The latest pickle the Morgan Hill School Board finds itself in
is what to do about the vacancy created by the resignation March 15
of Trustee Tom Kinoshita. The board is divided over the question of
appointment or postponement, waiting for the Nov. 2 election to
fill the empty chair.
The latest pickle the Morgan Hill School Board finds itself in is what to do about the vacancy created by the resignation March 15 of Trustee Tom Kinoshita. The board is divided over the question of appointment or postponement, waiting for the Nov. 2 election to fill the empty chair.
Opposition to an appointment is that the process would be time consuming, the appointee would be basically a “lame duck” who would have to run for re-election in November, it would take too long to bring the appointee “up to speed,” and that bringing someone new to the board at this time would throw something new into the mix which might not “gel.”
We are concerned about the possibility of 3-3 votes. Granted, many votes lately have been 4-2, and 5-2, before Kinoshita’s resignation, if not unanimous. But very important budget decisions are coming up, as well as discussions regarding the Coyote Valley project.
The board is divided on theses issues, and a 3-3 split is counterproductive.
We recommend the board look at the appointment as an opportunity to listen to the community, as they have expressed their willingness to do. In the last election, of the 10 candidates for the four available seats, the top six vote getters were very close. If the board was to appoint the fifth vote getter, Jasmine Woodworth, it would be satisfying two of its own mandates – to serve the community and to make informed budget decisions.
Woodworth was a strong fifth in the voting. She has kept in touch with the workings of the board and district. She would not need to be “brought up to speed” as much as others who might apply. Her grasp of financial details would be valuable in the budget-making process. Appointing Woodworth just makes sense.
Whether the board decides to appoint or not, there will still be three full-term seats open in the November election. The remaining two years of Kinoshita’s term will also be open, regardless of whether or not the board appoints a replacement. If the board appoints Woodworth, continuity is important, and we trust she would run to fill the seat to the end of the term.
We also look forward to seeing many candidates for the other three seats in this election. We hope those interested in running will begin to attend board meetings, to watch their broadcast on the Saturday nights after the Monday night meetings, to talk with current trustees about what might be expected of them.
Most importantly, we hope to see no “one-issue” candidates. Anyone considering serving on the board must be prepared to be actively involved in making decisions on a wide variety of issues, not just a special interest. While there are many problems in our district, and many in the community are calling for change, we do not need four new board members with only one interest or group of people they are interested in serving. What we need are four board members with open minds, willing to do their homework and make hard decisions on whatever comes before them without a pre-formed bias or antipathy.
So begin your homework, candidates, and we hope to see a ballot full of intelligent, committed candidates in November.
Prospective school board candidates must file with the county Registrar of Voters for the Nov. 2 election from July 12 through Aug. 6.
