Sandra Crandall

Age: 62

Birthplace: Sheboygan, Wis.

Residence: 9772 Hampton Court Fountain Valley

Occupation: retired educator

Education: bachelor’s degree in sociology with a minor in education, Principia College; post graduate, lifetime, standard California teaching credential; specialty credential, early childhood education

Experience as an educator: 39 years, classroom teacher, Fountain Valley School District - Kindergarten and first grade (36 years); reading specialist (3 years)

Previously elected or appointed positions: Mariposa Homeowner’s Assn. Board, elected, currently seated; National Right To Work Committee Board, appointed, currently seated

Community organizations you belong to: Fountain Valley Educational Foundation; Fountain Valley School District Community Volunteer Academy, trainer; Fountain Valley Friends of the Library; Fountain Valley Historical Society; Fountain Valley Community Foundation Volunteer Committee; Fountain Valley Chamber of Commerce, civic member; First Church of Christ, Scientist, music and communication committees

Why should constituents vote for you?

I have the perfect blend of experience as a retired teacher from the Fountain Valley School District and a broad base of knowledge of educational issues. I understand the mission of the school district and the long-term effects of high quality education for students and the community. I have the time to devote to the job of trustee. I am open minded, a good listener, thorough and a solid decision maker.

What do you think is the biggest problem facing your district and how do you plan to address it?

The biggest problem facing the district is continuing to advance student learning when there has been $7.1 million worth of cuts made to programs and personnel over the past three years. To address this problem, highly qualified teachers need to implement the most effective practices in the classroom, adequate resources need to be provided, strong leadership needs to guide this process and parents need to engage in their child’s learning.

In the last year, what is one issue that you think the sitting board members handled well and why?

The currently seated board members, along with senior administrators, were able to gain the understanding and cooperation of all employees, parents and the community as they worked toward making cuts in these difficult budget times. Their ability to do so hinged on frequent, open informational meetings. All parties understood what informed the board’s decisions and why they made these choices.

In the last year, what is one issue the board got wrong and what would you have done differently?

The board was forced to deal with large budget deficits. They cut the reading clinic program at the same time that they increased class size in lower primary grades from 20 students to 30 students. Both programs have researched benefits but are expensive to implement. I’m not stating this was wrong, but I am stating that I’m worried about the long-term effects of both programs being eliminated. If there was a way to save one program, I would have saved the program with the greatest long-term effect in closing the academic achievement gap.