Tony Knopp

for Cambridge School Committee

"I am concerned that while we pay for the best education, we don't always get the best."


visit Tony's own Home Page at: http://hermes-op.com/tknopp

Tony Knopp's Online Meeting

Directory

Pledge to Cambridge Voters
Personal Background
School Budgeting Process
Parental Involvement
Empowerment of School Councils
Technology in Education
Endorsements
News and Special Events
Who to Contact to get more information


visit Tony's own Home Page at: http://hermes-op.com/tknopp


Tony Knopp is the father of two children at the Tobin School (4th grade and kindergarten), a two-term co-chair of the Tobin School Council, and a parent activist for technology education. Tony has identified four focal points for his campaign and conditions to which he pledges immediate attention when elected:
"I am running for the Cambridge School Committee because I believe it is critical for the committee to include parents with children in the school system. I am one of these parents. It is up to parents at local schools working with educators and principals who are the best judges and who can best implement what is necessary for our children's schools."

"I am committed to introducing technology education as a vital component of the educational process in all schools, in order to prepare our children for the 21st century. Technology is a piece of the education puzzle and must be a part of all our children's classrooms. We are able to begin preparing our kids today for the technical skills they will need to thrive in tomorrow's economy" (As a parent activist Knopp had crucial involvement with TECH 2000 -- a comprehensive, system-wide plan to add technology and telecommunications as another educational tool in our schools.)

"I am committed to empowering School Councils in order to increase teacher accountability and parent involvement. The recently enacted Massachusetts educational reform dictates that more control be given to individual schools through specially constructed School Councils, but very little authority has been transferred to the councils. I would like to see this change in an orderly but timely manner"

"I am committed to improving and clarifying the budget process in the Cambridge School system. The budget must be clearly understood by the public and reveal opportunities to reallocate spending to more areas that positively impact the educational process. I will fight for all kids and with all parents to get the best value for the education dollars spent."

-Tony Knopp


visit Tony's own Home Page at: http://hermes-op.com/tknopp

Empower School Councils

I am committed to empowering local School Councils in order to increase teacher accountability and parent involvement.

Background

My Position

Empowering School Councils means that control, responsibility, and accountability takes place at the local level, where you and I can make a difference. I am committed to working with and empowering all sixteen School Councils to make school-based management a reality.

(Also see Position Paper entitled: "Increasing Parent Involvement")


visit Tony's own Home Page at: http://hermes-op.com/tknopp

Increasing Parent Involvement

I am running for the Cambridge School Committee because I believe it is critical for the committee to include parents with children in the school system. I am one of these parents.

Background

My Position

The School Committee must take a leading role in making parental involvement a reality. I am committed to working for improved and effective ways of increasing parental involvement.


visit Tony's own Home Page at: http://hermes-op.com/tknopp

Technology in our Schools

I am committed to introducing technology education as a vital component of the educational process in all schools, in order to prepare our children for the 21st century.

Background

Present Situation

My Involvement

The amount required to fund such an initiative can be provided by reducing spending inefficiencies in the existing budget. Additional funding mechanisms include: federal funds and state grants, as well as contributions and donations from the private sector. Particular emphasis would be placed on businesses involved in the technology and telecommunications industries.

I will work with parents, School Councils, fellow committee members and the superintendent to insure that the technology debate is a positive, inclusive and fruitful one, which brings equitable results for all our schools.

(Also see Position Paper entitled: "School Budget and Expenditures")


visit Tony's own Home Page at: http://hermes-op.com/tknopp

School Budget and Expenditures

I am committed to improving and clarifying the budget process in the Cambridge School system. The budget must be clearly understood by the public and reveal opportunities to reallocate spending to more areas that positively impact the educational process.

Background

Present Situation

My Proposal

I am committed to discovering and publicizing how our school dollars are spent. I believe in the need for and will work hard to have fiscal information available in a timely manner and intelligible format. Clear and comprehensible budget data will educate us and encourage debate from parents, taxpayers and School Councils. This will raise the level of community involvement and certainly lead to a better education for all our children.


visit Tony's own Home Page at: http://hermes-op.com/tknopp

Personal Background

Tony Knopp is serving his second term as co-chair of the Tobin School Council. He has two children in the Tobin school: Tallulah, School of the Future, 4th grade; and William, School of the Future, Kindergarten. Tony, his wife Helene Quinn, Tallulah and William live at 9 Cutler Avenue. During his past five years of involvement in the Cambridge Public Schools, Tony organized a group of parents that demanded and received better access to technology education for their children; he has been a motivational force behind implementing the TECH 2000 Plan (developed by a coalition of administrators, teachers, and parents) to benefit all Cambridge Public Schools; and, as previously noted, he has served two terms as co-chair of the Tobin School Council.

"Many thanks to all of my supporters. Together we will fight hard for our children's education."

-Tony Knopp


visit Tony's own Home Page at: http://hermes-op.com/tknopp

Campaign News and Special Events

Meet Tony Knopp

Alice Wolf, Art and Betty Bardige invite you to meet Tony Knopp and Susana Segat at a casual gathering on Wednesday, September 20 at 7:30 p.m. at the Bardige's, 98 Raymond Street (between Upland and Huron). RSVP: 864-2214.

Cambridge Inside Out

Tony was recently interviewed for the local cable TV program "Cambridge Inside Out." The interview will be aired twice on Continental Cable's Channel 3: Tuesday September 12 and Thursday September 14, both at 7:30 pm. Watch it!

Endorsements

Cambridge Civic Assosiation (CCA)

Tony has been endorsed by the Cambridge Civic Association (CCA).

National Organization of Women

The Greater Boston Area National Organization of Women (NOW) has endorsed Tony's candidacy for Cambridge School Committee. Among their reasons for supporting Tony is the belief that Tony's strong stance on technology in education favors NOW's goal of gender equity in education.

Lavender Alliance

Tony has been endorsed by the Lavender Alliance gay and lesbian political organization of Cambridge. The Alliance believes that Tony's positions are in confluence with its political goals.


visit Tony's own Home Page at: http://hermes-op.com/tknopp

For more information contact:

Tony Knopp

Sean Curran, Campaign Manager