SAN JOSE, CA – With nearly 438,000 children living in Santa Clara County, it is important elected officials and voters understand how funding and policy decisions impact children's lives. In partnership with the Local Early Education Planning Council (LPC), Kids in Common, and Strong Start of Santa Clara County, the Santa Clara County Office of Education is hosting an educational, online Voter's Guide on Children's Issues at www.sccvoteforkids.org.
"Early Childhood Education and high-quality schools from kindergarten through twelfth- grade is a priority for our Board of Education and our office," commented, Dr. Mary Ann Dewan, County Superintendent of Schools. "To close the achievement and opportunity gap for all students, we must build a strong foundation with high quality preschool and access for all children."
The Voter's Guide for Children's Issues was created to ensure that the needs of children are not lost in a long list of priorities. Decisions made today about investing in children's safety, health, education and economic security have long-term effects on the quality of life in Santa Clara County. Because voters can exercise a critical voice for children at the ballot box, Santa Clara County Local Early Education Planning Council, Strong Start of Santa Clara County, Kids in Common, a program of Planned Parenthood Mar Monte, and Santa Clara County Office of Education created this Voter's Guide on Children's Issues.
This Voter's Guide is informational only and no endorsement of any candidate is intended. Candidates running for selected local, state, or federal offices in Santa Clara County were asked five questions about their priorities for children. Candidates were given several weeks to respond to the survey. The responses are in their words and are unedited. While the partnership attempted to contact every candidate, they were unable to reach more than 35 of the candidates for selected offices.
"Our hope is that voters will take the time to review the Voter's Guide to make informed decisions regarding candidates running for school board trustees, city council members, county supervisors, and state legislators. Truly, our children are counting on you," said Dr. Dewan.
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About the Santa Clara County Office of Education
Working collaboratively with school and community partners, the Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE) is a regional service agency that provides instructional, business, and technology services to the 31 school districts of Santa Clara County. The County Office of Education directly serves students through special education programs, alternative schools, Head Start and State Preschool programs, migrant education, and Opportunity Youth Academy. The SCCOE also provides academic and fiscal oversight and monitoring to districts in addition to the 22 Santa Clara County Board of Education authorized charter schools.