Opening Statements

Q1: Due to the state budget crisis, our district is facing severe cuts in revenue, which will likely continue. How will you address this problem in the near and long term as a board member?

Q2: LA City Councilwoman Janice Hahn and other elected leaders throughout southern California have complained about state and federal laws handcuffing the local governments and school districts with regards to what they can and cannot do, thereby restricting their ability to do the job for which they were elected. If elected, what would you propose the district do to address this challenge?

Q3: Even though ABC has not opened classes as of today, what is your position on providing President Obama’s speech to ABC students when they start back to school?

Q4: How is the increase of unit fees affecting returning and new (Cerritos College) students to obtain the classes that are required for graduation and how do you intend to deal with it?

Q5: Many individuals elected to local boards have used their office in the past as a stepping stone to higher office. Do you have higher political aspirations?

Q6: Do you accept contributions from Teacher and School Worker Unions? How will this affect how you vote on issues related to their members?

Q7: In the past 7+ years ABC has consistently lost student enrollment. To account for the loss of money generated by students, will you consider closing a school(s) to reduce costs of operating 29 schools?

Q8: The partnership with the Auto Square and the Auto College has helped expand opportunities for students. What other public/private partnerships do you see helping students at Cerritos College?

Q9: What is your opinion concerning mandated politically correct curriculum by the state legislature and Congress? How would you address the extra costs associated with this new curriculum?

Q10: What is your solution to stop skyrocketing lifetime pensions for tenured Cerritos College teachers?

Q11: Tell us what you believe needs changing or fixing at ABC or Cerritos College.

Q12: What will you do as a board member to reduce the ABC school “dropout” rate?

Closing Statements

Some of the end of Bob Hughlett's and beginning of Carmen Avalos' closing statements were not recorded due to a change in memory card.