MUSD trustee candidates feel board should be open, some question
need for new high school
Morgan Hill school trustees must overcome the perception that
they don’t listen to parents and other members of the public, a
number of candidates for four trustee seats in the Nov. 5 election
said at a public forum this week.
MUSD trustee candidates feel board should be open, some question need for new high school
Morgan Hill school trustees must overcome the perception that they don’t listen to parents and other members of the public, a number of candidates for four trustee seats in the Nov. 5 election said at a public forum this week.
“They’re not open, but as the election approaches, the attitude miraculously is starting to change,” said Michael Hickey, who was part of a parent effort early this year to retain tough advanced classes for middle school students.
Parents felt that district officials were moving toward one-level instruction while keeping them in the dark about the plans.
“Board meetings tend to be for trustees themselves. They should be for the public,” said Shelleï‚¢ Thomas.
There may be extenuating circumstances, however, including rigid board procedures for dealing with agenda items, other candidates said. They suggested the possibility of town hall meetings where free exchanges could take place.
The two incumbents defended the board, but said they could do better.
“Board members are open, but we need to improve. We have no direction on how the public can get information or people can get involved,” Tom Kinoshita said.
Russ Danielson said: “We listen, but there are frustrations. I take input and do the best I can.”
In addition to Danielson, Kinoshita, Hickey and Thomas, the Nov. 5 list of hopefuls includes Jasmine Woodworth, Jeff Bernardini, Amina Khemici, Roger Salstrom, Milton Smith and Robert Werner.
The number of open board seats and several issues of interest are credited with bringing out the largest number candidates in recent memory.
Asked about their stance on advanced classes, which prepare middle school children for the rigors of high school and college instruction, the candidates were unanimous in saying that students at all levels should be challenged.
“Pull up the floor for lower achievers, but don’t put a ceiling over high achievers,” Woodworth said.
“You can’t have all students at the same level,” Smith said.
“I support advanced classes, but I’d like to see more help for lesser achievers,” Khemici said.
If budget reductions are required because of the stumbling economy, candidates tended to agree that cuts should be made from the top. The percentage of administrators in the district is higher than other areas of the state, Salstrom said. Protect students and don’t touch teachers, candidates said. But others offered caveats.
“A lot of district revenue is federal entitlements, so making the wrong cuts could kill the goose that lays the golden eggs,” Werner said.
Kinoshita said the district has little control over spending. Out of a $50 million budget, he said, only $500,000 is discretionary funding.
Candidates displayed the greatest difference of opinion on Ann Sobrato High School, the new campus to be built on the north edge of town. They split on whether the school is needed, its location, escalating costs and the process of eminent domain now being used to acquire needed property.
Land for school was donated, but its location in the City of San Jose greenbelt triggered a lawsuit. The resolution of the legal action required the district to buy 27 additional acres.
Thomas said the school is needed, but believes the district goofed in not learning early on about the greenbelt designation of the land. She questions the use of eminent domain, a legal procedure by which public bodies can acquire needed property.
Hickey is concerned about cost overruns, in light of the extra $7 million that construction of an elementary school cost.
Bernardini doesn’t like eminent domain but said it was justified in this case.
Danielson supports construction of Ann Sobrato High and said eminent domain was “painful but necessary.”
Khemici would have looked for another location for the high school.
Kinoshita supported eminent domain, adding that district officials looked at some 10 sites for the school. Construction costs for the elementary school were tremendous and the removal of hazardous materials was unexpected, he said.
Woodworth isn’t happy with the Sobrato site and opposes the use of eminent domain.
Smith said the campus is needed, but doesn’t like eminent domain.
Salstrom displayed a graph showing district enrollment has been dropping for the past six years, commenting that “It’s an interesting time to be building a new high school.” He said eminent domain is abused in California and that in the case of Sobrato High it isn’t justified.
In other actions, candidates:
– Agreed that prayer has no official place in public schools.
“Prayer is personal. It shouldn’t be pushed onto children,” Bernardini said.
Danielson suggested a moment of silence might be appropriate.
Hickey said no one should mandate prayer, but added that students can demonstrate their beliefs by personal conduct.
Salstrom appeared to be the only dissenter, saying, “We need to find a place for it, but atheists shouldn’t have to participate.”
– Defined the role of the trustee as a leader, maker of policy and link to the community, including parents and teachers.
“A trustee sets policy for the superintendent, but doesn’t get involved in day-to-day operations,” Bernardini said.
“Trustees should be communicators and try to open channels to parents and teachers,” Khemici said.
“A strong component is communication,” Woodworth said.
– Said the district should reach out to Hispanics, who represent about 15 percent of district enrollment and for whom Spanish is often the primary language.
Salstrom said the key to inclusion is learning English, but that Hispanics should be asked for suggestions.
“Get them to help make decisions,” Hickey said.
Kinoshita said culture is as important as language. All generations feel disenfranchised, he said, unless they are engaged in the process.
Khemici said: “Spanish-speakers can be intimidated. They need to be more involved.”
