While mayors of other major cities are assuming a more active role in schools, the two men running for San Diego mayor said Tuesday they have no desire to take control of city schools but plan to use their bully pulpit to lobby for education initiatives.
Republican City Councilman Carl DeMaio and Democratic Rep. Bob Filner tangled in an education-focused debate at the University of San Diego that highlighted their differing views on how to best improve local schools. DeMaio favors performance-based pay and opposes the standard seniority-based hiring and firing practices while Filner defended teachers and supports increased school funding.
Filner criticized DeMaio for failing to take a stance on Proposition Z, a $2.8 billion bond measure for San Diego schools that would repair and renovate buildings and pay for classroom technology.
?You got to provide the leadership as I said. You?ve got to support Prop. Z.,? Filner said. ?You just can?t say silent on it. You?ve got to say ?We have to have adequate funding at the state level.? You?ve got to be part of a coalition, a statewide coalition for adequate funding.?
While he hasn?t taken an official position on Proposition Z, DeMaio likened the school district?s financial woes to the city?s and said changes need to be made before raising taxes.
?We cannot tinker around the edges,? DeMaio said. ?You can?t throw money at the problem. You got to reform the system itself. That?s why choice, competition, performance accountability for teacher evaluations and partnerships all have to be infused in this broken system.?
After the debate, the DeMaio was asked why he hasn?t taken a side on Proposition Z.
?The mayor (Jerry Sander) and I are taking the same approach which is we?re respecting the school board?s prerogative to lay out their case and we?ll let the voters decide,? DeMaio said.
Filner replied, ?This is the most important thing on the ballot besides our election, you?ve got to take a stand. He?s against it and he doesn?t want to say he?s against it because he alienates everybody on the school board and all the parents and all the kids. Come on, if you?re not for it, you?re against it. And I don?t think that?s leadership.?
Each of the candidates said they would be the best mayor on education based on their personal experiences.
DeMaio described how his life was changed for the better when he received a free education at a prep school run by Jesuits following his mother?s death.
?For me this is not just a policy area, this is a personal issue,? he said during the event hosted by the Center for Education Policy and Law at USD. ?My life was saved by a quality education. When orphaned as a youth, the Jesuits took me and gave me a great education, clean and safe environment, to grow and learn. That?s why ... I will implement a comprehensive plan to reform our education system and improve our schools.?
Filner repeatedly referenced his experience as a history professor at San Diego State University and president of the San Diego school board.
Source: http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/oct/23/demaio-filner-oppose-broad-education-powers-for/
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