 "Photo: Photo by Tyler George")
We may have decided on our new president about this time last year, but there are more votes waiting to be cast. Tuesday, November third brings forth the election for Modesto City School Board of Education. Four seats on the board are up for grabs and five new applicants are challenging the four existing members who are running for re-election, nine candidates total. All of those registered are encouraged to turn out and vote, this being a crucial time to make decisions for our city’s schools. The board is complied for seven members who serve for four years at a time. Modesto City Schools is Stanislaus County’s largest district with 28,000 students; the trustees have their work cut out for them.
Modesto Junior College (MJC) played host to seven of the nine candidates (Nancy Cline and Cindy Marks were not present) Wednesday, October 7 in Forum 110 on East Campus. The question and answer event was sponsored by the Voter Education and Registration Committee of the MJC Civic Engagement Project. It was an opportunity to submit questions and hear questions responses from those running. The candidates answered questions from various topics ranging from teaching evolution in the classroom, Latino students not making sufficient gains, improvement and renovation of older schools, and if closing schools is an option. The contenders came to a relative consensus on the majority of the topics, but still provided different ideas on way meet current economic challenges. Each person was given an opportunity to give an opening and closing statement, including the two not present who provided statements to be read.
Nancy Cline:(Re-election)
Strive to maintain Strategic Plan of 2008
Substitute teacher, board member for 8 years
Focus on graduation rate and helping students who speak English as a second language
Cindy Marks:(Re-election)
Advocates safe, wholesome, excellent school
Improving test scores
Encouraging parent participation and keeping parents informed
Employee salary reductions
Protect music, arts,and sports
Solonge Altman:(Challenger)
Private practice Attorney at Law, manages a farming operation
Advocates fiscal responsibility and parental involvement
Says school board must been accountable to the public
New contracts, "anything over $5,000 must be approved by the board"
In regards to school closures, "failure to act has cost the distric a lot of money
Steve Collins:(Re-election)
Retired, Former Vice President for Instruction of MJC
40 years involved with Modesto City Schools
“Totally devoted to extracurricular activities”
In regards to evolution, teachers need to be sensitive “this is not what you must believe, this is what you need to be able to answer”
Wants to keep every staff member, layoffs last report
Jim Standart:(Challenger)
Retired Community Service Counselor,Lakewood Memorial Park and Funeral Home
Work on avoiding elective course cuts: "That's what brings kids to school"
Advocates improving libraries, adding nurses and janitors to staffs
Cutting unnecessary expenses at the District office
In regards to evolution, keep world religions courses and keep evolution in science classes
Sue Zwahlen:(Challenger)
Doctor's Medical Center Emergency Room, Registered Nurse
Born and raised in Modesto, went to Davis High
Advocates effective student learning partnerships with businesses to generate money
Family involvment is vital
In regards to board member's role, "to actually listen, hear...and communicate those needs to the Super Intendent"
Belinda Rolicheck(Re-Election)
Executive Director, Have Women's Center of Stanislaus
"deeply believe in public education, deeply believe in every child having the same opportunities"
Vocational programs important
In regards to evolution, feels schools should keep it specific, stick to California standards
To meet economic challenges, preserve things as much as possible
Ruben Villalobos:(Challenger)
Partner, Law Office of Meyer and Villalobos
Attened Modesto High School and MJC
Advocates safer schools and decreasing drop out rate, "get backsides in the chairs"
In regards to evolution, "watch 'Inherit the Wind'"
Josh Vander Veen(Challenger)
Trader Joe's customer service associate
Graduated Sacramento State University with communications degree, 24 years old
Aims to bring "a new voice to the school board"
Meeting economic challenges, feels community involvement could ear aprox. $15-20 million
In regards to school closures, believes no schools have to close if community becomes involved
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