Although Jefferson School only sits 23 students, four concerned
San Benito County residents are running for three open school board
seats with hopes of improving overall education within the
district.
Hollister – Although Jefferson School only sits 23 students, four concerned San Benito County residents are running for three open school board seats with hopes of improving overall education within the district.
Incumbent Kathy Ballinger, who works at Johnny’s Bar and Grill as a bartender and a cook, has three children attending Jefferson and spent the last two years learning the “ins and outs” of being a school board member, she said. Being on the board has given her the opportunity to be an integral part of her children’s education, she said.
“As a parent I want to be involved in my kids’ school and make a difference,” Ballinger said. “I want to stay informed with what’s going on with the school.”
At the end of the year the school will be losing it’s sole teacher, and Ballinger’s focus if re-elected would be to find the best possible replacement and also hire a second teacher with the school’s limited budget, she said.
“I do just about whatever I can – drive for field trips and raise money for the school,” she said. “I’d like to stay involved and do the best job I can if re-elected.”
Lifelong San Benito County resident and graduate of Jefferson School, Debbie Simmons, is running for the board to provide a stable learning environment for the students and make sure the curriculum stays up to par with larger schools, she said.
The school has had a hard time retaining teachers for long periods of time, and Simmons hopes to recruit teachers who will provide continuity for the students, she said.
“I have a passion as a mother – my daughter’s in Kindergarten – to make sure she’s ready for every level of her education, and I think I can share that passion with the rest of the kids in the district,” she said. “(I want to) keep abreast of new teaching methods, make sure we have updated workbooks and that we’re keeping with the current standards of the state.”
Simmon’s position at Pinnacles National Monument as chief of park maintenance has given her ample experience with planning and budgeting that would benefit the board, she said.
Incumbent Jon Garbini is running for a seat but could not be reached for comment because he has been out of town for work, according to his wife.
Incumbent Gertrude JoAnne Falsey is also running for re-election and did not return phone calls to her home.
Kelly Weak and David Reikowski have already been appointed to the board for two-year terms.
Erin Musgrave covers public safety for the Free Lance. Reach her at 637-5566, ext. 336 or
em*******@fr***********.com
