School board candidates hold first forum

Fiscal management and restoring the faith in the San Mateo Union High School District community topped the priorities of all four candidates running for the Board of Trustees during their first chance to discuss issues.

During the approximaely a hour-and-a-half chat — most of which was spent on introductions — candidates responded to six questions produced by around 20 people who showed up to the forum held at the Aragon High School library last night. Although much time was spent rehashing the wounds of last year’s financial struggles in the district, there were some brief highlights of new ideas such as considering the financial impact of new amenities before saying yes or getting rid of homework.

Two seats are up for grabs with only one incumbent — Diane Vranes — seeking re-election. Vranes, a teacher, faces Dave Pine, Burlingame Elementary School District board president; retired teacher and community activist Don Havis; and retired financial services consultant Stephen Rogers.

Vranes kicked off the introduction by explaining how she is still mourning for the loss and hurt from the $3.5 million in budget cuts made by the board last year. Recently the district announced the restoration of the state-mandated 3 percent reserve. Moving forward, Vranes advocated for ultra-conservative tax estimates. She wants the spending to be much less than the estimates. If there is extra money at the end of the year a portion would go to teachers, she said.

Rogers and Pine both stressed the importance of restoring the general fund and wisely implementing the bond money approved in 2006.

When asked about maintaining the seven-period day or adding air conditioning in libraries, for example, candidates gave straightforward answers. Interim Superintendent David Miller explained last week how the air conditioning at the schools will be addressed at Mills and Aragon high schools next summer.

Nevertheless, Rogers used the question as a chance to explain the complexities of the budget. Putting in air conditioning and heating units, for example, will raise the utilities costs, he said.

With such side effects in mind, Rogers explained it was a prime reason for more oversight when the bond money is being used.

Maintaining the seven-period day was a welcome addition for all candidates as long as the district could afford to maintain it. Havis would like to see an examination of who is taking advantage of the offer.

Havis took a different approach on finances.

"Finances are important, but it’s being addressed no matter who gets on the board ... I am addressing the educational issues,” he said.

Havis’ platform focuses on a new philosophy in education including little to no homework. In addition, he’d like to discuss further limiting military recruitment on campuses.

Havis stood alone on the homework issue. The other candidates agreed homework is important. Rogers and Pine added that there is an importance to finding a balance between the academics and other interests as well.

Maintaining teachers was an important issue for all which was tied into the issue of restoring the trust and dialog with the district staff.

For Rogers, repairing constituent relations is top priority. One of the ways of doing so, he said, is restoring the budget and including everyone in the district in plans and decisions.

Pine said compensation is important but emphasized the need for a positive work environment for maintaining teachers.

Paying teachers well — at least to the point that could be afforded — was Havis’ and Vranes’ addition to retention.

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