Communication and trust keys in campaign
In an election that focused sharply on communication and trust,
Morgan Hill voters Tuesday returned a veteran educator to the
school board for a third term, dumped an appointed incumbent and
elected three newcomers as trustees.
Communication and trust keys in campaign
In an election that focused sharply on communication and trust, Morgan Hill voters Tuesday returned a veteran educator to the school board for a third term, dumped an appointed incumbent and elected three newcomers as trustees.
Retired banker and longtime school volunteer Shelleï‚¢ Thomas was the top vote getter. She was followed by businessman Michael Hickey, incumbent Tom Kinoshita, the board’s current longest-serving member, and schoolteacher Amina Khemici.
Election results are still unofficial because provisional ballots as well as some absentee ballots have not been counted. Provisional ballots are issued in special cases such as when a person has moved but failed to register at a new address.
New trustees are scheduled to be sworn at the board’s Dec. 9 meeting.
The winners Wednesday morning were elated but aware of the responsibility they are shouldering.
“I’m so excited. I’m not a political person and I didn’t have any campaign signs. The only thing I did was walk neighborhoods handing out fliers and talking to people,” Khemici said. “But I promised voters that I would do my best for our children and I’m not going to let them down.”
Thomas likewise was upbeat.
“I ran on the communication issue and making sure that the process is open and accessible, and includes all stakeholders,” Thomas said. “I’m ready to go and I look forward to positive change and success for our children.”
Thomas added: “I’m concerned about the budget. We’re going to face some tough decisions and have to make sure our priorities are in the right place. Also, I’m concerned about the construction budget and other long-term facility needs.”
Hickey said his victory was bittersweet, made so by the failure of Jasmine Woodworth to win a seat. The two were among early critics of district office policies and procedures.
“I have a lot of faith in myself. But it’s humbling to see so many other people support me. It puts me on the spot and makes me realize that I have to follow through and do what I promised,” Hickey said.
It’s not as easy as it looks, Kinoshita said Wednesday.
Board decisions require discussion and a consensus, Kinoshita said. It’s not a matter of just saying yes or no to a recommendation from the superintendent.
“I’m eager to work with the new board members and I think results will be positive,” Kinoshita said. “I don’t see a lot of changes in my priorities. I want to raise test scores, work with the English language learners and make sure we construct Sobrato (high school) and renovate Live Oak (high school).”
The good news in the school facilities field, Kinoshita said, is the approval by voters statewide of Proposition 47, a $13 billion bond measure for school modernization that will provide $16 million to the Morgan Hill district.
“We were pre-approved for that amount but there was no money available. Now we can move ahead,” Kinoshita said.
The large field of candidates Tuesday could be attributed in part to the decision of two incumbents not to seek reelection. But probably a bigger reason for the large field was the widening gap that parents and teachers perceive between themselves and the district office and board of trustees.
As the campaign unfolded, candidates probably heard more about the perceived lack of communication and forthrightness on the part of district administrators and trustees than any other topic. Parents say the district doesn’t solicit their suggestions or when it does, they carry no weight.
Teachers said little in public. But candidates said their contact with those in the classroom’s front line revealed that they, too, are frustrated over what is perceived as a cavalier attitude by administrators. Many teachers would like to leave the district, according to the candidates.
District officials admitted earlier this year that communication hadn’t been their strong suit, but they say they are trying to improve.
Communication is important, Kinoshita acknowledged Wednesday morning. But, he added, a lot of parent frustration is attributable to lack of knowledge on how to acquire information and participate in the process.
Another issue that is bound to be addressed by the new board is whether the district will offer advanced classes for college-bound middle school students. The question was apparently put to rest months ago when the district said there would be advanced classes and that efforts would be made to include in them any student capable of doing the work.
But some parents still believe that it’s the intention of administrators to fuse all instruction into a single level. Parents want all students to get the level of instruction they need, but they say it’s impossible to teach to different levels in the same class.
During the campaign, candidates said they want to challenge all students as well as raise standards all the way around. Little was said about how that would be accomplished.
Other issues a new board of trustees face include how to handle possible cutbacks necessitated by the still faltering economy and watch over the construction of Ann Sobrato High School. A number of candidates question the wisdom of the deal that provided the district land for the high school. But with groundbreaking now an event of the past, they are turning their attention to managing construction.
Thomas (3,854 votes), Hickey (3,811), Kinoshita (3,728) and Khemici (3,525) join Jan Masuda, George Panos and Del Foster on the board. John Kennett and Rick Herder didn’t seek reelection.
In order of election results, the other candidates Tuesday were Roger Salstrom, 53, College of Business professor at San Jose State University (3,295 votes); Woodworth, 46, former design engineering specialist (3,267); Russ Danielson, 52, an office supply store owner, who was appointed to a board vacancy last year (2,742); Bob Werner, 55, computer operations manager (2,332); Jeff Bernardini, 45, real estate agent (2,115); and Milton Smith, 43, computer consultant (1,661).
