How to best meet the needs for all students in the San Mateo Union High School District was discussed by candidates hoping to be leaders for the coming four years at a candidate forum last night.

Five candidates — Board President Peter Hanley, Vice President Linda Lees Dwyer, Trustee Bob Griffin and challengers Mike Loy and Guadalupe Ortiz — are racing for three four-year seats on the board. Last night, the candidates gathered at a forum hosted by the League of Women Voters at the San Mateo-Foster City Elementary School District Office. Questions focused purely on students and the various district programs aimed to help all achieve more.

Sparking student interest while also raising test scores is an ongoing challenge and the seven-period day is a component to allow extra help for struggling students.

Specifically, Ortiz is a proponent of student tutoring during that extra time, something she said has helped students she knows. Loy agreed with this idea, noting students tutoring other students will help all involved.

Griffin pointed to a need for more interventions, understanding how students learn and train teachers in different methodologies to reach students.

Hanley explained there are many children who would benefit from a more structured environment and rigor in the curriculum.

Lees Dwyer pointed to a need to work more closely with feeder schools to ensure students coming into the district are prepared for the work presented in high school.

A few years back, the San Mateo Union High School District implemented the academic core. The idea was that students all take the basic requirements to enter California state schools and universities, keeping options open for students. But not everyone agrees the system is the correct way to meet student needs.

Loy and Ortiz argued not all students can succeed in such a rigid environment, which can be disheartening and go against promoting achievement.

Griffin and Hanley disagreed, noting this high standard is what all students need and will be a benefit regardless of the path a student chooses after high school.

Lees Dwyer reiterated the high school district needs to work more with feeder districts to be sure students have the skills to be successful in a high academic setting. But the requirements need to be imposed correctly to benefit all, she said.

Vocational training is another way to engage students who may not be bound for college, an option Loy, Ortiz and Griffin mentioned as a way to reach more students. Such an option, each argued, would give students more options in the future.

Looking ahead, candidates were asked where they saw the district in the next five years. Each had an optimistic outlook that included construction of state-of-the-art facilities, greater community support, financial stability and students reaching his or her maximum potential.

Heather Murtagh can be reached by e-mail: heather@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 105.