Dear Editor, The election on Nov. 2 can mark a turning point for
our school district. As a community we have the responsibility to
be informed of the issues and of the candidates seeking
election.
Dear Editor,
The election on Nov. 2 can mark a turning point for our school district. As a community we have the responsibility to be informed of the issues and of the candidates seeking election. I am an active parent in our district. I have served on the Home and School Club at Nordstrom, on its School Site Committee, as a member of DACIE (the District Advisory Committee for Instructional Education), and as a substitute teacher.
My oldest daughter graduated from Live Oak in 2003 and my youngest daughter is a freshman at Live Oak. I have attended many board meetings and know the issues our district faces.
Our school district has reached an all-time low. It is in a state of fiscal crisis, employee discontent, loss of district staff and continued poor academic performance relative to similar schools. Our present board was ineffective in dealing with these important issues. The new school board must face these issues as well as integrate these three new board members to forge effective leadership and renew community trust.
The successful candidates must fully understand the issues that face our district, and identify what is working and what needs repair. They must have the vision to create board goals that are measurable and attainable, improve district curriculum, and encourage all students to reach their highest potential. We need a new board that refuses to accept the status quo, demands more accountability, will explore new solutions, and encourage involvement of the entire community.
I have taken a great interest in learning the platforms of the six school board candidates. I strongly endorse two candidates: Harlan Warthen and Peter Mandel. Warthen has researched and understands the fiscal management issues and the need to implement effective leadership and accountability from the superintendent to the principals and ultimately to the classroom teachers.
Mandel’s experience will promote the development of measurable academic goals, foster the creation of a challenging curriculum for all students, increase management oversight, and complete the district’s construction projects in an equitable fashion. I cannot fully endorse a third school board candidate, but understand that people may not be comfortable voting for only two of the three open seats.
I believe that Julia Hover-Smoot (improving curriculum at the middle schools and high schools, and exploring new options for funding sources), and Bob Greisinger (commitment to completing Live Oak renovations, demand for better high school counseling, and strong community and teacher support) deserve strong consideration.
I urge all of you to vote on Tuesday, Nov. 2. Your vote really does count. Please pass on my recommendations to friends and neighbors who are looking for information on the candidates.
Deborah Sparacino, Morgan Hill
