On the issues

* CHARTER SCHOOLS

In favor of charter schools, Brooks thinks their time has come here in

Newport-Mesa. “I think there’s a great place in our district for charter

schools,” he said. “I think it will fill a great need.” He said he feels

the Mesa Leadership Academy board is on the right track.

* SCHOOL VOUCHERS

Brooks is opposed to the school vouchers that, he said, would

undermine the school accountability programs that districts have

diligently worked to implement. The purpose of the stringent

accountability is “to provide a quality product,” he said, and to take

away from that “would not be fair to students.”

* HOW CAN WE RAISE TEST SCORES?

Although Brooks feels “it’s a crime” that one test is used as the only

measure of students’ achievement, he feels the district is finally on the

right track. “I think we have come across real good plans and I think we

have good leadership in [Supt.] Rob Barbot.” An end to social promotion

and an integrated curriculum are the answers, he said.

* WHERE WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE THE BOND MONEY GO FIRST?

Adamant that a resident committee should determine where funds are

needed first, Brooks couldn’t say. He would ideally like to see all the

temporary classrooms gone and permanent classrooms built.

* ZERO TOLERANCE

Brooks is “very much in favor of zero tolerance,” although he thinks

“there’s room for improvement” in the policy. He doesn’t know how to

accomplish it, but he would like to see zero tolerance mixed with a bit

of discretion. He feels the expulsion and removal of the child is right,

but would “like a few more options within the new situation.”